MV-901A Form – The MV-901A form, officially titled Notice of Lien and Notice of Impending Sale, is a critical New York State DMV document used by garagepersons (repair shops, tow companies, and storage facilities) to legally claim a lien on a motor vehicle or boat and notify the owner and lienholders of an upcoming public auction if charges remain unpaid.
Whether you operate an automotive business or own a vehicle facing storage or repair liens, understanding the MV-901A is essential under New York Lien Law. This SEO-optimized guide explains everything about the form, including how to complete it, the full foreclosure process, deadlines, and where to download the latest PDF.
What Is the MV-901A Form?
The MV-901A is the official New York DMV Notice of Lien and Sale form (revision MV-901A 6/21). It allows garagepersons to assert a lien under Sections 184 and 201 of the New York Lien Law for unpaid towing, daily storage, or repair charges on a vehicle or boat currently in their possession.
The form serves two main purposes:
- Notice of Lien: Formally claims the lien with an itemized breakdown of charges.
- Notice of Impending Sale: Informs the owner and any known lienholders that the vehicle or boat will be sold at public auction if the debt is not paid.
It is not the same as MV-900 (Notice of Lien for recording on a title) or MV-901 (Notice of Recorded Lien). The MV-901A is specifically for garageperson liens and foreclosure proceedings.
Who Must Use the MV-901A Form?
Garagepersons (including tow operators, repair shops, and storage facilities) must use MV-901A when:
- A vehicle or boat remains unclaimed after providing towing, storage, or repair services.
- Charges for those services are unpaid.
- They intend to foreclose the lien through a public sale.
The form applies to both titled vehicles/boats and certain non-titled vehicles. It protects your right to recover costs while giving the owner a chance to redeem the property.
Important: Only registered repair shops can claim repair liens. Unregistered shops risk having their lien invalidated.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the MV-901A Form
Every field on the MV-901A must be completed accurately. Here’s what to include:
- Owner and Lienholder Information — Enter the vehicle owner’s name and address. Check the box and attach a list if there are additional lienholders or interested parties.
- Vehicle/Boat Details — Provide year, make, model, plate number (if any), VIN or Hull ID, and estimated retail value.
- Lien Details (Itemized):
- Towing: Date towed and amount owed.
- Storage: Date storage began, number of days, price per day, and total.
- Repairs: Amount owed (attach dated invoice itemizing parts and labor).
- Date the original claim was due and total lien amount.
- Redemption Deadline — Set a date at least 10 days after service of the notice.
- Sale Information — Specify the public auction date (at least 15 days after first publication), time, and place.
- Garageperson Certification — Sign and print your business name, address, and title (if signing for a corporation). Include your signature date.
Supporting Documents to Attach:
- Invoice for repairs.
- Authorization for towing/storage/repair.
- Proof of service (later).
Download the official blank MV-901A PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv901a.pdf
Warning: Intentionally providing false information on the MV-901A is a criminal offense.
Full Garageperson’s Lien Foreclosure Process in New York
The MV-901A is the first step in a structured legal process (detailed in official instructions MV-901C):
- Verify Ownership & Liens — Use Form MV-15 to request title/lien records from the DMV ($10 fee per record).
- Serve the MV-901A Notice — Deliver the completed form to the owner and all known lienholders by certified mail or personal service per Lien Law §201.
- Wait the Redemption Period — Owner has at least 10 days to pay and redeem the vehicle.
- Publish Notice of Sale — Advertise once a week for two consecutive weeks (at least 7 days apart) in a local newspaper. First publication must be at least 10 days after serving MV-901A. Sale cannot occur until 15 days after first publication.
- Conduct the Public Auction — Hold the sale in the city or town where the lien originated.
- Complete MV-901B — File the Garageperson’s Affirmation and Bill of Sale with the purchaser (includes proof of service and publication).
After the sale, the purchaser can use MV-901B + MV-901A + other required documents to apply for a new title via Form MV-82.
Special Rule for Low-Value Vehicles (< $500 wholesale): Use the abbreviated MV-901D process instead.
Service, Publication, and Deadline Requirements
- Service: Must comply with Lien Law §201. Keep original proof of service.
- Publication: Two ads, 7+ days apart, in a qualifying newspaper. Provide affidavit of publication.
- Key Deadlines:
- Dispute lien in court: Within 10 days of service (Lien Law §201-a).
- Redemption: By date on MV-901A (minimum 10 days after service).
- Sale: Minimum 15 days after first publication.
Failure to follow these steps exactly can invalidate the lien and sale.
Related NY DMV Forms You May Need
- MV-901B: Garageperson’s Affirmation and Bill of Sale
- MV-901C: Full instructions for filing garageperson’s liens
- MV-901D / MV-901DI: For vehicles worth less than $500
- MV-15: Request for title/lien information
- MV-82: Vehicle registration/title application
All forms are available on the official NY DMV website.
Where to Download the Official MV-901A PDF?
Direct official download: MV-901A Notice of Lien and Sale PDF
Always use the most current version from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website to ensure compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About MV-901A
Can I use a computer-generated version?
Yes, as long as it exactly duplicates the official MV-901A form.
What if the owner disputes the lien?
They may file a court proceeding under Lien Law §201-a within 10 days.
Is MV-901A used for abandoned vehicles?
Yes, for unclaimed vehicles held by automotive businesses with unpaid charges.
Do I need to notify police?
Always check with local police to ensure the vehicle is not reported stolen before proceeding with sale.
Why Proper Use of MV-901A Matters?
Using the MV-901A correctly protects your business’s right to recover legitimate towing, storage, and repair costs while ensuring full legal compliance. Incorrect filing can lead to lost liens, denied title transfers, or legal challenges.
For the most up-to-date instructions, always refer to the official NY DMV resources on garageperson’s liens and abandoned/unclaimed vehicles.
Need the form right now? Download it here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv901a.pdf
Stay compliant and protect your rights—use the official MV-901A form for every garageperson lien and impending sale in New York State.