To collect a vehicle from an impound in the UK, you’ll need to prove exactly who you are and that you have the legal right to take possession of the car. Pounds are strict about documentation — without the correct ID, the vehicle will not be released, no matter how quickly you arrive or how much you’re prepared to pay. Here’s what you’ll need to bring.

Proof of identity

The most important requirement is photo identification. The pound needs to confirm that you are the registered keeper or a person authorised to collect the vehicle. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• a full UK or EU photocard driving licence,
• a valid passport, or
• an official national identity card (for EEA residents).

If you’re not a UK resident, a passport is usually required, along with supporting proof of address. Staff may also ask for a visa or immigration document if your stay in the UK is temporary.

Proof of address

Some impounds ask for confirmation of your current address. This helps verify ownership details against the V5C logbook. You can use:

• a recent utility bill,
• bank or credit card statement, or
• tenancy agreement or council tax letter.

Printed copies are preferred, and documents should be dated within the last three months.

Proof of ownership or keeper status

The registered keeper must normally present the V5C logbook showing their name and address. If you recently bought the car and the logbook hasn’t yet been updated, bring the new keeper slip (V5C/2) along with a dated purchase receipt or invoice.

If the car belongs to a company, you’ll need a letter of authority on company headed paper, plus photo ID from the person collecting and a copy of the company’s registration or insurance documents. Fleet or lease vehicles may also require written consent from the leasing company.

Insurance and driving entitlement

To drive the vehicle away, you must show a valid insurance certificate that covers impound release. Most standard car policies don’t, so a specific impound insurance certificate is usually required. The name on the insurance must match the person collecting the vehicle, unless there’s a letter authorising someone else to drive.

You must also hold a valid driving licence for the class of vehicle being collected. Provisional licence holders can’t usually drive away an impounded vehicle, even if insured — a fully qualified driver would have to do it instead.

If someone else collects on your behalf

If you can’t attend in person, you can authorise another person to collect the vehicle. They’ll need to bring:

• a signed and dated letter of authority from you,
• a copy of your photo ID,
• their own photo ID,
• valid insurance for the vehicle or evidence that it will be recovered by truck, and
• payment for all outstanding release and storage fees.

Without all of these, the pound is legally entitled to refuse release.

Final note

To reclaim an impounded car, you’ll need clear proof of identity, ownership, and valid insurance. Bring original documents wherever possible and make sure they all show the same details. Turning up with incomplete paperwork almost always leads to delay and extra costs — so double-check everything before you set out for the pound.

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.