Retrieve a Towed Vehicle

Step 1.Gather your documents

• Valid drivers license of the vehicle's registered owner(s)
• Proof of vehicle's valid insurance
• Verify vehicle registration is current

If your vehicle has an expired registration, all fees must be paid to DMV before a vehicle release can be issued.

Step 2.Pay vehicle release 

Once these requirements have been met, you will then have to pay a $150 release fee at the Alameda Police Department, 1555 Oak St. 

Step 3.Claim vehicle in person

• Contact S & F Towing at (510) 640-6800 to determine which location your vehicle is being stored at. 
  S & F Towing's main offices are located at 616 McClary Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94621 (not all vehicles are stored at this location) 
• Present vehicle release to the tow company
• Pay any additional daily storage and towing fees set by S & F Towing. There may be additional fees if your vehicle requires indoor storage or if you claim your vehicle after 5 p.m. or on a weekend.

Step 4.30-Day Impounds

If your vehicle was impounded for 30 days because the driver has a suspended/revoked driver’s license (or was never issued a drivers license) and you wish to get it out before the 30 days has passed: You can come to the Alameda Police Department on Tuesdays and Thursdays (excluding holidays) at 2 p.m. for a tow hearing.

This is a first come – first served appointment. You will meet with the hearing officer and discuss options. To be eligible for early release, all steps noted in section one must be met.