Vehicle Releases & Requirements

 * * *Records counters at the Headquarters in Redwood City, San Carlos, Half Moon Bay, and Millbrae are now open with each able to serve one person at the counter at a time.  Counter services including report requests, vehicle releases, and clearance letters are still available remotely through fax, email, or mail.  Those with requests or questions can email sheriffs_recordsrequest@smcgov.org, fax (650) 365-9884, or call (650) 363-4525. * * *

Once the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office impounds a vehicle, the owner is required to obtain a Vehicle Release prior to picking the vehicle up from the tow company. In order to obtain a Vehicle Release:

• You must be the Registered Owner
• You must have a valid driver’s license (if you do not have a valid driver’s license, you must have valid government photo identification, and you must bring a driver that has a valid driver’s license)
• You will need the license plate number of your impounded vehicle or your case number
• The fee for a vehicle release depends on where your vehicle was impounded, and it must be paid with exact cash or credit card.

To determine the amount, please refer to the fee schedules under office locations below as follows.

*Please use the fee schedule associated to where your vehicle was impounded.

Important: If you are requesting a Vehicle Release after normal office hours, on weekends, or on holidays, you must email sheriffs_recordsrequest@smcgov.org for assistance.