Yes, another person can collect your impounded car, but only if they have full written authority and the correct documents. Police and DVLA compounds are strict about releasing vehicles, so unless the paperwork is exactly right, the pound may refuse to hand it over. The process is designed to prevent stolen or disputed cars being claimed by unauthorised people.

When someone else can collect your car

The registered keeper doesn’t always have to attend in person. If you’re unable to go to the pound — for example, because you’re working, abroad, or unwell — someone else can collect the car for you. To do that, they must bring:

• a written and signed letter of authority from you giving them permission to collect the vehicle,
• a copy of your photo ID such as a passport or driving licence,
• their own photo ID,
• the V5C logbook or a new keeper slip showing your details, and
• a valid insurance certificate covering them to drive that specific car.

The pound will keep copies of these documents for its records. A text message or email isn’t enough — it must be a signed letter or printed authorisation.

What the authorisation letter should include

Your letter should clearly state:

“I authorise [full name] to collect my vehicle [registration number] from [name of pound] on my behalf.”

It should also include your full name, signature, and the date. If the car is jointly owned, both parties should sign the letter. The person collecting the car must bring this original letter to the pound.

Insurance and driving cover

The person collecting the car must have an insurance policy that specifically allows them to drive the impounded vehicle. Normal “drive other cars” extensions rarely cover this situation. In many cases, they’ll need to buy impounded-car insurance in their own name before visiting the pound. Without valid cover, the car won’t be released.

If the vehicle is being taken away on a recovery truck rather than driven, the recovery operator must show their own insurance instead. The pound will note the truck’s registration and driver details before releasing the car.

If the registered keeper is abroad or unavailable

If you’re overseas or unable to sign paperwork in person, you can send a scanned copy of a signed letter of authority and ID by email. Some pounds accept this if it’s clearly legible and supported by proof of identity. However, not all do — so the person collecting should call ahead to confirm acceptance before travelling.

When the pound can refuse release

The pound may refuse release if:

• the letter of authority looks altered or incomplete,
• the insurance certificate doesn’t name the person collecting,
• the vehicle’s registration doesn’t match the paperwork, or
• there’s any dispute over ownership.

In such cases, staff will hold the vehicle until proper evidence is produced or the registered keeper attends in person. Storage fees may continue to accrue during the delay.

Final note

Someone else can collect your impounded car, but only if they have the right documents and valid insurance. Pounds must follow strict verification rules, so a complete paper trail is essential. A clear letter of authority, proof of ID, and confirmed cover will usually ensure a smooth handover and prevent unnecessary storage costs.

Check here for more useful information about impounded cars!

Please note: impound rules, collection windows and fee structures are set locally and can change at any time. Details on this site offer a broad outline only and are not guaranteed to match the requirements of any individual pound or authority.