Question 1

I received a notice of pending lien sale in the mail, why?

Accepted Answer

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.
The notice of pending lien sale is required to be sent to all the following:
the registered and legal owner(s) of record,
any person identified as a buyer on a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) filed with DMV, and
any person known by the lienholder to have an interest in the vehicle.

Question 2

I sold this vehicle, why am I getting a notice of pending lien sale?

Accepted Answer

You received the notice because DMV records indicate you still have an interest in this vehicle.

Question 3

I gave DMV an NRL after I sold the vehicle, why am I still listed on it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

It's past the 10-day window to oppose the lien sale, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

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:
Work with the lienholder to pay all fees due in order to retrieve the vehicle before it is sold.
Do nothing and let the vehicle be sold.
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.
Note: 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.

Question 5

I picked up the vehicle before the lien sale, but the lien is still on DMV's record, how do I remove the lien?

Accepted Answer

You can remove the lien by providing DMV with proof of possession, such as:
For registered owners, a vehicle verification or proof of payment on the lienholder’s letterhead.
For legal owners, a Certificate of Repossession.

Question 6

Where or how do I get a vehicle verification done?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How can I provide proof of possession?

Accepted Answer

Proof of possession may be submitted one of the following ways:
By Fax: (916) 657-8763
By Mail:
P.O. Box 932317
Sacramento, CA 94232
In person at a local field office.
You may find a location near you by using the link below. Be sure to access the “Select a Service” drop down button and choose the “Field Offices” box shown under “Location Types”: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/locations/

Question 8

The legal owner shown on my title has gone out of business, can I do a lien sale to release the legal owner's interest?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot conduct a lien sale on a vehicle in which you have a monetary interest.

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:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/titles/find-your-financial-institution/

Question 9

I have other questions. Who can I talk to?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the Lien Sale Unit at (916) 657-7617.

ameriliens

(562) 330-1222 contact@ameriliens.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Lienholders

Can I do a lien sale to cover repair costs on a vehicle if I don't have a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) number?

I am the lienholder and I received notification the lien was opposed. What do I do now?

Can I conduct a lien sale on a vehicle located out-of-state?

There is a stop on the record, can I conduct a lien sale?

When can a lien be filed?

How long does it take to complete a lien sale?

How do I determine the right type of lien to file?

Who determines the vehicle's value?

What happens on the day of the lien sale?

What happens after the lien sale?

What if there is a legal owner on record?

Is it necessary to post a lien sale notice?

What happens to personal belongings inside the vehicle?

What if the vehicle sells for more than what is owed?

Can a lien sale be stopped?

What happens if the owner comes to reclaim their vehicle before the sale?

When can I initiate a lien sale?

How much can I charge for storage?

What is a Declaration of Opposition?

What can I do if someone opposes my lien?

Can I accept payment from the vehicle owner after starting the lien sale?

Do I have to wait until the sale date to sell the vehicle if I have a buyer now?

Who is responsible for unpaid registration fees or parking violations?

What happens if I make a mistake on the lien sale paperwork?

Vehicle Owners / Interested Parties

I received a notice of pending lien sale in the mail, why?

I sold this vehicle, why am I getting a notice of pending lien sale?

I gave DMV an NRL after I sold the vehicle, why am I still listed on it?

It's past the 10-day window to oppose the lien sale, what can I do?

I picked up the vehicle before the lien sale, but the lien is still on DMV's record, how do I remove the lien?

Where or how do I get a vehicle verification done?

How can I provide proof of possession?

The legal owner shown on my title has gone out of business, can I do a lien sale to release the legal owner's interest?

I have other questions. Who can I talk to?

Vehicle Purchasers / New Owners

I bought a vehicle from a lien sale and have lost the documents. What can I do?

ameriliens

562.330.1222

contact@ameriliens.com

3605 Long Beach Blvd. Unit 330E Long Beach, CA 90807

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