{"id":133195,"date":"2022-02-02T10:56:12","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T18:56:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/?page_id=133195"},"modified":"2026-03-19T11:18:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T18:18:05","slug":"lien-sales-frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/driver-education-and-safety\/educational-materials\/how-tos\/lien-sales-frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Lien Sales Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This FAQ is designed to answer most common lien sale questions. The DMV\u2019s Lien Sale Unit is also available at (916) 657-7617.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vehicle-owners-interested-parties\">Vehicle Owners \/ Interested Parties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-i-received-a-notice-of-pending-lien-sale-in-the-mail-why\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tI received a notice of pending lien sale in the mail, why?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-77887\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-77887\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-10290\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-10290\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>The notice is to let you know that a lien sale is pending for the vehicle. The lien sale allows the business (lienholder) to recover the money owed for repairs, towing, and\/or storage of the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The notice of pending lien sale is required to be sent to all the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the registered and legal owner(s) of record,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any person identified as a buyer on a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) filed with DMV, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any person known by the lienholder to have an interest in the vehicle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-i-sold-this-vehicle-why-am-i-getting-a-notice-of-pending-lien-sale\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tI sold this vehicle, why am I getting a notice of pending lien sale?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-73858\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-73858\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-95858\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-95858\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>You received the notice because DMV records indicate you still have an interest in this vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-i-gave-dmv-an-nrl-after-i-sold-the-vehicle-why-am-i-still-listed-on-it\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tI gave DMV an NRL after I sold the vehicle, why am I still listed on it?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-24342\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-24342\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-62748\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-62748\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>If you have gave DMV an NRL, it is on file. However, to complete the vehicle sale, the person you sold the vehicle to must change the ownership at DMV. You may still be listed as the vehicle owner, which is why you received the notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> after the purchaser takes possession of the vehicle and you submitted a properly completed NRL, any liability for parking violations, traffic violations, or other legal matter after the date of sale becomes the responsibility of the purchaser.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have not filed an NRL with DMV for the vehicle\u2019s sale, you may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/titles\/title-transfers-and-changes\/notice-of-transfer-and-release-of-liability-nrl\/\">submit it now<\/a> to protect yourself from future liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information regarding the NRL, including how to file or how to get a copy of a submitted NRL, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/titles\/title-transfers-and-changes\/notice-of-transfer-and-release-of-liability-nrl\/\">NRL FAQs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-its-past-the-10-day-window-to-oppose-the-lien-sale-what-can-i-do\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tIt\u2019s past the 10-day window to oppose the lien sale, what can I do?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-19683\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-19683\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-19294\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-19294\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>When the window to oppose the lien sale has past, it becomes a civil matter between the parties involved. You may want to seek legal advice if you are unsure of your options, the consequences, or of what you want to do. However, many times in this situation customers choose to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Work with the lienholder to pay all fees due in order to retrieve the vehicle before it is sold.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do nothing and let the vehicle be sold.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>File a court action to prevent the sale of the vehicle if it is believed that the lienholder is not entitled to the money owed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> if the lienholder takes you to court for the remainder of money owed after the sale of the vehicle, or if you file a court action against the lienholder to prevent the sale, the court may determine that you owe the money and court fees.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-i-picked-up-the-vehicle-before-the-lien-sale-but-the-lien-is-still-on-dmvs-record-how-do-i-remove-the-lien\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tI picked up the vehicle before the lien sale, but the lien is still on DMV\u2019s record, how do I remove the lien?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-6308\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-6308\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-97864\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-97864\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>You can remove the lien by providing DMV with proof of possession, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For registered owners, a vehicle verification or proof of payment on the lienholder\u2019s letterhead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For legal owners, a Certificate of Repossession.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-where-or-how-do-i-get-a-vehicle-verification-done\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tWhere or how do I get a vehicle verification done?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-4807\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-4807\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-70961\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-70961\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>The vehicle verification must be completed by an authorized DMV representative, California licensed vehicle verifier, authorized auto club (AAA) employee, or peace officer who has been properly trained to perform vehicle verifications.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-how-can-i-provide-proof-of-possession\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tHow can I provide proof of possession?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-17344\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-17344\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-84425\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-84425\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Proof of possession may be submitted one of the following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>By Fax: (916) 657-8763<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By Mail:  <br>P.O. Box 932317 <br>Sacramento, CA 94232<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In person at a local field office.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You may find a location near you by using the link below. Be sure to access the \u201cSelect a Service\u201d drop down button and choose the \u201cField Offices\u201d box shown under \u201cLocation Types\u201d: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/locations\/\">https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/locations\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-the-legal-owner-shown-on-my-title-has-gone-out-of-business-can-i-do-a-lien-sale-to-release-the-legal-owners-interest\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tThe legal owner shown on my title has gone out of business, can I do a lien sale to release the legal owner\u2019s interest?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-8982\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-8982\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-84307\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-84307\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>No, you cannot conduct a lien sale on a vehicle in which you have a monetary interest.<br><br>Follow the link below to access the Financial Institution Locator which provides resources for locating a legal owner and provides the process when the legal owner is closed, or no information is available:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/titles\/find-your-financial-institution\/\">https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/titles\/find-your-financial-institution\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-how-can-i-claim-a-refund-of-fees-in-a-lien-sale\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tHow can I claim a refund of fees in a lien sale?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-40891\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-40891\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-90306\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-90306\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>The <a href=\"\/portal\/lien-sale-excess-fees-lookup\/\">Excess Lien Fee Lookup<\/a> is an online service from the California DMV that allows vehicle owners to quickly find out if excess fees were received for a vehicle sold via a lien sale. These fees are available for 3 years after the lien sale.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-i-have-other-questions-who-can-i-talk-to\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tI have other questions. Who can I talk to?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-14414\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-14414\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-97811\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-97811\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Please contact the Lien Sale Unit at (916) 657-7617.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vehicle Purchasers \/ New Owners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-i-bought-a-vehicle-from-a-lien-sale-and-have-lost-the-documents-what-can-i-do\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tI bought a vehicle from a lien sale and have lost the documents. What can I do?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-3376\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-3376\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-81022\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-81022\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Please contact the person or business where you bought the vehicle to request copies of the documents. If documents are unavailable, contact the Lien Sale Unit at (916) 657-7617 for more information.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lienholders-lienholder-agents\">Lienholders \/ Lienholder Agents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-how-do-i-conduct-a-lien-sale\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tHow do I conduct a lien sale?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-87630\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-87630\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-91111\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-91111\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>You must first determine whether the value of the vehicle is over $4,000 or at $4,000 or less, and ensure you are using the current market value for similar vehicles. Once you have determined the value of the vehicle follow the link below based on the identified value to access the \u201cHow To: Brochure\u201d that explains the process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the value is at $4,000 or less:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/how-to-conduct-a-lien-sale-for-a-vehicle-valued-at-4000-or-less-htvr-7\/\">https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/how-to-conduct-a-lien-sale-fora-vehicle-valued-at-4000-or-less-htvr-7\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the value is over $4,000:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/how-to-conduct-a-lien-sale-for-a-vehicle-stored-at-a-self-service-storage-facility-or-valued-over-4000-htvr-8\/\">https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/how-to-conduct-a-lien-sale-fora-vehicle-stored-at-a-self-service-storage-facility-or-valued-over4000-htvr-8\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-where-can-i-get-lien-sale-documents\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tWhere can I get lien sale documents?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-68506\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-68506\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-60720\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-60720\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Lien sale documents are available on the DMV website:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/notice-of-pending-lien-sale-for-vehicle-valued-4000-or-less-reg-668-pdf\/\">Notice of Pending Lien Sale for Vehicle Valued $4000 or Less (REG 668) (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/certification-of-lien-sale-for-vehicle-valued-4000-or-less-reg-168a-pdf\/\">Certification of Lien Sale for Vehicle Valued $4000 or Less (REG 168A) (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/application-for-authorization-for-lien-sale-reg-656-pdf\/\">Application for Authorization for Lien Sale of a Lien Sale for a Vehicle Valued Over $4000 (REG 656) (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/notice-of-pending-lien-sale-reg-280-pdf\/\">Notice of Pending Lien Sale of Vehicle Valued over $4000 or From a Self-Service Storage Facility (REG 280) (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/certification-of-lien-sale-reg-168-pdf\/\">Certification of Lien Sale (REG 168) \u2013 For vehicle valued over $4000 (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/application-for-authorization-to-continue-lien-sale-after-unsuccessful-service-reg-659-pdf\/\">Application for Authorization to Continue Lien Sale After Unsuccessful Service (REG 659) (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> To avoid the rejection of applications submitted, ensure forms are completed in their entirety and the information provided is legible and correct (e.g. complete VIN\/license plate\/description of vehicle, signature and date signed, countersignature for business\/company, etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-there-is-a-stop-on-the-record-can-i-conduct-a-lien-sale\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tThere is a stop on the record, can I conduct a lien sale?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-3915\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-3915\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-90756\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-90756\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Please contact the Lien Sale Unit at (916) 657-7617.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-can-i-do-a-lien-sale-to-cover-repair-costs-on-a-vehicle-if-i-dont-have-a-bureau-of-automotive-repair-bar-number\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tCan I do a lien sale to cover repair costs on a vehicle if I don\u2019t have a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) number?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-49972\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-49972\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-44535\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-44535\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>No. All auto repair shops in California must be registered with the Department of Consumer Affairs\u2019 Bureau of Automotive Repair.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-i-am-the-lienholder-and-i-received-notification-the-lien-was-opposed-what-do-i-do-now\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tI am the lienholder and I received notification the lien was opposed. What do I do now?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-99007\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-99007\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-53609\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-53609\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>When the lien sale is opposed, DMV sends a denial letter to the lienholder. The lien sale cannot be conducted unless one of the following occurs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The declarant signs the Release of Interest section on the bottom of the denial letter and the lienholder submits the original signed document to DMV.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The lienholder files an action in court within 30 days of the date DMV\u2019s notice was mailed and a judgment is awarded to the lienholder that is not paid within five days of becoming final. Submit to DMV a copy of the court judgment with a copy of the plaintiff\u2019s claim and a Statement of Facts (REG 256) form stating, \u201cA court judgment has been received in the lienholder\u2019s favor. It has been at least 35 days and no money has been received.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The lienholder could not serve the declarant pursuant to CCC \u00a7\u00a73071(e) or 3072(e), and the lienholder submits the following documents to DMV: an Application for Authorization to Continue Lien Sale After Unsuccessful Service (REG 659) form with the unopened certified letter that contains the court documents or the documents proving unsuccessful personal service.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>When one of the items listed above is received by the Lien Sale Unit at DMV headquarters, DMV will send authorization to continue with the sale to the lienholder and notify the person who opposed the sale of the authorization.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-can-i-conduct-a-lien-sale-on-a-vehicle-located-out-of-state\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tCan I conduct a lien sale on a vehicle located out-of-state?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-74924\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-74924\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-38929\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-38929\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>No. If the vehicle in your possession has California license plates and you are out-of-state, you must follow the lien sale laws of that state. You can acquire the names and addresses of the legal and registered owners of the vehicle by using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/request-for-record-information-inf-70-pdf\/\">Request for Record Information (INF 70) (PDF)<\/a> form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Out-of-state lien sale requesters must cite their state statute by code name and section number AND attach a copy of the statute to their request. For further information, contact the DMV Information Release Unit at (916) 657-8098.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> Out-of-state requesters cannot use Registration Information Request for Lien Sale (INF 1126) form, which is for California based requesters only.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-i-have-other-questions-who-can-i-talk-to\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tI have other questions. Who can I talk to?\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-76668\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-76668\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-69165\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-69165\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Please contact the Lien Sale Unit at (916) 657-7617.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This FAQ is designed to answer most common lien sale questions. The DMV\u2019s Lien Sale Unit is also available at (916) 657-7617. Vehicle Owners \/ Interested Parties Vehicle Purchasers \/ New Owners Lienholders \/ Lienholder Agents<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":0,"parent":21787,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"dmv_page_popups":[],"dmv_ribbon_color":"","dmv_top_illustration":"","dmv_page_title":"","dmv_page_subtitle":"","dmv_exclude_from_search_results":false,"dmv_allowed_editors":[],"dmv_display_translate_button":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[12212,12221,12200,12194,12206,12224,12191,12215,12203,10877,12209,12197,12218],"dmv_task":[11],"dmv_functional_page_type":[64,69],"dmv_content_type":[],"class_list":["post-133195","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","tag-bought-a-vehicle-from-a-lien-sale","tag-conducting-a-lien-sale-with-a-stop","tag-how-to-remove-a-lien-sale-on-dmv-records","tag-i-sold-my-vehicle-why-is-my-name-on-it","tag-legal-owner-is-out-of-business","tag-lien-sale-on-an-out-of-state-vehicle","tag-lien-sales-faqs","tag-lien-was-opposed","tag-liens-sale-documents","tag-notice-of-pending-lien-sale","tag-oppose-lien-sale-10-day-window","tag-proof-of-possession","tag-why-am-i-getting-a-notice-of-pending-sale","dmv_task-educational","dmv_functional_page_type-informational","dmv_functional_page_type-instructional"],"featured_image_src":null,"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - 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