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Abandoned Vehicles

Private and Public Tow

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Colorado Department of Revenue

Vehicle Services Section

dmv.colorado.gov

720-795-7864

dor_vehicleportal@state.co.us

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Course Objectives

When does the Private Tow apply

How to process
What paperwork is required

When does the Public Tow apply

How to process
What paperwork is required

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Tow Carrier

Register Required with each of the below entities

Register with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) https://puc.colorado.gov/trans

303-894-2000 OPT 2
1-800-888-0170

Register with the Department of Revenue Vehicle Services Unit

Registration: https://dmvpartner.colorado.gov?link=3paRegistration �Password: MVPrecords�Upload and submit the DR 2675 Colorado Driver License, Record, Identification and Vehicle Enterprise Solution End User License Agreement (EULA).

dor_vehicleportal@state.co.us

720-795-7864

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Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement registers with the Department of Revenue (DOR) to obtain Colorado vehicle title information from DRIVES via the Vehicle Services Portal:

https://dmvpartner.colorado.gov/?link=3paRegistration

Password: MVPrecords

Upload and submit the DR 2675 - Colorado Driver License, Record, Identification and Vehicle Enterprise Solution End User License Agreement (EULA).

Provide DOR with a copy of the Abandoned Vehicle Contract for each contracted Tow Carrier annually and when information changes.

dor_vehicleportal@state.co.us

C.R.S. 42-4-1813 allows law enforcement agencies to charge towing and storage fees based on contractual agreements with tow carriers.

DOR uses this information to comply with the PUC audit recommendations and to verify fees.

Each Tow Carrier utilized in a Public Tow procedure is required to be registered with the PUC and the DOR Title Services Unit

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Tow Carrier & Law Enforcement Annual Requirements

Internet registration and search requests require:

Annual update of the EULA

Email notification will be sent to the agency requiring the updated EULA
The EULA needs to be returned within 15 business days, or access to the PORTAL becomes INACTIVE
LE submit current active contracts with tow company

Update the vehicle portal as information changes. Examples include but are not limited to:

Primary PORTAL account contact information including address
Change to PUC number
Contact information including account administrators
Authorized agents with PORTAL access

*Failure to complete and submit the EULA (DR 2675) to the Department annually will result in removal from the authorization list for all abandoned tow procedures

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Abandoned Vehicles

What does “Abandoned Vehicle” mean?

Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.)

42-4 Part 21 Vehicles Abandoned on Private Property

42-4 Part 18 Vehicles Abandoned on Public Property

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Private Tow

C.R.S. 42-4-2102(1)(a)

Any motor vehicle left unattended on private property for a period of twenty-four hours or longer or for such other period as may be established by local ordinance �without the consent of the �owner or lessee of such

property or the owner’s or

lessee’s legally authorized

agent;

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Private Tow

C.R.S. 42-4-2102(1)(b)

Any motor vehicle stored in an impound lot

at the request of its owner or the owner’s agent and not removed from the impound lot according to the �agreement with �the owner �or agent;

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Private Tow

C.R.S. 42-4-2102(1)(c)

Any motor vehicle that is left on private property without the property owner’s consent, towed at the request of the property owner, and not removed from the impound lot by the vehicle owner within forty-eight hours;

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Private Tow

C.R.S. 42-4-2102(1)(d)

A motor vehicle fitted with an immobilization device that is on private property and deemed to be abandoned pursuant to section 42-4-1105 (7)(c).

Defined below:

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Next, is a vehicle fitted with an immobilization device that is on private property and deemed to be abandoned pursuant to C.R.S. 42-4-1105(7)(c) as defined:

(c) The failure of the owner of the immobilized motor vehicle to request removal of the immobilization device and pay the fee within fourteen days after the end of the immobilization period ordered by the court or within the additional time granted by the court pursuant to paragraph (d) of this subsection (7), whichever is applicable, shall result in the motor vehicle being deemed an “abandoned motor vehicle”, as defined in sections 42-4-1802 (1)(d) and 42-4-2102 (1)(d), and subject to the provisions of part 18 or 21 of this article, whichever is applicable. The law enforcement agency entitled to payment of the fee under this subsection (7) shall be eligible to recover the fee if the abandoned motor vehicle is sold, pursuant to section 42-4-1809 (2)(b.5) or 42-4-2108 (2)(a.5).

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Private Tow�DR 2008A

Tow Carrier Requirements

Complete DR 2008A

Section 1: Complete all

sections.

Section 2: Complete all

sections.

County partners will confirm if the PUC number is active

Section 3: Complete all

sections

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Private Tow�DR 2008A

Tow Carrier Requirements

Complete DR 2008A

Section 4: Select reason

for tow

Section 5: Complete all

sections

Section 6: Complete all

sections - Law enforcement must

be notified within 30 minutes

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Private Tow�DR 2008A

Tow Carrier Requirements

Complete DR 2008A

Section 7:

Select applicable box and

enter dates

Section 8: Check applicable

box and enter date mailed

Section 9: Print, sign, and date

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Private Tow – Record Search

Not more than ten days after after the tow, a record search must be completed.

If a Colorado record is found you will send notifications to all listed owners and lenders as soon as possible after 24 hours have elapsed.

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Private Tow�Form DR 2489A

Record Search requests must be performed by the Department.

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Private Tow�No Colorado Title Record Found?

National Search

When a No Colorado Title Record, Suspense or Permit (temp tag) search result is received, a National search is required per HB16-1056.

National searches can be requested through your online account when you receive a NO RECORD found result in Colorado.

National Record searches are required when a Permit (temp tag) or suspense record search result is returned. The National Search cannot be requested via the portal in these specific instances.

National searches in these two specific instances can be requested in the following manner:

Email the Portal - Preferred
By Mail (submission of the DR2489A)
In person at Westgate, by appointment

By Email : dor_vehicleportal@state.co.us - ENCRYPTION REQUIRED

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Mail:

State of Colorado

Department of Revenue

PO Box 173350

Denver, CO 80217-3350

By Appointment:

https://coloradoappt.cxmflow.com/

Select the Westgate location then Westgate Vehicle Services as the service category.

3265 S Wadsworth Blvd Suite 3A

Lakewood, CO 80227

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Private Tow�No Colorado Title Record Found?

Techu Encryption

National Record Searches are sent from the department encrypted. Register with Techu Encryption system at:

https://techu.state.co.us/security/email-encryption

Record search fees: $2.25

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Private Tow�Notify Owner/Lienholder

Notice sent to owner/lienholder should:

Advise owner(s) & lienholder(s) that vehicles not claimed within 30 calendar days of the postmark on the notice will be subject to sale
Advise information concerning the vehicle must be obtained from the responsible Tow Carrier

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Private Tow�Notify Owner/Lienholder

DR 2008A can be used notification as it contains the required information:

Contact information for Tow Carrier

Company name, PUC #, Address, Storage location, Phone Numbers

Tow Information

Date of tow, location towed from, report number, law enforcement agency who determined it was not stolen

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Private Tow�Notify Owner/Lienholder

Notification requirements continued:

A description of the abandoned motor vehicle, including the make, model, color, and year, the number, issuing state, and expiration date of the license plate, or any other indication of the motor vehicles state of origin, and the vehicle identification number.

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C.R.S. 42-4-2103 (5) states that a department approved form may be used to notify the owner and/or lienholder (DR 2008A). However, a separate letter with the required information is strongly recommended.

Private Tow�Notify Owner/Lienholder

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Private Tow�Vehicle Claimed

Upon release by the Tow Carrier to the vehicle owner or lienholder of record:

Tow Carrier notifies responsible Law Enforcement Agency (LEA)
LEA adjusts or deletes entry in Colorado Crime Information Center System (CCIC)

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Private Tow�Form DR 2173

Sell the vehicle

not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days after the postmarked date notice was mailed or the date the no record result was received. �

�calendar days

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Private Tow�Do not sell to

Vehicles cannot be sold to:

An officer or partner of the operator that has possession of the vehicle ot to any other person with a proprietary interest in the operator (42-4-2104(I)
Law Enforcement Agency - 42-4-1805 addresses public or private sale requirements.

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Private Tow�Sale

Sale of vehicles shall be in a commercially reasonable manner:

May be sold to a licensed motor vehicle dealer, wholesaler, or wholesale motor vehicle auction dealer
Through a classified newspaper advertisement published in Colorado for all vehicles sold to the general public

Notice must identify Tow Carrier and contact information
Vehicle year, make, model, and last 6 characters of the VIN

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Private Tow�Sale to Public

Original Proof of Publication required

Must include:

Copy of the newspaper ad
Online newspaper ad is acceptable
Date(s) published
Name of newspaper
Electronic certification of

ad is acceptable

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Private Tow�Storage fees

When the Tow Carrier conducts a commercially reasonable sale and the vehicle does not sell the Tow Carrier may continue to collect storage fees for up to 120 days from the date of the publication in the newspaper ad

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Private Tow�Form DR 2173

Section A

Odometer Disclosure
Transfers ownership

Section B

Appraisal
By LEA or Dealership
Reasonable fair market of vehicle

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A

B

If hand written all content should be legible, including carbon copies

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Private Tow�Form DR 2173

Section C

Examples:

Newspaper Ad
LEA to contracted Tow Carrier for reimbursement of fees

Fee area - completed in compliance with PUC regulations

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C

If hand written all content should be legible, including carbon copies

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Private Tow�Salvage?

Did record search show Salvage?

If yes, this must be disclosed to the buyer

Designate “Salvage” on the DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

If Salvage

A DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection required to determine if roadworthy

If roadworthy on DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection

DR 2415 Rebuilt Title Established by Salvage Title Checklist
DR 2424 Rebuilt From Salvage Title Statement of Facts

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When conducting a record search, and the return record indicates that the vehicle had been salvaged, it is the tow operator’s obligation to disclose this to the buyer, whether that is a dealer or an individual.

To do this, write “SALVAGE” on the DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale. If it is Salvage and the appraisal is greater than $350, a DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection is required to determine if the vehicle is roadworthy or not. If it is deemed roadworthy, refer to the DR 2415 Rebuilt Title Established by Salvage Title Checklist and complete a DR 2424 Rebuilt From Salvage Title Statement of Facts.

If the reason for salvage is indeterminate, the tow operator will complete the DR 2710 Branded Title Disclosure Statement by marking the “Other” box and stating “Purchased as an abandoned vehicle, unable to obtain a salvage history, reason for salvage unknown” per C.R.S. 42-6-206 it requires a Salvage disclosure.

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Private Tow�Salvage?

Did record search show Salvage? Con’t:

If not roadworthy on DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection

DR 2410 Application for Salvage Title Or Non Repairable Title

or

DR 2415 Rebuilt Title Established by Salvage Title Checklist

Apply for Title by repairing vehicle completing all steps documented on the checklist
Another Certified Vin inspection is required after repairs are completed

All Subsequent Titles will indicate Rebuilt from Salvage

Subsequent disclosures on the DR 2710 will be made by checking the box labeled as ‘other’. A note will be required indicating the vehicle had been purchased as an Abandoned vehicle. If the record search results return the reason for the salvage brand, this information is required to be disclosed to all subsequent buyers.

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Private Tow�Salvage?

Did the Colorado record search results show Previous Salvage or Rebuilt from Salvage?

Submit a title history record search request by mail or in person to determine cause of

salvage designation and obtain copies of previously submitted title work

DR 2489A Motor Vehicle Record Search Request
Complete DR 2710 Branded Title Disclosure Statement

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Private Tow�Rebuilt from Salvage

DR 2710 Branded Title Disclosure Statement

Complete all information

VIN, Year, Make, Body
Reason for Salvage
Current Owner (Seller)

Tow Company

or

Law Enforcement Agency (LEA)

Prospective Buyer (Purchaser)

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Private Tow�Junk

If appraised at $350 or less

Must be sold as junk

NO Colorado Title will be issued
DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

Clearly indicate “JUNK” or “NO TITLE”.
A legible copy of the DR 2173 must be sent to the Department of Revenue, DMV, Title & Registration Section.
DOR will mark record “JUNK”

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Private Tow�< 5 years old

A Surety Bond is required when there is no CO record or National record found

and the vehicle is less than 5 years old

The Tow Carrier or responsible LEA must provide to the buyer:

Original completed DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection

DR 2704 Certified VIN is valid for 1 year

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Private Tow�< 5 years old

The buyer applying for title must provide:

Surety Bond for twice the appraised value as shown on the DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

Minimum Bond must be more than $700.00
Tip: Bond Companies of this type are generally listed under Bonds – Surety
Colorado title will be issued in name exactly as noted on the Surety Bond

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Private Tow�Minimum Required Forms

DR 2008A Private Tow Vehicle Information Request
DR 2698 Verification of VIN (details next slide)
DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

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Private Tow�VIN Verification

DR 2698 Verification of Vehicle Identification Number

No alterations in formatting or information is allowed
Complete each area
N/A when not applicable �or not available
Valid for 1 year

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Private Tow�Optional documents

Bond Required when:

Vehicle is less than 5 years old and no CO record or National Record found

DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection

Vehicle is less than 5 years old and no record found
OR Salvage record search result returned

Newspaper Ad

If sold to General Public

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Private Tow�Optional documents

Colorado & National Record Search

If search results are No Record Found include them in the documents

Salvage Forms

DR 2424 Rebuilt From Salvage Title Statement of Facts
DR 2410 Application for Salvage Title Or Non Repairable Title
DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection
DR 2710 Branded Title Disclosure Statement

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Private Tow�Personal Information

DO NOT INCLUDE:

Personally Identifiable Information
Record Search with Registered Owner Information listed

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This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

Please DO NOT INCLUDE personal information. The Driver's Privacy Protection Act prohibits anyone related to Motor Vehicle Record information to disclose anybody’s personal information. When submitting a Colorado record search and National Search when effective and information is received on the registered owner, that information CANNOT be forwarded on to the buyer or anyone else unrelated to your business.

As a tow operator you would have signed the DR 2489A Motor Vehicle Record Search Request document stating what you are using the information for and that you will protect that information from leaving your hands. So any information you have with someone’s personally identifiable information on it is not to be forwarded on to the buyer or anyone else.

If the county requests it, please let the State know and we will reach out to the county to discuss the correct procedure.

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Private Tow�DPPA

Driver’s Privacy Protection Act:

Vehicle owner and lienholder information is specifically for the Law Enforcement Agency and the Tow Carrier
The following documents or copies of should NOT be given to anyone else including a vehicle buyer.

Record search information indicating names and addresses of owner(s) and /or lienholder(s)
Notification letters
Certified mail information

Retain information by LEA and Tow Carrier

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Private Tow�Apply for Title

Purchaser makes application for title at the motor vehicle office in the county of residence.

Secure and Verifiable Identification (SVID) is required to obtain a Title or Registration in the State of Colorado

DR 2841 Secure and Verifiable ID - list of acceptable forms

Required documents for title application will be verified for completion by the county motor vehicle office
All title applications will be audited by the Department of Revenue in compliance with the PUC and statutory requirements

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Private Tow�Auditing

Tips:

Make sure all information is completed

Common errors:

Missing signatures
Dates missing or incomplete
Dates out of line / don’t flow
Fields blank when should be N/A
Record Search included when shouldn’t

Verify required documents are being submitted

Use checklist as guide (DR 2773)

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Private Tow�Auditing

Tips:

Record Search results

Both Colorado (even no record) and National Search results are required to be submitted
DPPA reminder

Do NOT share personal information
Tow Company retains information for 3 years

Unusual circumstances should include a DR 2444 Statement of Fact noting additional information and any documents related to reposting a newspaper ad

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Contact: Vehicle Services Portal

Ph: 720-795-7864

Email:

dor_vehicleportal@state.co.us

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Public Tow

Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) 42-4-1802(8)

Property owned by

The Federal Government
The State of Colorado
Any County
Any Municipality
Or any other governmental entity

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Public Tow

C.R.S. 42-4-1802(1)(a)

Any motor vehicle left unattended on public property, including any portion of a highway right-of-way, outside the limits of any incorporated town or city for a period of forty-eight (48) hours or longer

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Public Tow

C.R.S. 42-4-1802(1)(b)

Any motor vehicle left unattended on public property, including any portion of a highway right-of-way, within the limits of any incorporated town or city for a period longer than any limit prescribed by any local ordinance concerning the abandonment of motor vehicles, or if there is no such ordinance, for a period of forty-eight

hours (48) or longer;

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Public Tow

C.R.S. 42-4-1802 (1)(c)

Any motor vehicle stored in an impound lot at the request of a law enforcement agency and not removed from the impound lot within seventy-two (72) hours after the time the law enforcement agency notifies the owner or agent that the �vehicle is available for release upon payment of any applicable charges or fees; �

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Public Tow

C.R.S. 42-4-1802 (1)(d)

Any motor vehicle fitted with an immobilization device that is on public property and deemed to be abandoned pursuant to C.R.S. 42-4-1105(7)(c);

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CRS 42-4-1105(7)(c)… The failure of the owner of the immobilized motor vehicle to request removal of the immobilization device and pay the fee within 14 days after the end of the immobilization period ordered by the court or within the additional time granted by the court pursuant to paragraph (d) of this subsection (7), whichever is applicable, shall result in the motor vehicle being deemed an “abandoned motor vehicle”, as defined in sections 42-4-1802 (1) (d) and 42-4-2102 (1) (d), and subject to the provisions of part 18 or 21 of this article, whichever is applicable.

The law enforcement agency entitled to payment of the fee under this subsection (7) shall be eligible to recover the fee if the abandoned motor vehicle is sold, pursuant to section 42-4-1809 (2)(b.5) or 42-4-2108 (2) (a.5).

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Public Tow

C.R.S. 42-4-1802 (1)(e)

Any motor vehicle left unattended at a regional transportation district parking facility as defined in C.R.S. 32-9-119.9(6), that is deemed abandoned pursuant to C.R.S. 32-9-119.9(4)(b).

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Public Tow�Form DR 2008

Section 1: Complete all sections

County partners will confirm if the PUC number is active

Section 2: Complete all sections

Section 3: Select reason for tow and date deemed abandoned

Section 4: Complete all sections

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Public Tow�Form DR 2008

Section 5a: Record search information completed by LEA.

Section 5b: Record search information completed by Tow Company.

Section 6:

Each entity completes all sections

Indicate who the notice was mailed to and dates mailed by both LEA and Tow Carrier

Signature and printed name of law enforcement agent

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Public Tow�Form DR 2008

ABANDONED DATE

In some cases the vehicle is evidence or part of an investigation and will not be considered abandoned until after it has been released and the vehicle owner has not claimed the vehicle from impound.

This date is necessary for auditing purposes since a search cannot be performed until after the vehicle has been deemed abandoned.

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Public Tow�Form DR 2008

Both the LEA and the Tow Carrier must complete searches.

Record Search

LEA within 10 business days of the tow date
Tow Carrier within 2-10 calendar days of the tow date

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Public Tow�No Record Found?

National Search

When a No Colorado Title Record, Suspense or Permit (temp tag) search result is received, a National search is required per HB16-1056.

National searches can be requested through your online account when you receive a NO RECORD found result in Colorado.

National Record searches are required when a Permit (temp tag) or suspense record search result is returned. The National Search cannot be requested via the portal in these specific instances.

National searches in these two specific instances can be requested in the following manner:

Email the Portal - Preferred
By Mail (submission of the DR2489A)
In person at Westgate, by appointment

By Email : dor_vehicleportal@state.co.us - ENCRYPTION REQUIRED

8/13/25

Mail:

State of Colorado

Department of Revenue

PO Box 173350

Denver, CO 80217-3350

By Appointment:

https://coloradoappt.cxmflow.com/

Select the Westgate location then Westgate Vehicle Services as the service category.

3265 S Wadsworth Blvd Suite 3A

Lakewood, CO 80227

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Public Tow�No Record Found?

Techu Encryption

National Record Searches are sent from the department encrypted. Register with Techu Encryption system at:

https://techu.state.co.us/security/email-encryption

Record search fees: $2.25

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Public Tow�No Record Found?

Search results: even though two record searches are required to be completed, only one needs to be submitted when there is a No Results Found result.

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Public Tow�Form DR 2008

Notify owner(s) & lienholder(s)

LEA within 10 business days of search
Tow Carrier within 5 calendar days of search

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Public Tow�Notify Owner/Lienholder

When a Tow Carrier IS NOT used to store the motor vehicle

The LEA is required to send notification by certified mail

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Public Tow�Notify Owner/Lienholder

When a Tow Carrier IS used to store the motor vehicle
The Tow Carrier must send the notification by certified mail

With a return receipt
This occurs after the vehicle has been deemed abandoned and released from evidence
LEA is required to notify the owner/lienholder and may do so by first class mail or certified mail

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Public Tow�Notify Owner/Lienholder

Notice should:

Advise owner(s) & lienholder(s) that vehicles not claimed within 30 calendar days of the postmark on the notice will be disposed of
Advise owner(s) & lienholder(s) of right to a hearing to determine legality of the towing

Hearing request must have been made to the responsible LEA in writing and within 10 days of the postmark of the notice

Indicate that the vehicle can only be obtained from the responsible LEA and/or Tow Carrier
Responsible LEA and Tow Carrier shall retain proof of notification on file for 3 years

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Public Tow�Notify Owner/Lienholder

DR 2008 can be used as notification as it contains the required information:

Contact information for Tow Carrier

Company name, PUC #, Address, Storage location, Phone Numbers

Tow Information

Date of tow, location towed from, report number, law enforcement agency who determined it was not stolen

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C.R.S. 42-4-1804 (5) states that a department approved form may be used to notify the owner and/or lienholder (DR 2008). However, a separate letter with the required information is strongly recommended.

Public Tow�Notify Owner/Lienholder

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Public Tow�Vehicle claimed

Upon release by the Tow Carrier to the vehicle owner or lienholder of record:

Tow Carrier notifies responsible LEA
LEA adjusts or deletes entry in Colorado Crime Information Center System (CCIC)

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Public Tow�Form DR 2173

Sell vehicle

Not before 30 �calendars days from owner notification
But prior to 60 �calendar days �from owner notification

Complete form

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If hand written all content should be legible, including carbon copies

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Public Tow�Form DR 2173

Section A

Odometer Disclosure
Transfers ownership

Section B

Appraisal
By LEA or Dealership
Reasonable fair market of vehicle

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A

B

If hand written all content should be legible, including carbon copies

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Public Tow�Form DR 2173

Section C

Examples:

Newspaper Ad
LEA to contracted Tow Carrier for reimbursement of fees

Fee area - completed in compliance with PUC regulations
Balance payable to DOR w/in 30 days of Date of Sale

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C

If hand written all content should be legible, including carbon copies

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Public Tow�Salvage?

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Did record search show Salvage?

If yes, this must be disclosed to the buyer

Designate “Salvage” on the DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

If Salvage

A DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection required to determine if roadworthy

If roadworthy on DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection

DR 2415 Rebuilt Title Established by Salvage Title Checklist
DR 2424 Rebuilt From Salvage Title Statement of Facts

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PublicTow�Salvage?

Did record search show Salvage? Con’t:

If not roadworthy on DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection

DR 2410 Application for Salvage Title Or Non Repairable Title

or

DR 2415 Rebuilt Title Established by Salvage Title Checklist

Apply for Title by repairing vehicle completing all steps documented on the checklist
Another Certified Vin inspection is required after repairs are completed

All Subsequent Titles will indicate Rebuilt from Salvage

Subsequent disclosures on the DR 2710 will be made by checking the box labeled as ‘other’. A note will be required indicating the vehicle had been purchased as an Abandoned vehicle. If the record search results return the reason for the salvage brand, this information is required to be disclosed to all subsequent buyers.

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Public Tow�Salvage?

Did the Colorado record search results show Previous Salvage or Rebuilt from Salvage?

Submit a title history record search request by mail or in person to determine cause of

salvage designation and obtain copies of previously submitted title work

DR 2489A Motor Vehicle Record Search Request
Complete DR 2710 Branded Title Disclosure Statement

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Public Tow�Rebuilt from Salvage

DR 2710 Branded Title Disclosure Statement

Complete all information

VIN, Year, Make, Body
Reason for Salvage
Current Owner (Seller)

Tow Company

or

LEA

Prospective Buyer (Purchaser)

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Public Tow�Junk

If appraised for $350 or less

Must be sold as junk

DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

Clearly indicate “JUNK” or “NO TITLE”.
A legible copy of the DR 2173 must be sent to DOR, DMV, Title & Registration Section.

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Public Tow�Required forms

DR 2008 Public Tow Vehicle Information Request
DR 2698 Verification of VIN
DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale
NO RECORD found vehicle record search - only one required to be submitted

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Public Tow�VIN Verification

DR 2698 Verification of Vehicle Identification Number

No alterations in formatting or information is allowed
Complete each area
N/A when not applicable �or not available
Valid for 1 year

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Public Tow�Optional documents

Bond

If less than 5 years old and no record found

DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection

If less than 5 years old and no record found
OR if Previous Salvage

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Public Tow�Optional documents

Record Search Results

If No Colorado & National Record found

Salvage Forms

DR 2424 Rebuilt From Salvage Title Statement of Facts
DR 2410 Application for Salvage Title Or Non Repairable Title
DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection
DR 2710 Branded Title Disclosure Statement

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Public Tow�Personal Information

DO NOT INCLUDE:

Personally Identifiable Information
Record Search with Registered Owner Information listed

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Public Tow�DPPA

Driver’s Privacy Protection Act:

Vehicle owner and lienholder information is specifically for the LEA and the Tow Carrier
The following documents or copies of should NOT be given to anyone else including a vehicle buyer.

Record search information indicating names and addresses of owner(s) and /or lienholder(s)
Notification letters
Certified mail information

Retain information by LEA and Tow Carrier

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Public Tow�Apply for Title

Purchaser makes application for title at the motor vehicle office in the county of residence.

Secure and Verifiable Identification (SVID) is required to obtain a title or registration in the State of Colorado

DR 2841 Secure and Verifiable ID - list of acceptable forms

Required documents for title application will be verified for completion by the county motor vehicle office
All title applications will be audited by the Department in compliance with the PUC and statutory requirements

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Public Tow�Auditing

Tips:

Make sure all information is completed

Common errors:

Missing signatures
Dates missing or incomplete
Dates out of line / don’t flow
Fields blank when should be N/A
Record Search included when shouldn’t

Verify required documents are being submitted

Use checklist as guide

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Public Tow�Auditing

Tips:

Record Search results

No Record Founds are required to be submitted
DPPA reminder

Do NOT share personal information
LEA / Tow Company retains information for 3 years

Unusual circumstances should include a DR 2444 Statement of Fact noting additional information and any documents related to reposting a newspaper ad

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Contact: Vehicle Services Portal

Ph: 720-795-7864

Email: dor_vehicleportal@state.co.us

Please see our WEBSITE for forms, training and answers to commonly asked questions :

https://dmv.colorado.gov/tow-carriers-and-abandoned-vehicles

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THANK YOU

Record Search Examples contained in the following pages

Forms:

https://dmv.colorado.gov/forms-number-order

Please note: The portal does not accept payment to process National Search Requests. Fees related to National Record Search requests sent to the portal via email will be deducted from portal accounts.

DR 2774 - Law Enforcement Public Tow Checklist

DR 2773 - Abandonment of Motor Vehicles Private Tow Requirements Checklist

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Example of Temp Tag/Permit Record Search Result

National Search Required

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Example of Suspense Record Search Result - Out of State Title

National Search Required

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Example of No Record Found Search Result

National Search Required

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Example of Colorado Record Search - Titled in Colorado