18.150 Vehicles Valued Over $4,000 or From a Self-Service Storage Facility (CC §3071)

A self-service storage facility is any property designated and used for leasing individual storage space. This does not include a garage or other storage area in a private residence. The lien sale process for a vehicle valued over $4000 or obtained from a self-service storage facility is as follows:

Step 1

Within 30 days of the date the lien arose (date the registered owner was billed or when the public agency impounded the vehicle), the lienholder must submit an Application for Lien Sale Authorization and Lienholder’s Certification (REG 656) (PDF) and the nonrefundable processing fee to DMV at the address on the form.

Step 2

• DMV notifies the owner(s) of record and interested parties of the lien sale by sending a Notice of Lien Sale/Declaration of Opposition letter by certified mail.
• Owners and interested parties have 10 days from the date the Notice of Lien Sale/Declaration of Opposition is mailed to oppose the sale.
• An owner/interested party who opposes the sale must sign and return the Declaration of Opposition to DMV.

If the vehicle is registered in another state, DMV notifies the appropriate agency of that state.

Step 3

If the sale is opposed DMV sends the lienholder a letter denying the lien sale application.

If the sale is not opposed DMV sends the lienholder a letter granting authorization to conduct the sale.

If the sale is opposed and the lienholder submits any of the items in the Declaration of Opposition section in this chapter DMV sends the lienholder a letter granting authorization to continue the sale.

Step 4

Upon receipt of authorization to conduct the sale from DMV, the lienholder must set the date of the sale.

Step 5

Twenty days prior to the sale, but not counting the day of the sale, the lienholder must send a Notice of Pending Lien Sale for Vehicle Valued Over $4,000 or From a Self-Service Facility (REG 280) (PDF) by certified mail, return receipt requested, to:

• The registered and legal owners of the vehicle (if registered in California).
• All persons known to have an interest in the vehicle.
• The DMV Lien Sale Unit.

Step 6

At least five days and not more than 20 days prior to the sale (not counting the day of the sale), the lienholder must advertise the sale in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the lien sale will be conducted.

If there is no newspaper of general circulation published in the county, the notice of sale must be posted in three of the most public places in the town where the vehicle is located and at the place where the vehicle is to be sold.

This notice must be posted for 10 consecutive days prior to and including the day of sale.

Step 7

The lienholder must have the vehicle available for inspection at a location easily accessible to the public for at least one hour before the sale. The vehicle must also be at the place of sale at the time and date specified on the REG 280.

Step 8

The lienholder must conduct the lien sale in a businesslike manner. Sealed bids are not allowed.

Step 9

After the sale, the lienholder must keep the vehicle for a 10-day redemption period. The registered or legal owner may redeem the vehicle by paying all costs and expenses, plus 12 percent interest (CC §3071(k)).

Step 10

After the redemption period, the lienholder must:

• Remove and destroy the license plates.
• Submit a completed Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) (PDF) to DMV within five days of the sale.
• Complete a Certification of Lien Sale for Vehicles Valued Over $4,000 or From a Self-Serve Storage Facility (REG 168) (PDF). If no one places a qualifying bid on the vehicle, the lienholder must complete the REG 168 as both the seller and buyer.

Step 11

Give the buyer the:

• REG 168.
• Certified or bulk mailing receipts.
• DMV authorization to conduct a lien sale or, if the lien sale was opposed, DMV authorization to continue the sale.

Step 12

Within 15 days of the sale, the lienholder must submit any excess fees with a copy of the REG 168 to:
DMV
Lien Sale Section, MS D143
PO Box 932317
Sacramento, CA 94232-3170

All notices must specify the make, year model, vehicle identification number, and engine number (motorcycles) for the vehicle.

The following must be submitted:

• A completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) (PDF) or a Report of Vehicle to be Dismantled (REG 42) (PDF).
• A Certification of Lien Sale for Vehicle Valued Over $4,000 or From a Self–Serve Storage Facility (REG 168) (PDF) completed by the lienholder or their agent. If there is no buyer, the lienholder completes the REG 168 as both the seller and buyer.
• The certified mailing or bulk postal receipts (attached to the REG 168).
• DMV authorization to conduct a lien sale or, if the lien sale was opposed, DMV authorization to continue the sale.
• A Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (PDF), unless there is a vehicle record on the database.
• Other documents, as needed, such as bill(s) of sale and the odometer mileage disclosure on the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262).
• A smog certification, if appropriate.
• Fees due. See the Determining Fees section in this chapter.
• Verify that:
  • The 10-day redemption period has passed before accepting the lien sale application.
  • There is a postal receipt for each party listed on the DMV authorization to conduct/continue a lien sale.
  • The post mark date on the postal receipts is at least 20 days prior to the sale date.
  • The Publication of Sale section on the REG 168 was properly completed.
  • There is a bill(s) of sale to show a chain of ownership from the buyer listed in the Certificate of Sale section on the REG 168 to the current owner, if necessary.