BOAT 152 Form: Application for Lien Sale Authorization PDF

BOAT 152 Form – The BOAT 152 Form, officially titled Application for Lien Sale Authorization and Lienholder’s Certification Vessel or Vessel/Trailer Valued Over $1,500, is a required California DMV document for lienholders seeking authorization to sell a vessel (boat) or vessel/trailer combination valued at more than $1,500. It falls under the Boaters Lien Law in California Harbors and Navigation Code §503.

Lienholders—such as storage facilities, repair shops, or towing companies—use this form to certify their lien details and request DMV approval to conduct a lien sale. The form ensures compliance with state law while protecting the rights of registered owners, legal owners, and other interested parties.

Important note: This application itself is not an automatic authorization for the lien sale. DMV reviews and processes it before any sale can proceed.

Why Do You Need the BOAT 152 Form for California Boat Lien Sales?

California law requires lienholders to follow specific procedures before selling a boat or vessel/trailer to recover unpaid towing, storage, repair, or other service costs. For vessels valued over $1,500, the BOAT 152 Form is the official starting point for the lien sale authorization process.

Without filing this form (and paying the required fee), lienholders cannot legally proceed with a public lien sale. The process protects vessel owners by giving them notice and an opportunity to resolve the lien before the boat is sold. It also ensures the lien sale complies with both California Military and Veterans Code and federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protections.

Who Must File the BOAT 152 Form? Eligibility Requirements

You must file the BOAT 152 Form if you are a lienholder holding a vessel or vessel/trailer combination valued at $1,501 or more. This applies to:

  • Registered California vessels (with a CF number)
  • Vessels with a Hull Identification Number (HIN)
  • Vessel/trailer combinations

Key eligibility rules:

  • The lien must arise from towing, storage, repairs, or similar services.
  • The application must be submitted within 60 days of the date the bill was submitted to the owner (or the date the vessel came into possession for public agency tows).
  • Either the CF number or Hull Number must be provided. If both are missing, you need a vessel inspection report from a licensed verifier, law enforcement, or DMV.

Vessels valued at $1,500 or less follow a different, simpler process (using BOAT 156 instead).

How to Download the Official BOAT 152 PDF (Free & Current)?

The most current official version of the form is available directly from the California DMV website. Download it here:

Official Download Link: BOAT 152 Form PDF (Revision 1/2019, uploaded February 2025)

This is the exact form lienholders must use. Always download directly from dmv.ca.gov to ensure you have the latest version—no third-party sites or outdated copies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the BOAT 152 Form

Filling out the BOAT 152 correctly is critical to avoid rejection or delays. Here’s a clear walkthrough based on the official form instructions:

  1. Vessel Information Section
    Enter CF Number, Hull Number, Builder, Year, Model, Type, Length, and State Registered. For trailers, include License Number, VIN, Make, Year, Model, and Type. List any operating permit receipt numbers and the current market value.
  2. Lien Details
    Itemize the lien amount by category (Towing, Repairs, DMV Filing Fee, Storage with daily rate, Lien Sale Costs, and Other). Provide the date the vessel came into possession and the date the owner was billed.
  3. Owner and Interested Parties
    List the full name, address, and phone of:

    • The person billed or law enforcement agency
    • Registered Owner
    • Legal Owner
    • Any other known parties with an interest (up to additional entries provided)
  4. Certification
    Sign and date under penalty of perjury. Certify there is no valid defense to the lien and that the sale will comply with all state and federal laws (Military & Veterans Code §§407–409.3 and U.S. Code Title 50 §§3952–3958). Include your business name, address, and phone.
  5. Agent Information (if applicable)
    If using a registered lienholder’s agent, provide their service number and contact details.

Print clearly or type all information. Incomplete forms will be returned.

Required Documents and Information for BOAT 152 Submission

Along with the completed BOAT 152 Form, include:

  • $8.00 nonrefundable filing fee (check or money order payable to DMV)
  • Vessel inspection report (if no CF or Hull Number)
  • Any supporting documentation of the lien (bills, invoices, etc.—though not always required with the initial application)

Mail everything to:
Lien Sale Section
P.O. Box 932317
Sacramento, CA 94232-3170

What Happens After Submitting the BOAT 152 Form?

Once DMV receives your properly completed BOAT 152 and fee:

  • DMV places a “stop” on the vessel record.
  • DMV mails a copy of your application (plus a pre-addressed return envelope) to the registered owner, legal owner, and all interested parties via certified mail with return receipt requested.
  • Owners have an opportunity to respond or resolve the lien.
  • If no valid objections are received, the lienholder may proceed with advertising and conducting the lien sale according to Boaters Lien Law timelines.

DMV does not conduct the sale—only authorizes it after proper notice.

  • 60-day deadline: Submit within 60 days of billing the owner.
  • Filing fee: $8 (nonrefundable).
  • Sale advertising: Must be published in a local newspaper 10–30 days before the sale date.
  • Proceeds: Applied first to the lien, costs of sale (max $100 advertising), then any surplus returned to the owner.

Pro tip: Keep detailed records of all communications and dates. Failure to follow exact timelines can invalidate the lien sale.

Frequently Asked Questions About BOAT 152 Form

Can I file BOAT 152 online?
No. The form must be printed, completed, and mailed to the Lien Sale Section.

What if the vessel value is under $1,500?
Use the simpler BOAT 156 process instead—no BOAT 152 required.

Is the $8 fee refundable?
No, it is nonrefundable regardless of approval.

Where can I find related forms?
Visit the official DMV Forms page or the Vessel Lien Sales sections in the DMV handbook for BOAT 178 (Certification of Lien Sale) and others.

How long does DMV processing take?
Processing time varies; allow several weeks for notices to be sent and responses received.

  • BOAT 156: Notice of Pending Lien Sale (for vessels $1,500 or less)
  • BOAT 177 / BOAT 178: Certification of Lien Sale
  • BOAT 111: Vessel Verification (when needed)

All official forms are available free on dmv.ca.gov.

Get Your BOAT 152 Form and Start the Process Today

The BOAT 152 Form is the essential first step for legally selling a California vessel under a lien valued over $1,500. By downloading the official PDF, completing it accurately, and submitting it promptly with the $8 fee, lienholders can move forward compliantly while giving owners proper notice.

For the most accurate and up-to-date instructions, always refer to the California DMV’s official Vessel Lien Sales handbook chapters and the form itself. Download your copy of the BOAT 152 PDF directly from the trusted DMV source linked above and protect your lien rights today.

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