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Towing help in Chicago

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Local towing guide — Last reviewed February 2026

Chicago Towing Recovery Guide

Local fee guidance, pickup documents, and recovery resources forChicago. Confirm current charges and release requirements with the facility before visiting.

Fee Structure

Towing Fee (standard)$250
Towing Fee (heavy)$350
Daily Storage$50/day
Storage (heavy)$100/day
Storage Cap$1,500 maximum
Boot Fee$100
Additional fines for DUI, narcotics, or firearms impounds — paid at Vehicle Impoundment Office (400 W. Superior St)
As of January 1, 2025, stolen vehicles recovered and towed are exempt from all government fees and fines

Quick Cost Calculator

Same day$250
After 1 day$300
After 3 days$400
After 7 days$600

* Estimates for standard passenger vehicles. Excludes outstanding tickets and violation-specific fines.

Required Documents

  • 1Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
  • 2Proof of ownership (valid title, current registration, or bill of sale within 30 days)
  • 3Current state license plates
  • 4Chicago City Vehicle Sticker (if required)
  • 5Valid driver's license (if driving vehicle out)
  • 6Lease agreement (if lessee)
  • 7Notarized letter from owner (if representative)

Payment Methods

CashVisaMasterCardDiscoverAmerican ExpressDiner's ClubDebit CardsUSPS Money Orders

No personal checks. Payment accepted at auto pound or Chicago Dept. of Finance Payment Centers.

Local Towing Laws & Your Rights

Applicable Laws

Municipal Code §9-92-080Governs towing fees and storage charges
Municipal Code §2-14-132Governs vehicle impoundment for violations
Towing Bill of Rights (§9-84-036)Requires towing companies to provide written notice of fees, storage rates, and your rights

Your Rights

  • ✓You have the right to a post-tow hearing to contest any tow and associated fees
  • ✓If no action is taken within 21 days, your vehicle becomes eligible for auction — request a 15-day extension by calling 312-744-4444
  • ✓Stolen vehicles recovered after Jan 1, 2025 are exempt from all city fees

Find Your Car in Chicago

Skip the phone tree. Towji helps you search for your towed vehicle, understand likely fees, and prepare the documents you need before you go.

Use Towji to locate your car

Results depend on local records and the details you provide.

Important Timelines

Start your searchAs soon as possible
Prepare proof of ownership and IDBefore pickup
Review fees and release requirementsBefore visiting

How recovery works

Step 1

Search available records

Send your plate and location in chat. We check available tow records.

Step 2

Review the match

Check the vehicle summary before deciding whether to unlock the details.

Step 3

Prepare for pickup

Use the available facility details and checklist. Confirm fees and hours with the facility before leaving.

Cost Estimator

Estimate Your Towing Recovery Costs

Plan for possible towing and storage costs. This is an estimate, not a quote. Confirm the current total and release requirements with the facility.

Towing Recovery Cost Estimator

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Chicago Recovery Guidance

Chicago, Illinois Recovery

Get recovery guidance for a towed vehicle in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago, Illinois

How to Find Your Towed Vehicle

1

Provide Your Car Information

Chat with our AI assistant and share your vehicle details like license plate, make, model, and where it was parked.

2

We Find Your Towed Car

Our AI searches available towing records to help locate your vehicle and identify the next recovery step.

3

Retrieve Your Towed Car

Get required documents, fee guidance, and pickup preparation steps to help you get your vehicle back.

Simple, upfront pricing

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Subscription prices are in USD. Taxes may apply. Towing, storage and release fees are separate and payable to the facility. Results depend on available records.

Questions

Common Questions About Towed Vehicles in Chicago, Illinois

Clear answers about tow records, release steps and fees in Chicago, Illinois.

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More Illinois locations

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Sources & verificationClick to reveal
City of Chicago — Auto Pound LocationsCity of Chicago — Common Towing QuestionsCity of Chicago — Relocated & Towed Vehicle InfoCity of Chicago — Vehicle Impoundment Fact Sheet

Last verified: February 16, 2026. Fees and regulations may change. Always confirm with official sources before visiting.