Your car is gone and you’re standing on the curb trying to figure out what happened. If San Antonio police towed it, it’s most likely sitting at the City of San Antonio Vehicle Impound Facility, 3625 Growdon Rd, San Antonio, TX 78227. Call ahead at (210) 881-8440 before you drive out there, because hours can vary and you don’t want to make the trip twice.

Here’s the direct answer: bring your title or other proof you own the car, pay the tow and storage fees, and sign a release form. Do that and you can drive away the same day.

Step 1: confirm where your car actually is

Not every tow in San Antonio ends up at the same lot. If San Antonio police ordered the tow, start with the city’s online search at search.autoreturn.com. You can also call SAPD’s non-emergency line at (210) 207-7273 and ask them to confirm. If you’re outside the city in unincorporated Bexar County, the Sheriff’s Office uses a different contractor, Texas Towing at 422 Steves Ave, San Antonio, TX 78204, (210) 220-1000. Confirming the right lot first saves you a wasted drive.

Step 2: gather what you need before you go

City Code § 19-54 spells out what the impound lot needs from you. You’ll need your certificate of title or other proof of ownership. If you can’t come in person, someone can pick the car up for you, but they need your title plus a notarized owner authorization. Whoever picks up the car also signs an indemnification agreement, which is standard paperwork saying you’re taking responsibility for the vehicle once it’s released.

Bring a photo ID too. The ordinance doesn’t spell out every accepted form of ID, so call ahead if you have any doubt about your paperwork.

Step 3: know what you’ll owe

San Antonio caps its non-consent tow and storage fees under City Code § 19-402, and the city’s rates actually run lower than the state maximum set by TDLR (the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which regulates towing statewide). Here’s what the city charges:

  • Tow fee: $177 for vehicles up to 10,000 lbs, $196 for 10,001 to 24,999 lbs, $602 for 25,000 lbs and over.
  • Daily storage: $21.03 plus tax for most vehicles, $36.80 per day for vehicles 25 feet or longer.
  • Notification fee: $50.
  • Police impound fee: $20.

The ordinance doesn’t allow dolly fees, mileage charges, or special-equipment add-ons on top of that. The lot has to accept e-check, debit, or credit, so you’re not stuck needing cash. For comparison, the statewide TDLR maximum for that same tow runs $272, so San Antonio’s local cap is meaningfully lower than what some other Texas cities allow.

Every day your car sits at the lot adds another day of storage charges, so the sooner you get there with your paperwork, the less you’ll owe.

Step 4: get there and get it released

Once you have your title, ID, and payment ready, head to 3625 Growdon Rd. Pay what you owe, sign the release paperwork, and drive off. If the lot’s hours don’t match what you expected, that’s exactly why calling (210) 881-8440 first matters. The city lists the facility as open 24 hours, but directories don’t always agree, so a quick call confirms it before you go.

What happens if you don’t pick it up

Unclaimed vehicles become eligible for auction 30 days after the city sends the required owner notification. That’s not a lot of time once storage fees start piling up daily, so don’t let a towed car sit. If you’re struggling to pull the paperwork together, call the lot and ask what your options are rather than letting the clock run out.

When Quick Tow San Antonio can help

If your car got towed off private property, blocked in a fire lane, or you just need a tow of your own after this whole ordeal, call (210) 791-9982. We dispatch a local towing partner near you. The tow itself is handled by that operator, and we don’t process impound releases ourselves, but we can help you get your car moved once it’s out.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if San Antonio police towed my car? Check search.autoreturn.com first, or call SAPD’s non-emergency line at (210) 207-7273. If your car isn’t listed there and you’re outside city limits, it may be with Bexar County’s contractor instead.

What if I don’t have the title anymore? The ordinance requires a certificate of title or other satisfactory proof of ownership. Call the lot at (210) 881-8440 and ask what alternative documents they’ll accept in your situation.

Can someone else pick up my car for me? Yes. A representative needs your title plus a notarized owner authorization, and they’ll sign the indemnification agreement in your place.

Are there extra fees beyond the tow and storage charges? No. City Code § 19-402 doesn’t allow dolly fees, mileage charges, or special-equipment fees on top of the listed tow, storage, notification, and impound charges.

What happens if I can’t pay right away? Storage charges add up daily, and after 30 days without a claim, the vehicle becomes eligible for auction. Contact the lot as soon as possible to understand your specific timeline.

Does the lot take credit cards? Yes. The ordinance requires the lot to accept e-check, debit, or credit, so you aren’t required to bring cash.