REG 168A Form – The REG 168A Form is the official California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) document officially titled Certification of Lien Sale for Vehicle Valued $4000 or Less. Lienholders (such as tow companies, mechanics, or storage facilities) use it to certify that they followed all legal requirements when selling a vehicle valued at $4,000 or less to satisfy an unpaid lien for towing, storage, or repairs.
This one-page form, revised in 1/2019 and still the current version as of 2026, provides essential details about the vehicle, the lien sale process, the buyer, and the accounting of proceeds. It ensures a clear transfer of ownership while complying with California Civil Code §3072.
Why Do You Need the REG 168A Form?
You need the REG 168A when conducting (or buying from) a lien sale on a low-value vehicle ($4,000 or less). Unlike higher-value vehicles that require DMV pre-authorization and a 10-day redemption period, vehicles at or below this threshold follow a streamlined process under Civil Code §3072.
The form:
- Certifies that proper notices were sent 31–41 days before the sale.
- Documents the sale date, buyer information, and proceeds accounting.
- Allows the buyer to register the vehicle with the DMV.
- Enables the lienholder to submit any excess proceeds (if the sale price exceeds the lien amount plus costs) to the DMV.
Without a properly completed REG 168A, the buyer cannot obtain clear title, and the lienholder risks penalties or delays.
Who Uses the REG 168A Certification of Lien Sale Form?
- Lienholders or their agents: Tow operators, repair shops, or storage facility owners who hold a lien.
- Buyers at lien sales: Individuals or dismantlers purchasing the vehicle at public auction.
- Lienholders who retain the vehicle: If no qualifying bid is received, the lienholder becomes the buyer and completes the form accordingly.
The form is not for vehicles valued over $4,000 (use REG 168 instead) or self-service storage facilities in some cases.
How to Download the Official REG 168A PDF?
Download the free, official REG 168A PDF directly from the California DMV website:
Official Download Link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/10/REG-168-A-R1-2019-ASB-WWW.pdf
This is the most current version available on the DMV forms page. Always use the official DMV PDF to avoid outdated or altered versions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the REG 168A Form
Follow these instructions exactly as outlined on the form and in the DMV handbook:
- Vehicle Description — Enter license number, state, expiration date, VIN, make, year, model, body type, and engine number (if motorcycle).
- Authority to Conduct Lien Sale — Provide dates the vehicle came into possession, when the owner was billed, when services were completed, and (if applicable) towing date. Select the basis for your authority (e.g., notices mailed, court judgment, or no known interested parties). Attach required proof.
- Notice of Pending Sale — Confirm that Notices of Pending Sale (with Declarations of Opposition) were mailed 31–41 days prior to registered/legal owners, interested parties, and DMV. Attach postal receipts or listing sheet.
- Certificate of Sale — Fill in the exact sale date and the buyer’s full name and complete address.
- Accounting of the Lien Sale and Proceeds:
- Line 1: Sale price (if sold).
- Line 2: Itemize costs (A. Towing, B. Storage, C. Repairs, D. Cost of Selling — max $70). Total these.
- Line 3: Any parking violations.
- Line 4: Excess fees (sale price minus costs and violations). If negative or zero, no excess.
- Certification — Print lienholder (or agent) name, contact info, and address. Sign and date under penalty of perjury, certifying compliance with all laws.
Important Note: Complete the form immediately after the auction and give the original to the buyer. Keep a copy for DMV submission with any excess fees.
Required Documents to Attach to REG 168A
- Certified mailing or bulk postal receipts (or listing sheet) for the Notice of Pending Sale.
- DMV vehicle record printout.
- If the sale was opposed: Certified copy of court judgment in favor of the lienholder.
- If authority is based on release of interest: Copy of the release.
What Happens After the Lien Sale and REG 168A Completion?
- To the buyer: Provide the completed REG 168A + DMV vehicle record printout + mailing receipts.
- Lienholder responsibilities:
- Remove and destroy license plates.
- Submit Notice of Release of Liability (NRL / REG 138) to DMV within 5 days.
- Within 15 days of sale, send any excess fees + copy of REG 168A to:
Lien Sale Unit, P.O. Box 932317, Sacramento, CA 94232-3170.
- All registration fees and penalties become due on the sale date.
- The buyer uses the REG 168A to apply for registration (typically with REG 343 or other title documents).
Common Questions About REG 168A and California Lien Sales
Q: Can I fill out REG 168A online?
A: No. Download the PDF, complete it by hand or with Adobe Acrobat, then print and sign in ink.
Q: What if no one bids on the vehicle?
A: The lienholder becomes the buyer on the form and can register it or sell later with a bill of sale.
Q: Is REG 168A the same as REG 168?
A: No. REG 168A is for vehicles $4,000 or less. REG 168 is for vehicles over $4,000 or certain storage facility liens.
Q: Where do I send excess proceeds?
A: Mail them with a copy of the completed REG 168A to the Lien Sale Unit address above within 15 days.
Final Tips for Successful Use of the REG 168A Form
Always reference the latest DMV Lien Sales Handbook and FAQ for the most current procedures. Double-check vehicle value using current market data for similar vehicles to confirm the $4,000 threshold applies. Keep copies of everything for your records.
For the official REG 168A PDF and full instructions, visit the California DMV website or use the direct download link provided above.
This guide is based entirely on current official California DMV sources and handbooks. For personalized legal advice, consult the DMV or a qualified professional.