A lien sale is a legal process that allows a qualified business to recover unpaid charges for labor, repairs, towing, or storage by selling a vehicle in accordance with California law.

Qualified repair shops, body shops, towing companies, storage facilities, marinas, motorcycle repair shops, truck repair facilities, RV repair facilities, and other businesses authorized under California law may be eligible to file a lien sale, provided they meet all legal requirements.

Lien Sale Service processes all three California lien sale procedures:

• Standard lien sales for vehicles valued under $4,000.
• High-value lien sales for vehicles valued over $4,000.
• Junk lien sales for vehicles valued under $500, available only to qualified CHP and law enforcement-authorized garages as permitted by California law.

We process automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, trailers, RVs, boats, and other qualifying vehicles throughout California.

How long a lien takes is dependant on the vehicle's value. Disposal (junk) liens where the vehicle is valued at $500 or less take fifteen days to clear, but you must have a 180 to use this method. Vehicles valued under $4000 take between 31 and 41 days to clear. Vehicles values at 4000 and above require permission from DMV and can take 60 to 120 days to clear.

The value is based on the vehicle's current fair market value in its present condition—not what it was worth before it was damaged, became inoperable, or was brought in for repairs or storage. Because lien sale documents are signed under penalty of perjury, it is important that the vehicle's value and all information provided are accurate and truthful to the best of your knowledge.

The registered owner is generally responsible for the reasonable repair, towing, storage, and related charges that they authorized or that were lawfully incurred under California law. In addition, the registered owner may also be responsible for up to 60 days of storage on vehicles valued under $4,000, and up to 120 days of storage on vehicles valued over $4,000, as permitted by California law.

If the legal owner did not authorize the repairs, California law generally limits the legal owner's obligation to:

• Up to $1,500 for repairs and/or services.
• Up to $1,250 for storage.
• Reasonable lien sale expenses required by law.

These limits apply only when the legal owner did not authorize the work performed.

The required paperwork varies depending on the type of lien sale, but generally includes documentation supporting the repair, towing, or storage charges, vehicle information, dates of service, and other documents required by California law. At your request we will review your file and let you know exactly what is needed before the process begins.

If a Declaration of Opposition is filed, you generally have three options:

• Negotiate with the owner, legal owner, or whoever filed the Declaration of Opposition to resolve the matter and allow the vehicle to be released or the lien sale to proceed.
• Obtain a signed release from the person who filed the Declaration of Opposition, allowing the lien sale to continue.
• If neither option is successful, your remaining remedy is generally to file a lawsuit and obtain a court judgment.

We'll explain your options and help you determine the best course of action based on your specific situation.

Absolutely. Lien sale laws can be confusing, and every situation is different. With over 70 years of experience, we'll help ensure your paperwork is completed accurately, answer your questions, and guide you through even the most challenging lien sale situations

Since 1956, Lien Sale Service has proudly served California's automotive industry with professionalism, integrity, and personalized service.

• Over 70 years of experience.
• Accurate, DMV-compliant paperwork.
• Knowledge of all California lien sale procedures.
• Friendly, experienced lien sale specialists.
• Trusted by California's automotive industry since 1956.