PS Towing & Recovery does not run the City of Milwaukee Tow Lot and can't release cars from it. This guide collects the city's public information in one place. Facts were checked against the City of Milwaukee Tow Lot page on October 7, 2026. Hours and fees can change, so confirm with the city before you go.
1. Find out where your car is
Use the city's Towed Vehicle Search. If your car was towed from private property, or it doesn't show up in the search, call the Tow Lot at (414) 286-2700. During special events and construction, the city sometimes moves cars to a nearby street instead of the lot, so a call can save you a trip.
2. City Tow Lot address, phone and hours
- Address: 3811 West Lincoln Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53215
- Phone: (414) 286-2700
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Sunday: closed
- Holidays: some are closed and some have shorter hours. Check the city page.
3. What to bring
- Photo ID if you're the owner of record: a state driver's license or ID card, a City of Milwaukee municipal ID, a military ID or a passport
- A valid driver's license to drive the car off the lot. Without one, bring a state photo ID and a licensed driver.
- Proof of insurance showing the carrier, the insured and the vehicle (make, model, year and VIN). Uninsured cars are driven off the lot by city staff for an extra fee.
- Payment in full for the tow and every day of storage
Picking up someone else's car? The city requires your driver's license, a notarized letter from the owner that lists the car's color, make, model, VIN, plate and tow number, and a copy of the owner's ID.
4. City fees and payment
- Tow: $150 (city rate since February 24, 2024; more if the actual cost is higher)
- Storage: $25 for every calendar day
- Uninsured vehicle moved by city staff: $50
- Payment: cash, money order or cashier's check for the exact amount, or Visa or MasterCard in the payer's name. Personal checks aren't accepted.
Storage adds up daily, so go as soon as you can. Cars with frequent unpaid parking tickets may also need those tickets paid or a court date set before release.
5. Don't wait: unclaimed cars can be sold
The city sends a notice after the tow. Cars that aren't claimed within about 15 days of that notice can be recycled or sold. The city's FAQ says 15 days from the tow, so treat that as your deadline.
6. If your car won't run
No mechanical work is allowed on the lot, and a car that doesn't start can't be driven off. You need a private tow company to pick it up. Pay the city first, release the car to the tow company at the cashier, and the tow company loads it. PS Towing & Recovery can do that pickup and take the car home or to your mechanic. Call (414) 254-1468 and tell dispatch it's at the city Tow Lot. If it's only a dead battery, a jump start may be all it needs once you're outside the lot.
7. Getting your things out of the car
You can remove personal items, but only one person per day may go to the vehicle (the owner or someone the owner authorizes). The city warns that taking items without making payment arrangements can lead to the car being sold or recycled sooner.
Towed by a private company instead?
If you were parked on private property, like a store, apartment or business lot, a private company may have towed you, and the car won't be at the city lot. The Tow Lot can sometimes tell you who towed it. Look for signs posted in the lot with the towing company's name and phone number.
Need help after you get it back?
If the car was damaged or won't start, we can tow it to your shop, and if it was in an accident first, see accident towing. For anything else on the road, see roadside assistance.