In most cases, yes — police and DVLA compounds release vehicles only to the registered keeper shown on the V5C logbook. That’s because the keeper is the person legally responsible for the vehicle’s tax, insurance, and day-to-day use. However, there are exceptions. If the keeper can’t attend in person, or the car was being used by someone else when it was seized, another person may collect it, but only if strict conditions are met.

Why the keeper is normally required

When a car is impounded under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, police must confirm that the person reclaiming it has a legitimate right to possession. The simplest way to do that is by checking the V5C registration document, which names the keeper. Pounds are not allowed to release a vehicle to anyone else unless they can prove legal entitlement or have written authority from the keeper.

This rule prevents stolen or disputed vehicles from being handed over to the wrong person. It also ensures that whoever collects the car is legally insured to drive it away.

When someone else can collect the vehicle

Another person can collect the vehicle if they meet all of the following conditions:

• They have a written and signed letter of authority from the registered keeper, giving permission to release the car to them.
• They bring photo ID for themselves and a copy of the keeper’s ID.
• They hold a valid insurance certificate that covers them to drive the specific impounded vehicle.
• They present the V5C logbook or the new keeper slip (V5C/10) showing the keeper’s details.

Without all of these documents, the pound staff are likely to refuse release. A verbal authorisation or text message is never enough — it must be a written, signed letter.

If the registered keeper is unavailable

If the keeper is abroad, unwell, or otherwise unable to attend, they can still authorise someone else in writing. The letter should clearly state:

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

The letter should be signed and dated, and accompanied by copies of the keeper’s identification documents. The person collecting must also arrange their own impound-specific insurance in their name, as normal car insurance rarely meets release requirements.

Company and finance vehicles

For company cars, a director or fleet manager can authorise release by providing a letter on company letterhead and proof of business ownership or position. If the vehicle is on finance or lease, the pound may also require written consent from the finance company. Without that, it may only be released to their appointed recovery agent.

What happens if no authorised person attends

If no registered keeper or authorised representative comes forward within the statutory period (normally seven working days), the vehicle may be sold or scrapped. Storage fees accumulate daily, and once disposal takes place, ownership and any claim to the vehicle are lost.

Final note

Only the registered keeper, or someone they formally authorise in writing, can collect an impounded car. Pounds take this rule seriously for legal and security reasons. If you’re arranging for someone else to recover the vehicle, make sure they bring the correct documents and impound insurance. That preparation ensures the release is accepted without delay or further cost.

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.