Buying A Lien Sale Car In California May 2026

: Either Form REG 168A for vehicles valued at $4,000 or less, or Form REG 168 for those over $4,000.

: Be prepared to pay the registration fee, title transfer fee, and use tax based on your purchase price.

Once you have your paperwork, you must visit a DMV office to complete the transfer of ownership. buying a lien sale car in california

When you purchase a vehicle at a lien sale, the lienholder is legally required to provide you with specific documentation. Do not finalize a purchase without these items, as they are essential for your registration application:

: Most vehicles will require a new smog check unless they are specifically exempt (e.g., very new models or electric vehicles). : Either Form REG 168A for vehicles valued

: Lien sale vehicles are often abandoned because they require expensive repairs, such as failing a smog check. The lienholder must allow public inspection for at least one hour before the sale.

: A copy of the vehicle's record used to identify interested parties before the sale. When you purchase a vehicle at a lien

: All lien sales must be conducted in a businesslike fashion; sealed bids are strictly prohibited by law.