Section 19 of 38
Chapter 18: Lien Sales – Abandoned – Abated Vehicles
18.035 Determining Fees
| If the Vehicle | And | Then |
|---|---|---|
| If the VehicleRegistration expired before going into the lienholder’s possession and while in the lienholder’s possession additional registration year(s) became due | AndThe lienholder does not operate a storage garage or tow service | ThenRenewal fees and penalties that became due prior to entering the lienholder’s possession are due. In addition, the current renewal or PNO fees are due and must be paid within 20 days of the sale date to avoid penalties for the current renewal period. Note Any renewal period that became due while in the lienholder’s possession is not due, unless the vehicle is being registered during the current renewal period. |
| If the VehicleThe lienholder does not operate a storage garage or tow service | AndRenewal fees and penalties are due from the last expiration date. | ThenN/A |
| If the VehicleWas last registered in another state | AndN/A | ThenFees become due on the date of, first known operation (usually the date the vehicle entered the lienholder’s possession) and must be paid within 20 days of becoming due to avoid penalties. |
| If the VehicleRegistration date and/or jurisdiction is unknown | AndN/A | ThenFees become due on the date the vehicle entered the lienholder’s possession and must be paid within 20 days of becoming due to avoid penalties. Exception: Public agency impounded vehicles are assessed fees from the first known date of operation after the sale VC §4000(e)). |
| If the VehicleWas sold at lien sale | AndN/A | ThenUse tax is due and the vehicle must be reclassified. |
| If the VehicleWas retained by and is being registered to the lienholder | AndN/A | ThenUse tax is due and the vehicle must be reclassified based on the total billing and cost shown on line 2 of the Accounting of the Lien Sale and Proceeds section of the Certification of Lien Sale for Vehicle Over $4000 or From a Self-Serve Storage Facility (REG 168) (PDF), or the Auction Sale and Proceeds section of the Certification of Lien Sale for Vehicle Valued $4,000 or Less (REG 168A) (PDF). A single transfer fee is due. |
| If the VehicleIs being registered in the name of the person who bought the vehicle at auction | AndN/A | ThenUse tax is due and the vehicle must be reclassified based on the value shown on the bill of sale to the purchaser or the cost shown on line 1 of the Accounting of the Lien Sale and Proceeds section of the REG 168 (PDF), or the Auction Sale and Proceeds section of the REG 168A (PDF). A single transfer fee is due. |
| If the VehicleWas not sold the day of the lien sale, and the lienholder sold the vehicle at a later date | AndN/A | ThenTwo transfer fees are due. Note A transfer fee is due for each additional transfer. |
Note The 10-day redemption period required for vehicles valued over $4,000 applies towards the 20-day calculation for payment of fees (count 20 days from the sale date).