BOISE, ID — Idaho drivers now have a faster way to find out where their vehicle is if it has been abandoned and towed or towed at the direction of law enforcement, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

The department has launched the Abandoned Vehicle (AV) Portal through its DMV Online Portal. Vehicle owners who create an account and opt in to electronic notifications will receive an email or text alert when their vehicle is entered into the system. Those who do not opt in will receive a notification by mail.

The system is made possible by a new state law that took effect Jan. 1. Since the portal went live, more than 45 vehicles have already been entered, ITD officials said. Under the new process, towing companies are also required to post their rate sheets online so customers can see towing and storage fees in advance.

“The Abandoned Vehicle, or AV Portal streamlines the process for reporting and notifying stakeholders who have interest in the vehicle,” said Brian Goeke, ITD vehicle services manager. “It reduces paperwork for towers and provides transparency in fees charged to help Idahoans locate and retrieve their vehicles.”

The portal applies only to vehicles considered abandoned or those towed at the direction of law enforcement. It does not cover all towing situations. Notifications are processed within 24 business hours, and storage fees are typically charged daily, making timely notification important for controlling costs.

ITD encourages vehicle owners to enroll in the DMV Online Portal and sign up for e-notifications at dmv.idaho.gov to receive updates as quickly as possible.