Dismantler’s Handbook of Registration Procedures

Driver Education illustration

Section 5 of 11

Lien Sales and Abandoned Vehicles

5.310 Disposition of Low Value Vehicles Removed for Reasons Other than Abandonment (VC §22851.6, 22851.8, 22851.10)

Step 1
Within 48 hours after removal of the vehicle, the public agency must notify the Department of Justice at:

Department of Justice
Bureau of Information Services
Stolen Vehicle Unit
PO Box 9034l7
Sacramento, CA 94203-4l70

Step 2
Within 15 working days following the date of possession of the vehicle, the lienholder must apply to the department for the names and addresses of all persons having an interest in the vehicle.

Step 3
Immediately upon receipt of DMV record information, the lienholder must complete and send by certified mail, with return receipt requested or U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing, a Notice of Intent To Dispose of a Vehicle Valued at $500 or Less Removed by a Public Agency for Reasons Other than Abandonment (REG 684A) and a return envelope pre-addressed to the lienholder to:

  • The registered owner
  • The legal owner
  • Any other persons having interest in the vehicle.

Step 4
The public agency must complete Section A of the Public Agencyn Authorization To Dispose of a Vehicle to a Scrap Iron Processor or Dismantler Valued at $500 or Less (REG 462). After the expiration of the opposition period, distribute the REG 462 as follows:

  • Give the white and pink copies to the towing agent
  • Retain the yellow copy for your records.

Step 5
If a Declaration of Opposition is not received by the intended disposal date, the lienholder must dispose of the vehicle to a dismantler or a scrap iron processor and provide the following to the buyer:

  • REG 462-white copy (lienholder completes Section A)
  • REG 684A
  • Statement of Facts for Vehicles Valued at $500 or Less Removed by a Public Agency for Reasons Other Than Abandonment CVC 22851.8 (REG 686A) completed by the lienholder.
  • Certified mailing receipts or U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing receipt.

A vehicle without a California DMV record can be disposed of immediately.

Step 6
Within five days of selling the vehicle to a dismantler or scrap iron processor, the lienholder must provide to the dismantler:

  • REG 462-white copy
  • REG 684A
  • REG 686A
  • Certified mailing receipt or U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing receipt.

Step 7
Within 90 days of acquisition, the dismantler must submit to the department:

  • REG 42
  • REG 462-white copy
  • REG 684A
  • REG 686A
  • Certified mailing receipt or U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing receipt.