Question 1

What property can I place a California DMV lien sale on?

Accepted Answer

You can place a lien on property with a valid Vehicle Identification Number (Vehicle) or Hull Identification Number (Boat). Motor Vehicles, Towed Vehicles, Sedan, SUV, Bus, Van, Ambulance, Truck, Campers, Station Wagon, Convertible, Hatchback, Coupe, Toy Haulers, Cargo Van, Sprinter Van, Straight Truck, Tow Truck, Semi-Trucks, Tail Lift Truck, Lowboy Trailer, Refrigerated Trailer, Tractors, Motorhomes, RVs, Travel Trailers, Flatbed Trailers, Motorcycles, Scooters and Mopeds Boat, Speedboats, Powerboats, Sailboats, Motorboats, Yacht and so much more.

Question 2

How do I determine the value of a vehicle or boat?

Accepted Answer

A Public Agency determines the value of a vehicle/boat. The value is located on the Police 180. If the Agency refuses or fails to provide a value within 3 days, you can estimate a value (in its current condition) for the vehicle/boat. It’s important to designate an appropriate value to your vehicle or boat. Cutting corners in order to reduce the length of a lien sale, will only lead to future repercussions. We do not take responsibility for appraising your vehicle or boat. Accrued storage charges do not add to the value of the vehicle or boat.

Question 3

What are some basic requirements for processing a lien sale in California?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle/Boat must be located on your property and in your possession. Vehicle/boat must be located in California. We need the ability to identify the vehicle/boat by VIN, HIN, Plate or CF #.

Question 4

What happens if I move the vehicle/boat off my property during the lien sale?

Accepted Answer

Moving the vehicle/boat off your property to a new location will invalidate the lien sale.

Question 5

What personal information is shared on the lien sale paperwork?

Accepted Answer

Your Name (and/or) Company Name Your Phone Number Vehicle Location Address (and/or) Company Address

Question 6

How can I receive approval to move forward with the lien sale process once an opposition has been filed?

Accepted Answer

Signed release of interest Favorable court action within 30-days  Unable to serve documentation from a process server or court martial

Question 7

Why do you need my legal name, valid phone number and vehicle location?"

Accepted Answer

Your legal name, phone number and address are added to the lien sale paperwork. You are required to have valid contact information and respond to inquires about the vehicle.

Question 8

Who might contact me during the lien sale process to inquire about the vehicle/boat?

Accepted Answer

You can expect to receive communication from our team, the Department of Motor Vehicles, Registered Owner, Legal Owner and/or anyone interested in the vehicle/boat.

Question 9

What happens to personal property in the vehicle/boat during the lien sale process?

Accepted Answer

Personal property (in or on the vehicle/boat) should be given to the registered owner upon request. Personal property secured to the vehicle (speakers, wheels, radios, etc.) should remain attached the vehicle/boat.

Question 10

Once the lien sale has started, can I move my vehicle to a new location (or out-of-state)?"

Accepted Answer

No. Your vehicle must remain at the lien sale vehicle location, throughout the duration of the lien sale. Moving your vehicle to a new location with invalidate the lien sale.

Question 11

Can I conduct a lien sale on a vehicle with an out-of-state license plate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can conduct a lien sale on an out-of-state vehicle, if the vehicle is located on your property in the State of California.

Question 12

After I submit my Lien Sale request, what happens next?"

Accepted Answer

As a Lien Agent customer, we will send you a confirmation email, when we receive your lien sale submission with instructions on what to expect.

Question 13

How do I complete the Lien Sale Paperwork on (and/or after) the sale date?

Accepted Answer

As a Lien Agent customer, we will send you instructions via email on how to complete your lien sale paperwork.

Question 14

What do I need in order to register a lien sale vehicle?

Accepted Answer

A valid lien sale packet, signed by the lienholder (a person or entity who has interest in the vehicle due to storage, repairs, and/or towing fees).

Question 15

Who is responsible for paying past due registration on a lien sale vehicle?

Accepted Answer

The new buyer, who intends on registering the vehicle at the DMV.

Question 16

What happens on the sale date?

Accepted Answer

You are required to hold a public auction at the vehicle location on the date of sale. You are required to hold an auction in a business-like manner. Sealed bids are not allowed. The vehicle/boat must be available 1-hour before the sale for inspection.

Question 17

Who can attend and bid on the vehicle/boat?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with interest in the vehicle can attend and bid on the vehicle/boat.

Question 18

What is required of the new buyer after the lien sale?

Accepted Answer

The new buyer is required to provide a DMV field office with signed lien sale paperwork within 5 days of the sale date.

Question 19

Who is responsible for past due registration if the vehicle is sold to a licensed scrap metal or wrecking facility?

Accepted Answer

All fees and penalties are waived.

Question 20

If a vehicle was abandoned on my property, can I sell the vehicle without valid lien sale paperwork?"

Accepted Answer

No. You are required to provide valid lien sale paperwork before selling the vehicle/boat to a new buyer.

Question 21

What if I lost my title (or pink slip) can I process a lien sale request?

Accepted Answer

No. If you are the registered owner (or have monetary interest in the vehicle) you cannot process a lien sale request on your own vehicle/boat. You must apply for a duplicate title.

Question 22

What happens if I sell the vehicle/boat on the sale date for more than what’s owed in fees?

Accepted Answer

Excess fees are to be paid to the DMV Lien Sale Section with a copy of the Certificate of Lien Sale. PO Box 932317 Sacramento, CA 94232-3170

Question 23

What is required in order to claim repairs on a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Valid Bureau of Automotive Repairs (BAR) license. A daily storage rate visible for customers view. Signed work order with name and address of person who authorized the repairs. Signed copy of the repair bill(s). Lien sale filled within 30-days of completed repairs, or billing customer (whichever came first). Should you have any additional questions, please contact the Bureau of Automotive Repairs (BAR).

Question 24

What happens if I accept payment or partial payment for the lien sale?

Accepted Answer

Once you accept payment the lien sale is invalidated.

Question 25

Can I conduct a lien sale on a vehicle located out-of-state?

Accepted Answer

No. Your vehicle must be located in California.

Question 26

What do I need in order to register a lien sale vehicle?

Accepted Answer

A valid lien sale packet, signed by the lienholder (a person or entity who has interest in the vehicle due to storage, repairs, and/or towing fees).

Question 27

Who is responsible for paying past due parking tickets on a lien sale vehicle?

Accepted Answer

The previous registered owner who is responsible for accruing the parking tickets.

Question 28

What is required in order to claim repairs on a boat?

Accepted Answer

Valid Bureau of automotive repairs (BAR) license is not required. A daily storage rate visible for customers view. Signed work order with name and address of person who authorized the repairs. Signed copy of the repair bill(s). Lien sale filled within 60-days of completed repairs, or billing customer (whichever came first).

VEHICLE

Under $4,000.00

Individual - $110

Industry Business - $65

Tow Company - $30

minimum 10 / per month

Over $4,000.00

VEHICLE

Individual - $145

Industry Business - $110

Tow Company - $75

minimum 10 / per month

ALL VALUES

BOAT

Individual - $145

Industry Business - $110

Tow Company - $75

minimum 10 / per month

Additional discounts available for high volume customers.

Please call for details (858) 634-0025

Industry Businesses Include; Auto Body Shops, Repair Shops, Storage Facilities, Parking Lots, Automotive Related Businesses, etc.

Additional Fees

Need Help With DMV Lien Sale Paperwork?

Call or Text Us

Mail Us

E-mail Us

VEHICLE

Under $4,000.00

Individual - $110

Industry Business - $65

Tow Company - $30

minimum 10 / per month

Over $4,000.00

VEHICLE

Individual - $145

Industry Business - $110

Tow Company - $75

minimum 10 / per month

ALL VALUES

BOAT

Individual - $145

Industry Business - $110

Tow Company - $75

minimum 10 / per month

Additional discounts available for high volume customers.

Please call for details (858) 634-0025

​

Industry Businesses Include; Auto Body Shops, Repair Shops, Storage Facilities, Parking Lots, Automotive Related Businesses, etc.

​

Additional Fees

​

Need Help With DMV Lien Sale Paperwork?

Call or Text Us

Mail Us

E-mail Us