Chicago, IL asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Illinois

Q: I'm curious on if I can and how to claim and abandoned vehicle that's located in an abandoned garage

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Claiming an abandoned vehicle from an abandoned garage involves a few legal steps. First, you need to check your local and state laws regarding abandoned property and vehicles. This typically involves reporting the vehicle to local authorities, such as the police or the department of motor vehicles (DMV), and they may need to attempt to contact the last known owner.

Once the vehicle is reported, authorities will likely run a check to ensure it is not stolen. They may also post notices to the last registered owner and give them a period to claim the vehicle. If the owner does not respond, the vehicle may be declared officially abandoned, allowing you to begin the process of claiming it.

After this, you might be required to fill out specific paperwork and potentially pay any related fees or fines. Keep in mind that the process can vary widely depending on your location, so contacting your local DMV or legal advisor for detailed guidance is crucial.

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