REG 280 Form: Notice of Pending Lien Sale Vehicle $4000 PDF – If you’re a lienholder (such as a repair shop, tow company, or storage facility) in California seeking to recover unpaid towing, storage, or repair fees through a vehicle sale, the REG 280 form is a required legal notice. Officially titled Notice of Pending Lien Sale of Vehicle Valued over $4,000 or From a Self-Service Storage Facility, this DMV form notifies the registered owner, legal owner, interested parties, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of an upcoming public lien sale.
The form is specifically for vehicles valued over $4,000 (or those from self-service storage facilities) under California Civil Code §3071. Many people search for “REG 280 Form Vehicle $4000 PDF” because the $4,000 threshold determines which lien sale process applies—don’t confuse it with the separate process for vehicles valued at $4,000 or less.
Official REG 280 PDF Download (Current Version):
Download REG 280 Form Here (REV. 1/2019, uploaded December 2024).
What Is the REG 280 Form and Why Is It Required?
The REG 280 serves as formal notice of a pending lien sale to satisfy unpaid charges for towing, storage, or repairs. Lien sales in California follow strict rules in Chapter 6.5 of the Civil Code to protect all parties.
Key facts:
- It must be sent at least 20 days before the sale date (not counting the day of sale) by certified mail, return receipt requested.
- Recipients include the registered/legal owners, all known interested parties, and the DMV Lien Sale Unit (P.O. Box 932317, Sacramento, CA 94232-3170).
- The vehicle must be available for public inspection and present at the sale location.
This notice gives owners a chance to redeem the vehicle by paying the lien amount before the sale. For sales under Civil Code §3071, the lienholder must hold the vehicle available for redemption for 10 days after the sale.
Full Step-by-Step Lien Sale Process for Vehicles Valued Over $4,000 (Using REG 280)
Lienholders must follow this exact sequence from the California DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual:
- Apply for Authorization — Within 30 days of the lien arising, submit Application for Lien Sale Authorization and Lienholder’s Certification (REG 656) plus the nonrefundable fee to DMV.
- DMV Notifies Owners — DMV sends a Notice of Lien Sale/Declaration of Opposition by certified mail. Owners have 10 days to oppose.
- Receive DMV Approval — If no opposition (or opposition resolved), DMV issues authorization.
- Set Sale Date — Schedule the public sale.
- Send REG 280 Notice — Mail the completed REG 280 form 20+ days before the sale.
- Advertise the Sale — Publish in a newspaper of general circulation (or post in three public places) at least 5–20 days prior.
- Make Vehicle Available — Allow public inspection for at least one hour before the sale; vehicle must be at the sale site.
- Conduct the Sale — Hold a public, businesslike auction (no sealed bids).
- 10-Day Post-Sale Redemption — Keep the vehicle available for redemption.
- Post-Sale Paperwork — Remove/destroy plates, submit REG 138 (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability), complete REG 168 (Certification of Lien Sale), and send excess proceeds (if any) to DMV within 15 days.
How to Fill Out the REG 280 Form (Complete Instructions)?
The form is straightforward but must be filled out completely and accurately under penalty of perjury. Required fields include:
- Vehicle details (license plate, state, VIN, year, make, model, body type, engine number for motorcycles)
- Registered owner, legal owner, and interested parties
- Date, time, and exact location of sale
- DMV authorization letter date
- Lienholder/agent signature, name, phone, address, and Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) number if applicable
Important certifications:
- Authority based on court judgment (if applicable)
- Compliance with California Military & Veterans Code and federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
- Vehicle will be at the sale site
Tip: Print neatly. Any errors can delay or invalidate the sale. Mail copies by certified mail with return receipts.
Note for Repair Facilities: You must hold a valid BAR registration to claim a lien for repairs (Business & Professions Code §9884.16).
What Vehicle Owners Should Do If You Receive a REG 280 Notice?
- Redeem the vehicle — Pay the full lien amount plus costs before the sale date to stop the process.
- File a Declaration of Opposition — If you dispute the lien, return the opposition form to DMV within 10 days of their notice.
- Check for surplus funds — After the sale, former owners may be entitled to any excess proceeds (claimable for 3 years via DMV’s Excess Lien Fee Lookup tool).
- Contact the DMV Lien Sale Unit at (916) 657-7617 for questions.
Key Difference: Vehicles Valued at $4,000 or Less
Do not use REG 280 for vehicles $4,000 or under. Instead, lienholders use:
- REG 668 (Notice of Pending Lien Sale for Vehicle Valued $4,000 or Less)
- Different timelines (notice 31–41 days prior)
- Posting requirements instead of newspaper ads in some cases
- REG 168A for certification
Always verify current market value before starting the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where do I mail the REG 280 form?
A: DMV Lien Sale Section, P.O. Box 932317, Sacramento, CA 94232-3170 (plus copies to owners).
Q: Can I conduct a lien sale without REG 280?
A: No—for vehicles over $4,000, it is mandatory.
Q: What if the owner opposes the sale?
A: DMV will deny authorization until the opposition is resolved (court order, withdrawal, etc.).
Q: Is there a fee to file REG 280?
A: No direct fee for the form itself, but the initial REG 656 application has a nonrefundable processing fee.
Q: How long after the sale can the owner still redeem?
A: 10 days for over-$4,000 sales.
Final Advice
The REG 280 form is a critical legal document in California’s vehicle lien sale process. Using the correct form and following DMV timelines protects your rights and helps ensure a valid sale. Always use the latest official version from the California DMV website and keep all certified mail receipts.
For the most current instructions, visit the official DMV Lien Sales FAQ or contact the Lien Sale Unit directly. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice—consult the DMV or an attorney for your specific situation.
Official Sources: California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) – forms, handbooks, and FAQs updated as of 2026.
Last updated: April 2026