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:

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

: For vehicles over $4,000, you must have the letter from the DMV authorizing the sale. Essential Registration Steps

Buying a car through a lien sale in California allows you to purchase a vehicle that has been abandoned or impounded by businesses like tow yards or repair shops to recover unpaid debts. Instead of a standard title, you receive a , which provides the legal authorization needed to register the vehicle in your name through the California DMV . Core Requirements for the Buyer

Once you have your paperwork, you must visit a DMV office to complete the transfer of ownership.