REG 168 Form – The REG 168 form is the official Certification of Lien Sale for Vehicle Valued Over $4,000 or From a Self-Serve Storage Facility issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It is used under California Civil Code §3071 to legally certify that a lien sale of a vehicle has been conducted properly after all required notifications, advertising, and a mandatory 10-day redemption period.
This form serves as the key document that transfers clear title from the lienholder to the buyer (or to the lienholder themselves if no qualifying bid is received). It details the entire lien sale process, including vehicle information, sale proceeds accounting, and compliance certifications under penalty of perjury.
Important note: The REG 168 is not for vehicles valued at $4,000 or less — that uses the separate REG 168A form. Always confirm your vehicle’s current market value before proceeding.
Why Do You Need the REG 168 Certification of Lien Sale?
Lienholders (towing companies, storage facilities, mechanics, or self-service storage operators) must complete the REG 168 form after a successful lien sale to:
- Provide legal proof of the sale to the new owner
- Release liability for the vehicle
- Account for sale proceeds and any excess fees owed to previous owners
- Enable the buyer to register the vehicle with the DMV
Without a properly completed REG 168, the buyer cannot obtain clear title, and the lienholder risks penalties or invalidation of the sale. All registration fees and penalties become due on the lien sale date, and the lienholder must destroy the vehicle’s license plates.
REG 168 vs. REG 168A: Key Differences
| Form | Vehicle Value | Governing Code | Key Features | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REG 168 | Over $4,000 or self-storage | Civil Code §3071 | 10-day redemption period, newspaper/publication requirements | Higher-value vehicles or storage liens |
| REG 168A | $4,000 or less | Civil Code §3072 | Shorter notice period, auction-style sale | Lower-value vehicles |
Always use the correct form to avoid rejection by the DMV. The official REG 168 PDF (REV. 1/2019) is the current version.
Overview of the California Vehicle Lien Sale Process (Over $4,000)
Before using the REG 168 form, lienholders must follow these mandatory steps (summarized from official DMV handbooks):
- Obtain DMV Authorization – Submit Application for Lien Sale Authorization (REG 656) within 30 days of the lien arising.
- Request Vehicle Record – Use INF 1126 to get owner information.
- Send Notices – Mail Notices of Pending Sale to registered/legal owners, interested parties, and DMV at least 20 days before the sale (attach postal receipts to REG 168).
- Advertise the Sale – Publish in a newspaper 5–20 days prior (or post in three public locations if no newspaper exists).
- Hold the Sale – Conduct public auction or sale.
- 10-Day Redemption Period – Keep the vehicle in possession for 10 days after the sale.
- Complete REG 168 – Only after the redemption period expires (if not redeemed).
Full step-by-step instructions are available in the DMV’s Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the REG 168 PDF?
The form is straightforward but must be completed accurately to avoid rejection. Here are the main sections:
- Vehicle Description: License number, state, expiration, VIN, make, year, model, body type, engine number (motorcycles only).
- Authority to Conduct Lien Sale: Dates vehicle came into possession, owner billed, work completed, and towing date (if applicable). Include DMV authorization reference.
- Notice of Pending Sale: Confirm mailing to all parties (attach postal receipts or listing sheet).
- Publication of Sale: Newspaper name, date, and page (or public posting details).
- Certificate of Sale: Sale date, buyer’s full name, address, city, state, ZIP.
- Accounting of Lien Sale and Proceeds:
- Sale price (Line 1)
- Towing, storage, repairs, and selling costs (max $100)
- Parking violations
- Excess fees calculation (sale price minus costs)
- Certification: Lienholder or agent signature under penalty of perjury, confirming compliance with California and federal codes.
Tip: Print legibly, use the exact official PDF, and attach all required receipts. If the lienholder keeps the vehicle, complete only the cost section.
Download REG 168 Form PDF – Official Direct Link
Official California DMV REG 168 PDF (REV. 1/2019):
Download REG 168 Form Here
This is the most current version hosted directly on the DMV website. Do not use outdated or third-party copies.
Submitting REG 168 to DMV and Post-Sale Requirements
After the sale:
- Give the completed REG 168 + DMV vehicle record printout + certified mailing receipts to the buyer.
- Submit a copy of the REG 168 (with excess fees if any) to the DMV Lien Sale Unit within 15 days of the sale date.
- File a Notice of Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 days.
- Destroy the license plates.
Mail excess fees and form to:
Lien Sale Unit
P.O. Box 932317
Sacramento, CA 94232-3170
Frequently Asked Questions About REG 168 Form
Q: Can I download and fill out REG 168 online?
A: Yes — download the fillable PDF from the official DMV link above and complete it on your computer or by hand.
Q: What if there are excess proceeds?
A: Any money left after costs must be sent to the DMV with your REG 168 copy within 15 days.
Q: Is REG 168 required for self-service storage facilities?
A: Yes — even if the vehicle value is under $4,000, storage facility liens use REG 168.
Q: Where can I find help with the full lien sale process?
A: Visit the DMV Lien Sales FAQ page or consult the Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual on dmv.ca.gov.
Q: Can I use an older version of the form?
A: No — always use the current REV. 1/2019 version to ensure acceptance.
Final Tips for Lienholders Using REG 168
- Double-check all dates, VINs, and signatures.
- Keep copies of everything for your records.
- Contact the DMV Lien Sale Unit at (916) 657-7617 if you have questions about authorization or procedures.
- For the most up-to-date information, always refer directly to dmv.ca.gov.
The REG 168 form is your essential tool for legally completing a California lien sale on higher-value vehicles or storage facility liens. Download it today from the official source and follow DMV guidelines to protect your rights and ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.
All information is based on current official California DMV publications and forms as of 2026. Procedures may be subject to change — verify directly on dmv.ca.gov before proceeding.