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Kansas City, Missouri vehicle-owner resource

Know your rights after a tow.

Request a downloadable copy of Kansas City’s official Owners’ Bill of Rights for Towed Vehicles, then review the most important release, fee, and contact information below.

This page summarizes official KCMO information for convenience. The City’s document and current code control if information changes.

Official city pageRead KCMO guidance ↗Current city codeReview the Code of Ordinances ↗Vehicle searchSearch AutoReturn ↗

A practical summary

What vehicle owners should know

The City distinguishes public tows ordered by a government agency from private tows ordered by an owner, authorized person, lender, or driver. The correct contact and recovery process can differ.

01

Before and during a tow

When the vehicle owner is present at the start of a tow, Kansas City’s ordinance requires the operator to present the City’s Bill of Rights. If a private tow has not left the property and the owner can move the vehicle, special stop-and-drop rules may apply.

02

After the tow

  • Receive an itemized bill showing each charge.
  • Receive a receipt, the applicable ticket or legal order, and the Owners’ Bill of Rights.
  • Use a credit card, debit card, or money order; cash is not required.
  • Inspect the vehicle and request personal property under the applicable facility procedure.
  • Refuse repairs that you did not authorize in writing.
  • Receive the vehicle after proving identity or authority and paying lawful charges.
03

Who may retrieve

The registered owner or an authorized person may retrieve a vehicle. Written or electronic owner authorization, a copy of the owner’s ID, business authorization, or other reliable documentation may establish authority.

City-published maximums

Private-tow fee overview

For most passenger vehicles removed from private property without the owner’s permission or police involvement, KCMO currently publishes these maximums.

Tow
$265
Storage
$30 per 24-hour period or part
Reported-stolen vehicle tow
$120
Retrieval
$25
Private-property drop fee
$132.50

Circumstances matter. Confirm the current ordinance, the City’s published information, and the itemized charges for the specific tow.

Prepare for release

Documents that may prove ownership or authority

  • Title
  • Bill of sale
  • Valid temporary permit
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Insurance documents in paper or electronic form
  • Written or electronic owner authorization with ID
Important:

This is general information, not legal advice, and it may not cover every tow. Rates, hours, procedures, and ordinances can change. Review the official KCMO source and current Code of Ordinances before relying on this summary.