INF 1126 Form – The INF 1126 form (also known as the Registration Information Request for Lien Sale) is the official California DMV document used by lienholders to obtain the names and addresses of registered owners, legal owners, and interested parties for vehicles valued at $4,000 or less or vessels valued at $1,500 or less. This form is required before conducting a lien sale under California law.
If you are a repair shop, tow company, storage facility, or any California-based lienholder needing to start the lien sale process, the INF 1126 PDF is the exact form you must use. The current official version is available directly from the DMV website: Download INF 1126 PDF here.
What Is the INF 1126 Form?
The INF 1126 is titled “Registration Information Request for Lien Sale – Vehicle Valued Under $4000 / Vessel Valued Under $1500.” It is a one-page form (REV. 2/2003) specifically designed for California requesters only. Out-of-state lienholders must use a different form (INF 70R or INF 70).
DMV uses this form to release protected vehicle or vessel registration records so you can properly notify owners before a lien sale. The form is not for general vehicle record requests — it is strictly for lien sale purposes under specific statutes (CVC §§ 22851.3 and 22851.8, Civil Code § 3072, and Harbors and Navigation Code § 504).
Why Do You Need the INF 1126 Form for a Lien Sale?
California law requires lienholders to notify the registered owner, legal owner, and any known interested parties before selling a vehicle or vessel to satisfy an unpaid lien (for repairs, towing, storage, etc.). The INF 1126 is the only way to legally obtain the current owner and lienholder information from DMV records for low-value assets.
You must submit the form within 15 days (or 30 days in some cases) of the lien arising, or the entire lien sale process may be invalid. The DMV then mails you a printout of the registration records so you can send the required “Notice of Pending Lien Sale” (REG 668).
Who Can Use INF 1126?
- California residents or businesses only
- Lienholders (repair shops, tow operators, storage facilities, public agencies)
- Anyone with a valid lien on a qualifying vehicle or vessel
- Not available to out-of-state requesters
If you are outside California, you must use the general Request for Record Information (INF 70) and attach your state’s lien sale statute.
How to Download the Official INF 1126 PDF (Free & Direct)?
- Go to the California DMV website.
- Download the latest version directly here:
INF 1126 PDF – Registration Information Request for Lien Sale (uploaded October 2024).
The form is always free from the official DMV source. Avoid third-party sites that may provide outdated or altered versions.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the INF 1126 Form?
Every section must be completed or DMV will return your request.
Section 1 – Requester’s Information
Print your full name or business name, daytime phone, and complete mailing address.
Section 2 – Record Search Criteria
Provide the vehicle license plate (or vessel CF number), state, last registered county, make, year, model, VIN (or HIN), and motorcycle engine number if applicable. All fields help DMV locate the exact record.
Section 3 – Reason for Request
This is critical. Explain:
- The basis for your lien (statute and section number if known)
- Date the vehicle/vessel came into your possession
- Current value
- How you acquired it
- Current location
Incomplete explanations = request denied.
Section 4 – Certification & Signature
Sign under penalty of perjury, provide the city/county/state and date, and print your California driver license or ID number (must match signature).
Section 5 – Mailing Label
Leave for DMV use; they will mail the record printout to the address you provided in Section 1.
How to Submit INF 1126 (In-Person or Mail)?
- In-person: Take the completed form + $5 fee to any local DMV office.
- By mail: Send to:
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
P.O. Box 944247 — Mail Station G199
Sacramento, CA 94244-2470
Include a check or money order for $5.00 per request (non-refundable). No cash by mail.
Fees, Deadlines, and Requirements
- Fee: $5.00 per vehicle/vessel (non-refundable)
- Processing time: DMV mails the record printout after receipt
- Key deadline: Submit within 15 days of lien arising (30 days in limited cases)
- Privacy rule: You must destroy the personal information when no longer needed and cannot use it for any other purpose
Full Lien Sale Process Overview (INF 1126 Is Step 1)
- Submit INF 1126 + fee → Receive owner records
- Send Notice of Pending Lien Sale (REG 668)
- Wait required notice period
- Conduct public lien sale if unpaid
- File final paperwork with DMV
Missing the INF 1126 step makes the entire sale invalid.
Common Mistakes That Cause INF 1126 Rejection
- Leaving Section 3 (Reason for Request) blank or vague
- Missing the $5 fee
- Out-of-state requester using the wrong form
- Incorrect or missing VIN/HIN
- Signature or DL/ID number not matching
Double-check every field before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About INF 1126
Can I fill INF 1126 online?
No. It must be printed, completed by hand, and submitted in person or by mail.
How long does it take to get the records?
DMV processes mail requests at headquarters; allow sufficient time before your lien sale deadlines.
Is there a faster way?
In-person submission at a local DMV office is usually quickest.
What if the vehicle value changed?
The form is for vehicles $4,000 or less / vessels $1,500 or less. Higher-value liens use different procedures (REG 656).
Legal Notes and Privacy Requirements
The subject of the record may receive a copy of your INF 1126 request. You are legally required to protect and eventually destroy the personal information per Civil Code §§ 1798.80–1798.82. False statements on the form are a misdemeanor punishable by up to $5,000 fine or one year in jail.
Need Help? Contact the California DMV
For questions about lien sales or the INF 1126 form, contact the DMV Information Release Unit at (916) 657-8098 or visit your local DMV office. Always use the official DMV sources above for the most current instructions.
Download the official INF 1126 PDF today and start your lien sale process correctly:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/10/INF-1126-R2-2003-ASB-WWW.pdf
This guide is based entirely on current official California DMV publications and the form itself. Procedures can change — always verify the latest version on dmv.ca.gov before submitting.