REG 656 Form – If you’re a lienholder, auto repair shop, towing company, or self-service storage facility in California dealing with an unpaid vehicle lien on a car, truck, or motorcycle valued over $4,000, the REG 656 form is your required first step to legally conduct a lien sale. This official DMV document, formally titled Application for Lien Sale Authorization and Lienholder’s Certification (Civil Code Section 3071), authorizes the sale of the vehicle to recover your costs.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what the REG 656 form is, who needs it, how to fill it out correctly, where to submit it, and what happens next in the lien sale process. We’ll also provide the direct official PDF download link and cover common mistakes to avoid. All information is sourced directly from the California DMV’s current handbooks and forms as of 2026.
What Is the REG 656 Form?
The REG 656 is the California DMV’s official application used by lienholders (or their authorized agents) to request authorization for a lien sale on vehicles valued at more than $4,000 (based on current market value for similar vehicles) or any vehicle from a self-service storage facility, regardless of value.
Key facts about REG 656:
- Governed by California Civil Code §3071.
- Non-refundable filing fee: $5.00 (must accompany the application).
- Must be filed within 30 days of the date the lien arises.
- Lien arises on the date the owner is billed or 15 days after work/services are completed, whichever comes first.
- Cannot be used for mobilehomes (as defined in CVC §396) or vessels/vessel-trailer combinations.
This form is different from the process for vehicles valued at $4,000 or less (which uses INF 1126 and does not require prior DMV authorization).
Who Needs to File REG 656?
You must use the REG 656 if you hold a lien for:
- Unpaid towing, storage, repairs, or related services.
- Vehicles stored at self-service storage facilities (even if under $4,000).
- Abandoned vehicles on private property or authorized by a public agency.
Common users include:
- Auto repair shops and body shops
- Towing companies
- Self-service storage facility operators
- Registered lienholder agents (with a valid Registration Service Number)
How to Download the Official REG 656 PDF (Free)?
Direct official download (updated upload October 2024):
Download REG 656 PDF Here (REV. 1/2019)
Always use the latest version from the DMV website to avoid rejection. The form is two pages and includes clear sections for vehicle details, lien amounts, and owner information.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the REG 656 Form?
Follow these instructions exactly as outlined on the form and in the DMV handbook:
Section A: Vehicle Description
- License plate number and state
- Registration expiration date
- Year, make, model, body type
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Engine number (motorcycles only)
Section B: Lien Information (As Of: MM/DD/YYYY)
- Total lien cost (refer to Civil Code §3074 for maximum allowable amounts)
- Towing cost, repairs, daily storage rate, storage due
- Any parking violation bail (CVC §22851.1(b))
- Dates: Owner billed, work completed, towing/storage
- Check box: Authorized by public agency or Abandoned on private property (owner unknown)
Section C: Lienholder/Agent Information
- Lienholder name, address, phone
- Agent name + Registration Service Number (required if using an agent)
Section D: Person Billed or Law Enforcement Agency
Section E: Registered Owner(s) (including co-owner if applicable)
Section F: Legal Owner
Section G: Interested Parties (anyone else known to have an interest)
Section H: Certification
- Sign and date under penalty of perjury.
- Certify that all information is true and that the lien sale will comply with California and federal military/veterans codes.
Tip: Use black ink, print clearly, and attach the $5 filing fee (check or money order payable to DMV).
Full Lien Sale Process After Filing REG 656 (CC §3071)
Once submitted, here’s what happens next (per official DMV procedures):
- DMV Review & Notification — DMV mails a Notice of Lien Sale/Declaration of Opposition to all owners and interested parties (10-day window to oppose).
- Authorization Letter — If no opposition, DMV approves the sale. If opposed, you receive a denial and must resolve it (court order, release, etc.).
- Send Notice of Pending Lien Sale (REG 280) — At least 20 days before the sale (certified mail, return receipt requested) to owners, interested parties, and DMV.
- Advertise the Sale — Newspaper ad or public posting 5–20 days prior.
- Conduct the Sale — Public auction in a businesslike manner; vehicle must be available for inspection.
- 10-Day Redemption Period — Owner can redeem by paying full amount + 12% interest.
- Post-Sale Requirements — Destroy plates, file REG 138 (transfer/release), complete REG 168 (Certification of Lien Sale), and submit documents/excess proceeds to DMV within 15 days.
Important timelines: The entire process typically takes 90–120 days from filing REG 656 to completed sale.
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection
- Missing the $5 filing fee
- Submitting after the 30-day deadline
- Incomplete owner or interested-party information
- Incorrect VIN, license plate, or lien amounts
- Using an outdated form version
- Forgetting to reference Civil Code §3074 for maximum lien costs
Always double-check against the DMV’s Lien Sales Frequently Asked Questions page.
Where to Submit REG 656?
Mail to:
Lien Sale Unit
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 932317
Sacramento, CA 94232-3170
Include the $5 fee. Keep a copy for your records.
Contact for questions: Lien Sale Unit at (916) 657-7617.
After the Sale: What Buyers and Lienholders Need?
Buyers receive:
- REG 168 (Certification of Lien Sale)
- DMV authorization letter
- Certified mailing receipts
The buyer then uses these documents plus REG 343 (Application for Title or Registration) to transfer ownership at the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I file REG 656 online?
A: No. It must be mailed with the $5 fee.
Q: What if the vehicle is worth exactly $4,000?
A: Use the lower-value process (no REG 656 required).
Q: How do I determine current market value?
A: Use values for similar vehicles in similar condition (Kelley Blue Book, etc.).
Q: What if someone opposes the sale?
A: The sale is denied until you resolve the opposition and DMV issues authorization to continue.
Q: Is REG 656 required for self-storage facilities?
A: Yes, regardless of vehicle value.
Final Tips for Success
- Act quickly — the 30-day filing window is strict.
- Keep detailed records of all costs and dates.
- Consider using a registered lien service agent to streamline the process.
- Always verify the latest forms and fees on the official DMV website.
The REG 656 form is the gateway to recovering your lien legally and efficiently in California. Download it today and follow the steps above to protect your rights under Civil Code §3071.
Official Download Link:
REG 656 PDF – Authorization for Lien Sale Vehicle Over $4000
For the most current instructions, visit the California DMV Lien Sales section or the Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual. If you need help with related forms (REG 280, REG 168, etc.), they are all available free on dmv.ca.gov.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on current DMV resources. Consult the DMV or legal counsel for your specific situation.