Vehicle/Vessel Lien Sale Service
You must be a licensed storage facility with written storage contracts to submit storage liens.
Required Information for Lien Sale
Last Known Driver
We will need the name and address of the person who signed the Storage Contract with you, as well as a name and address for ANY person known or thought to have an interest in the vehicle.
Storage Details
The contracted daily or monthly storage rate.
Vehicle/Vessel Details
Value of the Vehicle / Vessel / Motorcycle / RV / Off-road Vehicle. Date the vehicle came into your possession and contract signed. The Year, Make, Model, License Number, and VIN Number.
Additional Information
Engine number if a Motorcycle, Snow Mobile, Scooter, or Quad. For Vessels: the HIN Number, CF Number, Builder, Type, Length, and exact monetary value. If the vessel has a trailer, it must be submitted at the same time as the boat.
Lien Sale Conditions
You must have possession of the vehicle/vessel for the entire length of the lien sale. Loss of possession immediately voids your lien. Moving the vehicle from the physical location also voids your lien. The vehicle can be moved around at the physical address but cannot leave the property.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a lien be filed?
The lien arises (becomes effective) at the time the registered owner is presented with a written statement of charges for completed work or services. If possession is the result of a public agency or private property impound, the lien arises when the vehicle is transported (towed). (DMV Civil Code 3068).
How long does it take to complete a lien sale?
Vehicles under $4,000: approximately 35 days. Vehicles over $4,000 and Vessels: usually 90 to 120 days, however DMV is delayed and is taking up to 5 months. Out-of-state vehicles will add additional time.
How do I know what type of lien I need to file?
No persons at I-Lien Lien Service can determine the value of a vehicle for you. We can advise you on how the value of your vehicle relates to the type of lien you should file.
Who determines the value of the vehicle?
For lien sale purposes, the public agency shall determine the estimated value. If the public agency fails within three days, the garage keeper or agent must determine the estimated value. Representatives at I-Lien cannot determine the value for you.
What do you do on the day of sale?
The vehicle must be available for inspection at least one hour prior to sale. A lien sale is a public sale. Bidding generally starts at what is owed. Sealed bids are not allowed.
What happens if someone stops (opposes) a lien sale?
If the department receives a Declaration of Opposition, notification is sent within 16 days to the lienholder informing them that the lien sale is denied and cannot be conducted unless: the lienholder files an action in court within 30 days, the declarant signs the Release of Interest, or other conditions as outlined in CC §§3071 or 3072 are met.
What happens after the lien sale auction?
Following the sale, remove and destroy the vehicle's license plates. Within five days, submit a completed "Notice of Release of Liability" form with the DMV. All lien sale documents shall be completed and delivered to the buyer immediately following the sale.
What if there is a legal owner of the vehicle?
The legal owner must be notified within 15 days for storage charges to continue. If the legal owner wishes to pick up the vehicle, they are only responsible for up to $1,250 plus the lien fees.
Do I have to post the lien sale notice?
Yes! At least 10 consecutive days prior to and including the day of sale, post a Notice of Pending Lien Sale in a conspicuous place on the premises. The notice shall remain posted until the sale is completed.
How many days and how much storage can you claim?
Storage rates are not regulated by the State of California. A lien sale will typically provide you with no more than 15 days of storage at your posted rate. If the vehicle's value is more than $4,000, you may be eligible for up to 120 days of storage.
What do you do with personal property in the vehicle?
No lien shall attach to any personal property in the vehicle. The personal property shall be given to the current registered owner upon demand. The lienholder shall not be responsible for personal property after the lien sale date.
What if you sell the vehicle for more than you are owed?
Submit the additional funds to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Lien Sale Section, 2415 1st Ave., Sacramento, CA 95818, along with a completed copy of the Certificate of Lien Sale.
Can someone stop a lien sale?
YES. Any person known to have an interest may stop your lien by filing a Declaration of Opposition with the California DMV within 10 days of mailing the Notice of Pending Lien Sale.