The TAG STOP DMV EL CAJON is your one stop shop for all of your DMV needs. We can have you released when the DMV is closed. Yep, when the EL Cajon DMV is closed we can have your car back on the road.
Call 619-825-3200 for details. Our service fee is $15.00 and up. Don’t let the towing companies in el cajon keep your car impounded any longer for a DMV problem. You have a friend in the DMV, the TAG STOP!
The TAG STOP DMV service can help get your car out of Clancy’s towing impound yard in minutes. Car towed for expired registration, no sweat! Our El Cajon DMV technicians are available 24/7 to assist you with your Clancy’s towing emergency DMV services.
Are you the victim of an Clancy’s Towing El Cajon Private Impound and they wont release your vehicle for expired registration. Well the Tag Stop will go to work to get your car out of the Clancy’s towing impound yard.
REASONS FOR CLANCY’S TOWING TO IMPOUND YOUR CAR:
| 22651(o) VC | Storage | Vehicle Registration Incorrect or Expired Over Six Months | ||
| When a vehicle is found or operated upon a highway, public land, or an offstreet parking facility under the following circumstances: | ||||
| (A) With a registration expiration date in excess of six months before the date it is found or operated on the highway, public lands, or the offstreet parking facility. | ||||
| (B) Displaying in, or upon, the vehicle, a registration card, identification card, temporary receipt, license plate, special plate, registration sticker, device issued pursuant to Section 4853, or permit that was not issued for that vehicle, or is not otherwise lawfully used on that vehicle under this code. | ||||
| (C) Displaying in, or upon, the vehicle, an altered, forged, counterfeit, or falsified registration card, identification card, temporary receipt, license plate, special plate, registration sticker, device issued pursuant to Section 4853, or permit. |
|
Vehicle verification (or VIN verification) is required on certain vehicles in order for them to be registered in California. Some examples of vehicles needing to be verified include:
There are some vehicles that the Licensed VIN Verifier is prohibited from verifying (Note: The rules just changed in late 2009):
What will we need to see?
When we verify your vehicle, in addition to seeing the actual VIN on the vehicle, we will need to see whatever documentation you have on the vehicle such as title, registration, bill of sale, etc. If the vehicle is 1970 or newer, we’ll need to see the certification label (usually on the door frame or door). We’ll need to look for an EPA sticker, usually located in the engine compartment or on the hood if the vehicle’s year is 1975 or newer. Please note: DMV requires that your vehicle be complete when we do the verification. If we arrive and the vehicle is not to the point where we can do the verification (it does not have to run), we need to charge you for the trip. If you have questions, please ask when you call.
Motorcycles have some special requirements. As long as you have a title or old registration from one of the 50 states and the following labels, we can verify it, if the DMV hasn’t already referred it to the CHP;
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CRESCENT CITY CHP
1444 Parkway Drive
Crescent City 95531-8502
707-464-3117
CHP HUMBOLDT DISPATCH CENTER
255 East Samoa Blvd.
Arcata 95521-6797
707-268-2000
HUMBOLDT CHP
255 East Samoa Blvd.
Arcata 95521-6797
707-822-5981
GARBERVILLE CHP
30 West Coast Road
Redway 95560-9999
707-923-2155
RED BLUFF CHP
2550 Main Street
Red Bluff 96080-2336
530-527-2034
CHP REDDING DISPATCH CENTER
2503 Cascade Blvd.
Redding 96003-0999
530-242-3210
530-225-2123
COTTONWOOD INSPECTION FACILITY CHP
19340 Northbound I-5
Cottonwood 96022
530-347-1813
REDDING CHP
2503 Cascade Blvd.
Redding 96003-0999
530-242-3200
CHP SUSANVILLE DISPATCH CENTER
472-400 Diamond Crest Rd.
Susanville 96130-5001
530-257-9605
530-257-4223 TDD
SUSANVILLE CHP
472-400 Diamond Crest Rd.
Susanville 96130-5001
530-257-2191
CHP YREKA DISPATCH CENTER
1739 South Main Street
Yreka 96097-9518
530-841-6000
530-841-6057 TDD
YREKA CHP
1739 South Main Street
Yreka 96097-9518
530-841-6006
MT. SHASTA CHP
618 West Jessie Street
Mt. Shasta 96067-9760
530-926-2627
DUNSMUIR GRADE INSPECTION FACILITY CHP
1001 I-5 South
Mt. Shasta 96067-9998
530-926-2425
CHP UKIAH DISPATCH CENTER
540 South Orchard Avenue
Ukiah 95482
707-467-4000
707-463-5705 TDD
UKIAH CHP
540 South Orchard Avenue
Ukiah 95482
707-467-4040
CLEAR LAKE CHP
5700 Live Oak Drive
Kelseyville 95451
707-279-0103
WILLIAMS CHP
100 E Street
Williams 95987
530-473-2821
WILLOWS CHP
464 North Humboldt Ave.
Willows 95988-2612
530-934-5424
QUINCY CHP
86 West Main Street
Quincy 95971-9370
530-283-1100
ALTURAS CHP
905 West C Street
Alturas 96101-3117
530-233-2919
TRINITY RIVER CHP
Highway 299, 1261 Main St.
Weaverville 96093-1350
530-623-3832
CHP TRUCKEE DISPATCH CENTER
10077 State Rte. 89 South
Truckee 96161
530-582-7500
530-582-7734 TDD
CHP SACRAMENTO COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
3165 Gold Valley Drive
Rancho Cordova 95670
916-861-1300
916-861-1333 Admin
AUBURN CHP
9440 Indian Hill Road
Newcastle 95658-9304
916-663-3344
GOLD RUN CHP
50 Canyon Creek Road
Gold Run 95717-0008
530-389-2205
TRUCKEE CHP
10077 State Rte. 89 South
Truckee 96161
530-582-7570
CHP DONNER PASS INSPECTION FACILITY
12800 I. S. 80
Truckee 96161
530-587-1242
GRASS VALLEY CHP
11363 McCourtney Rd.
Grass Valley 95949
530-477-4900
OROVILLE CHP
2072 Third Street
Oroville 95965-3416
530-538-2700
CHP CHICO DISPATCH CENTER
995 Fir Street
Chico 95927-6301
530-879-1900
530-895-4491 TDD
CHICO CHP
995 Fir Street
Chico 95927-6301
530-879-1999
PLACERVILLE CHP
3031 LoHi Way
Placerville 95667-1417
530-622-1110
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE CHP
1050 Navahoe Drive
South Lake Tahoe 96150
530-577-1001
NORTH SACRAMENTO CHP
5109 Tyler Street
Sacramento 95841-2583
916-338-6710
SOUTH SACRAMENTO CHP
6 Massie Court
Sacramento 95823-4390
916-681-2300
SAN ANDREAS CHP
749 Mountain Ranch Rd. Rte. 1
San Andreas 95249-9801
209-754-3541
CHP STOCKTON DISPATCH CENTER
3330 N. Ad Art Road
Stockton 95208-2295
209-943-8600
209-948-7032
STOCKTON CHP
3330 N. Ad Art Road
Stockton 95208-2295
209-943-8666
TRACY CHP
385 W. Grantline Road
Tracy 95376-2547
209-835-8920
WOODLAND CHP
1975 Wintun Drive
Woodland 95776-9219
530-662-4685
YUBA-SUTTER CHP
1619 Poole Blvd.
Yuba City 95993-2608
530-674-5141
AMADOR CHP
301 Clinton Road
Jackson 95642-2604
209-223-4890
CHP GOLDEN GATE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
1551 Benicia Road
Vallejo 94591-7568
707-551-4100
707-648-5363 TDD
707-648-4180 Admin
CONTRA COSTA CHP
5001 Blum Street
Martinez 94553-4395
925-646-4980
NAPA CHP
975 Golden Gate Drive
Napa 94559-9601
707-253-4906
REDWOOD CITY CHP
355 Convention Way
Redwood City 94063-1475
650-369-6261
SAN FRANCISCO CHP
455 Eighth Street
San Francisco 94103
415-557-1094
SAN JOSE CHP
2020 Junction Avenue
San Jose 95131-2187
408-467-5400
HAYWARD CHP
2434 Whipple Road
Hayward 94544-7889
510-489-1500
CHP NIMITZ INSPECTION FACILITY
4416 I-880
Fremont 94538-1196
510-794-3658
MARIN CHP
53 San Clemente Drive
Corte Madera 94925-1206
415-924-1100
SANTA ROSA CHP
6100 LaBath Avenue
Rohnert Park 94928-7915
707-588-1400
SOLANO CHP
3050 Travis Blvd.
Fairfield 94533-3443
707-428-2100
CHP CORDELIA INSPECTION FACILITY
3895 Interstate 80
Suisun 94585
707-864-5535
OAKLAND CHP
3601 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland 94609-2498
510-450-3821
DUBLIN CHP
4999 Gleason Road
Dublin 94568-3310
925-828-0466
CHP MISSION GRADE INSPECTION FACILITY
4751 Highway 680
Sunol 94586-0553
925-862-2223
CHP BAKERSFIELD DISPATCH CENTER
4040 Buck Owens Blvd
Bakersfield 93308-4930
661-864-4400
661-334-3926 TDD
BAKERSFIELD CHP
4040 Buck Owens Blvd
Bakersfield 93308-4930
661-864-4444
GRAPEVINE INSPECTION FACILITY CHP
32829 Interstate 5
Lebec 93243-0034
661-858-2540
SONORA CHP
18437 Fifth Avenue
Jamestown 95327-9601
209-984-3944
BUTTONWILLOW CHP
29449 Stockdale Hwy.
Bakersfield 93312-9644
661-764-5580
FORT TEJON CHP
1033 Lebec Road
Lebec 93243-0792
661-248-6655
CHP FRESNO DISPATCH CENTER
1382 West Olive Ave.
Fresno 93728-2890
559-441-5400
559-441-5507 TDD
FRESNO CHP
1382 West Olive Ave.
Fresno 93728-2890
559-441-5441
HANFORD CHP
1565 Glendale Ave.
Hanford 93230-0831
559-582-0231
MADERA CHP
3051 Airport Drive
Madera 93637-8709
559-675-1025
MARIPOSA CHP
5264 Highway 49 North
Mariposa 95338-9501
209-966-3656
OAKHURST CHP
40500 Redbud Drive Box 306
Oakhurst 93644
559-658-6590
CHP MERCED DISPATCH CENTER
1500 Bell Drive
Atwater 95301
209-356-2900
MERCED CHP
1500 Bell Drive
Atwater 95301
209-356-2956
LOS BANOS CHP
706 West Pacheco Blvd.
Los Banos 93635-3992
209-826-3811
CHOWCHILLA RIVER INSPECTION FACILITY CHP
8820 S. Highway 99
Le Grand 95333
559-665-2904
MODESTO CHP
4030 Kiernan Avenue
Modesto 95356-9761
209-545-7440
VISALIA CHP
5025 West Noble Ave.
Visalia 93277-8310
559-734-6767
PORTERVILLE CHP
861 W. Morton Avenue
Porterville 93257-3193
559-784-7444
COALINGA CHP
125 S. Sixth Street
Coalinga 93210-0866
559-935-2093
CHP LOS ANGELES COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
2901 West Broadway
Los Angeles 90041
323-982-4900
323-259-2000 Admin
BALDWIN PARK CHP
14039 Francisquito Ave.
Baldwin Park 91706-5999
626-338-1164
SOUTH LOS ANGELES CHP
19700 Hamilton Ave.
Torrance 90502-1395
310-516-3355
EAST LOS ANGELES CHP
1601 Corporate Center Drive
Monterey Park, CA 91754-2020
323-980-4600
NEWHALL CHP
28648 The Old Road
Valencia 91355-1021
661-294-5540
CHP CASTAIC INSPECTION FACILITY
27858 Golden State Hwy.
Santa Clarita 91384-4415
661-294-5530
ANTELOPE VALLEY CHP
2041 West Avenue “I”
Lancaster 93534-1570
661-948-8541
SANTA FE SPRINGS CHP
10051 Orr and Day Rd.
Santa Fe Springs 90670-3597
562-868-0503
WEST LOS ANGELES CHP
6300 Bristol Parkway
Culver City 90230
310-642-3939
ALTADENA CHP
2130 Windsor Ave.
Altadena 91001-5369
626-296-8100
WEST VALLEY CHP
5825 De Soto Ave.
Woodland Hills 91367-5297
818-888-0980
CENTRAL LOS ANGELES CHP
777 W. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles 90015-4113
213-744-2331
CHP BORDER COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
7183 Opportunity Road
San Diego 92111
858-637-3800
WINTERHAVEN CHP
1 Killingsworth Dr.
Felicity 92283-9707
760-572-0294
CHP EL CENTRO DISPATCH CENTER
2331 Highway 86
Imperial 92251
760-482-2550
760-352-7421 TDD
EL CENTRO CHP
2331 Highway 86
Imperial 92251
760-482-2500
CHP CALEXICO INSPECTION FACILITY
1700 E. Carr Road
Calexico 92231
760-768-4000
CHP INDIO DISPATCH CENTER
79-650 Varner Road
Indio 92203-9704
760-772-8900
760-360-3111 TDD
INDIO CHP
79-650 Varner Road
Indio 92203-9704
760-772-8911
SAN DIEGO CHP
4902 Pacific Highway
San Diego 92110-4097
619-220-5492
CHP OTAY MESA INSPECTION FACILITY
2335 Enrico Fermi
San Diego 92173
619-671-3000
OCEANSIDE CHP
1888 Oceanside Blvd.
Oceanside 92054-3486
760-757-1675
SAN ONOFRE INSPECTION FACILITY CHP
P.O. Box 2030
Oceanside 92051-2445
760-430-7026
SAN GORGONIO PASS CHP
195 Highland Springs Ave.
Beaumont 92223-3091
909-769-2000
DESERT HILLS INSPECTION FACILITY CHP
47250 Interstate 10
Banning 92220
909-849-5646
BLYTHE CHP
430 South Broadway
Blythe 92225-2898
760-922-6141
WESTMINSTER CHP
13200 Golden West St.
Westminster 92683-2299
714-892-4426
SANTA ANA CHP
2031 E. Santa Clara Ave.
Santa Ana 92705-7838
714-567-6000
CHP ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
6681 Marine Way
Irvine 92618
949-559-7888
EL CAJON CHP
1722 East Main St.
El Cajon 92021-5259
619-401-2000
TEMECULA CHP
27685 Commerce Center Dr.
Temecula 92590
951-506-2000
CHP RAINBOW INSPECTION FACILITY
47950 Northbound Hwy 15
Temecula 92589-0625
951-506-2020
CAPISTRANO CHP
32951 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano 92675-4597
949-487-4000
SANTA CRUZ CHP
10395 Soquel Dr.
Aptos 95003-4937
831-662-0511
HOLLISTER-GILROY CHP
740 Renz Lane
Gilroy 95020-9584
408-848-2324
CHP GILROY INSPECTION FACILITY
12000 South Valley Freeway
San Martin 95046
408-683-9086
CHP MONTEREY DISPATCH CENTER
960 East Blanco Road
Salinas 93901
831-796-2100
831-796-2130 (Dispatch Center, Non-Emergency)
MONTEREY CHP
960 East Blanco Road
Salinas 93901
831-796-2100
831-796-2130 (Dispatch Center, Non-Emergency)
KING CITY CHP
2 Broadway Circle
King City 93930-3599
831-385-3216
TEMPLETON CHP
101 Duncan Road
Templeton 93465-0668
805-434-1822
CHP SAN LUIS OBISPO DISPATCH CENTER
675 California Blvd.
San Luis Obispo 93401-2591
805-593-3333
805-593-3370 TDD
SAN LUIS OBISPO CHP
675 California Blvd.
San Luis Obispo 93401-2591
805-549-3610
SANTA MARIA CHP
1710 No. Carlotti Drive
Santa Maria 93454-1505
805-349-8728
BUELLTON CHP
166 Industrial Way
Buellton 93427-0167
805-688-5551
SANTA BARBARA CHP
6465 Calle Real
Goleta 93117-1597
805-967-1234
CHP VENTURA DISPATCH CENTER
4656 Valentine Road
Ventura 93003-5740
805-477-4174
805-654-4864 TDD
VENTURA CHP
4656 Valentine Road
Ventura 93003-5740
805-477-4100
CHP CONEJO INSPECTION FACILITY
4001 U.S. Hwy 101
Thousand Oaks 91360
805-498-3853
CHP INLAND COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
847 E. Brier Drive
San Bernardino 92408-2820
909-388-8000
909-383-6301 TDD
BRIDGEPORT CHP
125 Main Street
Bridgeport 93517-0158
760-932-7995
CHP BISHOP DISPATCH CENTER
469 S. Main St.
Bishop 93514-3490
760-872-5900
760-873-3189 TDD
BISHOP CHP
469 S. Main St.
Bishop 93514-3490
760-872-5960
MOJAVE CHP
1365 Hwy. 58
Mojave 93501-1900
661-824-2408
NEEDLES CHP
1916 J Street
Needles 92363-2635
760-326-2000
CHP BARSTOW DISPATCH CENTER
300 E. Mt. View
Barstow 92311-2887
760-255-8750
760-256-7699 TDD
BARSTOW CHP
300 E. Mt. View
Barstow 92311-2887
760-255-8700
RIVERSIDE CHP
8118 Lincoln Ave.
Riverside 92504-4316
951-637-8000
VICTORVILLE CHP
14210 Amargosa Road
Victorville 92392
760-241-1186
RANCHO CUCAMONGA CHP
9530 Pittsburg St.
Rancho Cucamonga 91730-6014
909-980-3994
SAN BERNARDINO CHP
2211 Western Ave.
San Bernardino 92411-1243
909-383-4247
ARROWHEAD CHP
31230 Highway 18
Running Springs 92382-0997
909-867-2791
MORONGO BASIN CHP
63683 29 Palms Hwy.
Joshua Tree 92252-9707
760-366-3707
CHP HEADQUARTERS
2555 First Avenue
Sacramento 92818-2696
916-657-7261
CHP NORTHERN DIVISION
2485 Sonoma Street
Redding 96001-3026
530-225-2715
CHP VALLEY DIVISION
11336 Trade Center Drive
Rancho Cordova 95741-0640
916-464-2090
CHP GOLDEN GATE DIVISION
1551 Benicia Road
Vallejo 94591-7568
707-648-4180
CHP CENTRAL DIVISION
5179 North Gates Avenue
Fresno 93722-6414
559-277-7250
CHP SOUTHERN DIVISION
411 N. Central Avenue #410
Glendale 91203-2020
818-240-8200
CHP BORDER DIVISION
9330 Farnham Street
San Diego 92123-1284
858-650-3600
CHP COASTAL DIVISION
4115 Broad Street #B10
San Luis Obispo 93401-7963
805-549-3261
CHP INLAND DIVISION
847 E. Brier Drive
San Bernardino 92408-2820
909-806-2400
Call us to make an appointment: 619-825-3200
We serve the cities of Santee, Lakeside, Fremont, Hayward, Ramona, Rancho San Diego, San Marcos, La Mesa, Granite Hills, and La Jolla!
The VIN verification consists of verifying that the VIN on your vehicle matches the one on the documents being used to register your vehicle with the CA DMV, that the vehicle has a Federal Certification Label that matches the VIN. We also verify whether the emissions label on the vehicle complies with California emission standards. This last part is important if you are a resident of the state of California and you are purchasing a vehicle from out of state and it has less than 7,500 miles (considered “new” by the CA DMV). See more information about registering a vehicle from out of state..
The VIN verification also confirms whether the VIN plates or labels are in normal condition. If your vehicle is an older model (pre 1983), or it is a trailer, travel trailer, boat or motorcycle, make sure the VIN plate can be located, and you have verified the VIN on the car matches your documents. Sometimes the VIN is hard to find, and can be located in different places depending on the year, make and model of the vehicle.
If your vehicle is missing the Federal Certification Label usually located on the driver’s side door jamb, or door frame, a secondary VIN plate, label or VIN number stamped or located on the vehicle frame or body must be inspected. If this is the case, you should locate the secondary VIN number, as these are sometimes hard to find.
If your vehicle is a motorcycle or scooter, we also verify that the engine number matches the one on your ownership documents. You should locate the engine number and check that it matches your ownership documents prior to having the motorcycle verified by a licensed vehicle verifier as sometimes it is hidden from view, and parts might have to be taken off to have access to it.
Revived salvaged or junked vehicles.
Used motorcycles with unavailable
Your DMV fees go to:
Fees are subject to law changes. California Vehicle Code (CVC), California Harbors & Navigation Code (CH & NC), California Civil Code (CCC), California Government Code (CGC), California Health & Safety Code (CH & SC), California Code of Civil Procedures, and California Revenue & Taxation Code (CR & TC) sections (§) are noted for reference.
Fees are due upon original registration/renewal based on:
The registration fee ($46), California Highway Patrol (CHP) fee ($23), vehicle license fee (VLF), and county/district fees are due for most vehicles registered for on-highway use. Registration and CHP fees are used by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and CHP to offset costs. Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA) and/or weight fees may be due for commercial vehicles.
Information is provided for estimation of fees only. For specific fees, see the Fee Calculator.
For special license plate fees, see the Special License Plate Fees (FFVR 11) Fast Facts and for weight fees, see the Registering Commercial Vehicle and PTI Trailers (FFVR 27) Fast Facts brochures, available at www.dmv.ca.gov.
DMV collects money for the following special programs on behalf of participating local counties/districts:
For a list of participating counties, see www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/reg_hdbk/main_toc.htm.
Due biennially to fund the California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, OHV Trust Fund, and DMV administrative costs.
DMV collects delinquent parking violation/toll evasion bail (amounts set by courts) on behalf of local agencies. If you did not pay a parking/toll evasion violation on time, the bail, penalty, and $3 service charge are added to your registration.
Trailers, except trailer coaches/park trailers, are assessed a PTI fee every five years (no VLF, registration, CHP, county, and weight fees).
SE-plated vehicles are renewed every five years (2015, 2020, etc.).
Use tax is due on original registration/transfer of vehicles/vessels purchased from someone other than a licensed California dealer, manufacturer, or dismantler (these entities collect tax), unless exempt (eligible family transfers) from payment of use tax or the Board of Equalization (BOE) issues a use tax clearance certificate. Use tax rates vary (same as sales tax) based on the owner’s county/city of residence (not where purchased). If a vehicle is brought to California within 12 months of purchase, use tax may be due. If you paid sales/use tax to another state, you may receive credit toward California use tax not to exceed the California tax. For information, contact BOE at www.boe.ca.gov or 1-800-400-7115.
Most vehicles are assessed a VLF, in lieu of property tax, based on the purchase price/value when acquired and funds go to cities/counties. VLF decreases for the first 11 renewal years (18 for park trailers) or until the vehicle is transferred (except certain family transfers, see FAQS at www.dmv.ca.gov/faq/faq_vlf.htm). VLF exemption is available for disabled veterans with a 100 percent service-related disability rating, California Indian tribes/tribal members, federally-recognized Indian tribes (CVC §9104.5 and CR&TC §10781.1), specialized transportation vehicles, nonresident military personnel stationed in California, and their nonresident spouses. Historical Vehicle/Horseless Carriage License Plate (CVC §5004) VLF is $2.
VLF is the only part of registration you may deduct on your income tax. For details on how VLF is used, contact your city/county government.
If proof of insurance is not received, DMV will suspend the vehicle registration and send a notice informing the vehicle owner that proof of insurance and a $14 reinstatement fee is due to clear the suspension.
Vehicle registration suspensions can only be handled by the Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program.
You may submit your insurance information and/or reinstatement fee through one of the following options:
DMV
P.O. Box 997405
Sacramento, CA 95899-7405
DMV – VRFRP Unit
P.O. Box 997408 M/S N305
Sacramento, CA 95899-7408
NOTE: DMV field office and call center personnel cannot process paperwork to clear vehicle registration insurance suspensions. You will be referred to one of the service options listed above.
You must submit current evidence of insurance and pay a $14 reinstatement fee.
NOTE: If your vehicle is parked or operated upon California roadways when the registration is suspended, you are subject to citation (CVC §4000a).
Personal vehicles covered by a commercial/business policy might not be identified as commercially insured. If you receive a notice requesting insurance, you must send a copy of your insurance card or the declaration page of your policy to the Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program prior to the suspension effective date shown on the notice.
If it is time to renew the registration for a vehicle that you do not plan to use, you may place your vehicle on Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status. Vehicles with PNO status are not subject to suspension.
If your vehicle is currently registered and you decide not to use it, you must maintain liability insurance or notify the department that you will not be using it by submitting an Affidavit of Non-Use. You can also print and mail the ANU form (REG 5090) to DMV, P.O. Box 997408, MS N305, Sacramento, CA 95899-7408, or by calling the automated voice system at 1-800-777-0133. Vehicles with an Affidavit of Non-Use or PNO status are not subject to suspension.
The DMV El Cajon (DMV) mails a vehicle registration renewal notice annually to the registered owner of each vehicle registered in California (every two years for off-highway vehicles [OHVs]). At that time the registered owner must decide whether to renew the registration or file for PNO status.
California law requires vehicles to be currently registered if they are driven, towed, stored, or parked on public roads or highways at any time during the registration period.
If the registered owner decides to register the vehicle, full registration renewal fees are due. If the registered owner has moved and did not notify the department, he/she may not receive a vehicle registration renewal notice. It is the registered owner’s responsibility to pay the registration renewal fees on time.
PNO means that the vehicle will not be driven, towed, stored, or parked on public roads or highways for the entire registration year.
If the registered owner decides to file a PNO on the vehicle, he/she must do so on or before the vehicle’s registration expiration date. It is still possible to file a PNO up to 90 days after the vehicle registration expiration date, however penalties are due. For OHVs the PNO must be filed prior to the registration expiration date or the PNO option is forfeited and registration fees with penalties are due.
The renewal notice has a designated box to indicate the registered owner’s intention to place the vehicle on nonoperational status.
If a renewal notice is not available, complete a Certificate of Non-Operation/Planned Non- Operation Certification (REG 102) and mail it with your check to the address on the form. A PNO may also be filed online at www.dmv.ca.gov.
Once the PNO status is placed on a vehicle record, it will remain on the record until the registered owner wishes to register the vehicle. The registration expiration date remains the same and the registered owner will receive an annual Non-Operated Vehicle Notice. No response is required unless the registered owner wishes to register the vehicle.
Note: If the registered owner files an Affidavit of Non-Use (REG 5090) for a currently registered vehicle for insurance purposes and continues not to use the vehicle, he/she must file for PNO when the vehicle registration comes due for renewal.
The department will accept registration fees or the PNO filing up to 60 days before the vehicle registration expiration date.
CALIFORNIA HAS NO GRACE PERIOD. If the registered owner does not have all the required documentation, such as a smog certification or proof of insurance, he/she should pay the fees on or before the vehicle registration expiration date to avoid penalties. The registered owner will receive a receipt showing what is needed to complete the application for registration. This receipt does not authorize operation of the vehicle, but avoids penalty fees.
If the registration renewal fees or the PNO fee is paid after the vehicle registration expiration date, penalties will be due in addition to the regular fee(s).
The registered owner may file for PNO status up to 90 days after the vehicle registration expiration date, as long as the vehicle has not been driven, towed, stored, or parked on public roads or highways. When payment is made after the expiration date, penalties based on the full registration renewal amount will be due in addition to the PNO fee.
If the vehicle is on PNO status with DMV and the vehicle needs to be operated for:
Vehicles Exempt From Reporting Operational Status
Historical vehicles, horseless carriages, and vehicles of special interest that are part of a collection and are not operated as defined in California Vehicle Code (CVC) §§5004, 5004.5, and 5051.
Other exempted vehicles include:
NOTE: For registration fees, see the brochure, Registration Related Fees (FFVR 34). Since fees are subject to change, visit our website at www.dmv.ca.gov for the most current information or call DMV toll free at 1-800-777-0133.
If the vehicle has special interest plates and the vehicle currently is on PNO status, the registered owner must pay an annual retention fee to retain priority to the license plate. If DMV does not receive the retention fee, priority to the license plate may be lost making the plate available to someone else. Call DMV toll free at 1-800-777-0133 for further information.
When a California registered vehicle is purchased, the new owner (buyer) will be responsible for any past due fees and penalties when the vehicle is transferred into the new owner’s name, unless:
California Revenue and Taxation Code §§10855 and 10856.
California Vehicle Code §§4452, 4604, 4604.5, 5105, 5106, 9269, 9553, 9554, 9706, 9710, 9862, 38121, and 38246.
9562. (a) When a transferee or purchaser of a vehicle applies for transfer of registration, as provided in Section 5902, and it is determined by the department that registration penalties accrued prior to the purchase of the vehicle, and that the transferee or purchaser was not cognizant of the nonpayment of the fees for registration for the current or prior registration years, the department may waive the registration penalties upon payment of the fees for registration due.
(b) Other provisions of this code notwithstanding, the director may, at his or her discretion, investigate into the circumstances of any application for registration to ascertain if penalties had accrued through no fault or intent of the owner. If the director determines that the circumstances justify it, he or she may waive any penalties upon payment of the fees for registration then due.
(c) When a transferee or purchaser of a vehicle applies for transfer of registration of a vehicle, and it is determined by the department that fees for registration of the vehicle for any year are unpaid and due, that the fees became due prior to the transfer or purchase of the vehicle by the transferee or purchaser and that the transferee or purchaser was not cognizant of the fact that the fees were unpaid and due, the department may waive the fees and any penalty thereon if the license plate assigned to the vehicle displays a validating device issued by the department and the validating device contains the year number of the registration year for which the transferee or purchaser is requesting a waiver of fees and penalties.
(d) Upon the transfer of a vehicle for which fees for registration and any penalties thereon are unpaid and due, the fees and penalties are, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 6 (commencing with Section 9800) of this chapter, the personal debt of the transferor of the vehicle who did not pay the fees and penalties when they became due or accrued.
Introduction
In the Brave New World of the Great Recession, both garages and customers confronted economic pressures that had not been encountered for years and it was no longer remarkable to confront a customer who no longer had the ability or credit to pay for the vehicle repair that was once taken for granted. As with foreclosure of homes, consumers soon discovered that the garage had statutory rights to seize the property at issue and sell same at auction, eliminating the ownership interest of the person owning the vehicle. Such procedures are strictly controlled by California law and this article briefly outlines the rights and remedies of the parties.
1. What is Required to Obtain a Garageman’s Lien?
If a person has repaired, furnished supplies/materials for, or towed or stored a vehicle and has not been paid for the services rendered, that person has a lienagainst the vehicle. A garageman’s lien arises at the earlier of either (1) the time a written statement of charges for completed work or services is presented to the registered owner, or (2) 15 days after the work or services are completed. See Civil Code § 3068(a).
Note that the lien can arise without the “final bill” being generated. It is completion of the work that matters, not the billing.
2. How is it Enforced?
The lien may be satisfied by getting a court judgment or by selling the vehicle through a lien sale process. Civil Code § 3071 governs the sale of vehicles valued at more than $4,000. Civ. Code § 3072 governs the sale of vehicles valued at $4,000 or less.
Steps to conduct a lien sale may be found in the Department of Motor Vehicles’ brochure, “Conduct a Lien Sale for a Vehicle Stored at a Self-Service Storage Facility or Valued Over $4,000,” (“DMV Brochure”) found online at: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr8.htm#.
To conduct a lien sale, Lienholder must:
a. Have possession of the vehicle, and
b. Apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles for an authorization to conduct a lien sale within 30 days after the lien has arisen. [Civ. Code § 3068(b)].
Certain conditions apply. If legal owner or lessor (“Owner”) makes written demand by either personal service or certified mail with return receipt requested to Lienholder for either of the following, Lienholder must comply or the lien is extinguished and no lien sale may be conducted:
a. Vehicle inspection. Within 24 – 72 hours of receipt of written demand, Lienholder must allow inspection of vehicle by Owner or Owner’s agent during Lienholder’s normal business hours. See Civ. Code § 3068(b)(3).b. Document production. Within 10 days of receipt of written demand, Lienholder must furnish to Owner or Owner’s agent a written copy of the work order or invoice reflecting the services or repairs performed on the vehicle and the authorization from Owner requesting Lienholder to perform the services or repairs. See Civ. Code § 3068(b)(4).
NOTE: An automotive repair dealer who is not validly registered under the Automotive Repair Act (Bus. & Prof. Code § 9880 et seq.) cannot use the sale procedures to satisfy a lien for labor or materials [Bus.& Prof. Code § 9884.16].
Limitations on the lien amount may be found at Civil Code § 3068(c). Exceptions to these limitations will be made if Lienholder gives actual notice to Owner and the written consent of Owner is obtained prior to beginning any work, services, storage, safekeeping, or rental of parking space. See Civ. Code § 3068(c)(1).
In any action brought by or on behalf of the legal owner or lessor to recover a vehicle alleged to be wrongfully withheld by the person claiming a lien pursuant to Civ. Code § 3068, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs not to exceed $1,750 [Civ. Code § 3068(d)].
3. What Notice is Required for the Consumer?
When DMV receives a request to conduct a lien sale for a vehicle valued over $4,000, the department shall notify the registered and legal owners and any interested parties by certified mail, or the out-of-state vehicle registry, if the vehicle bears registration from another state. If the vehicle’s value is $4,000 or less, the registered and legal owners of record will be notified by the party conducting the lien. See Civil Code §§ 3071-3072.
It is vital to note that it is the DMV that provides the notice, not the garage.
DMV Form REG 280 “Notice of Pending Lien Sale” must be provided by certified mail with return receipt requested 20 days before the sale date to the legal owner, if any, the registered owner, any interested parties and the DMV. At least five days, but not more than 20 days before the sale (not counting the sale date), notice of the sale must be given by advertising the sale for one day in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the vehicle is located.
All notices shall specify the make, year model, vehicle identification number, license number, and state of registration, if available. The specific date, exact time, and place of sale must also be included.
The vehicle must be available for inspection at a location easily accessible to the public for at least one hour before the sale and must be at the place of sale at the time and date specified on the notice of sale. See DMV Brochure.
4. Lien Limitations
Lienholder may charge Owner up to the following limits:
a. $1,500 for any work or services or that amount, subject to the limitations contained in Section 10652.5 of the Vehicle Code (pertaining to fees allowed regarding notice of stored vehicle);
b. $1,025 for any storage, safekeeping, or rental of parking space; and
c. $1,250 for any storage or safekeeping performed at the request of anyone other than Owner if an application for authorization to conduct a lien sale has been filed pursuant to Section 3071 within 30 days after the commencement of the storage or safekeeping,
Portions of the lien in excess of these amounts will be invalid. See Civil Code § 3068(c)(1).
Exceptions to the above limitations will be made if the person claiming the lien gives actual notice to Owner by personal service or by registered letter,and Owner’s written consent is obtained before starting any work, services, storage, safekeeping or rental of parking space.
If any portion of a lien includes charges for the care, storage, or safekeeping of, or for the rental of parking space for a vehicle for more than 60 days, the portion of the lien that accrued after the expiration of that period is invalid unless Lienholder has complied with sections 10650 and 10652 of the Vehicle Code (pertaining to notice of stored vehicle). See Civil Code § 3068(c)(2).
The charge for the care, storage, or safekeeping of a vehicle which may be charged to Owner may not exceed that for one day of storage if, 24 hours or less after the vehicle is placed in storage, a request is made for the release of the vehicle. If the request is made more than 24 hours after the vehicle is placed in storage, charges may be imposed on a full, calendar-day basis for each day, or part thereof, that the vehicle is in storage. See Civil Code § 3068(c)(3).
5. Lien Sale Procedures
DMV’s Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual (VIRP)
Chapter 18 Lien Sales – Abandoned – Abated Vehicles
| Vehicle valued at | $4,000 or less | Over $4,000 |
| Sources | Civil Code § 3072 and § 3073 VIRP 18.100 See also DMV Vehicle Registration Brochure HTVR 07 |
Civil Code § 3071 and § 3073 VIRP 18.110 See also DMV Vehicle Registration Brochure HTVR 08 |
| Application for Authorization | Lienholder applies to DMV for names and addresses of registered/legal owners of recordWithin 15 or 30 days: Submit INF 1126 and $70 non-ref processing fee (for DMV Record) |
Within 30 days: |
| Notice to Owner, Setting Date of Lien Sale | Upon receipt of DMV Record, Lienholder may set date of sale between 31- 41 days henceSend REG 668 by certified mail to Owner with postage pre-paid envelope addressed to DMV
If no DMV Record, Lienholder mailsREG 668and names of known interested parties to DMV Declaration of Opposition must be filed within 10 days from date of mailing REG 668 |
DMV notifies owner and interested parties, and provides opportunity to file Declaration of Opposition within 10 days from date of mailingDMV notifies Lienholder if Lien Sale approved or deniedIf authorized, Lienholder sets date of sale, then:Lienholdersends REG 280 to Owner, interested parties and DMV |
| Public Notice | At least 10 days prior to and including date of Lien Sale:REG 668 must be posted in conspicuous place on premises of Lien holder’s business office | 5-20 days prior to date of Lien Sale:Advertise Lien Sale in county paper |
| Vehicle Inspection prior to Lien Sale | Vehicle must be available one hour prior to Lien Sale | Vehicle must be available one hour prior to Lien Sale |
| Lien Sale | Sale must be conducted in a business like fashion. Sealed bids are not allowed. | Sale must be conducted in a business like fashion. Sealed bids are not allowed. |
| Redemption Period after Lien Sale | None | Owner has 10 days to redeem the vehicle by paying the amount of sale, costs, expenses and 12% interest |
| Post-Sale Procedures | Remove & destroy platesSend REG 138 to DMV within 5 days
Complete REG 168A If no buyers, Lienholder completesREG 168A as both buyer & seller |
Remove & destroy platesSend REG 138 to DMV within 5 days
Complete REG 168 If no buyers, Lienholder completesREG 168 as both buyer & seller |
| Documents to Buyer | REG 168Acertified mailing receipts
Printout of DMV Record DMV authorization to continue with Lien Sale if it was opposed
Any other documents, i.e. odometer disclosure |
REG 168certified mailing receipts
DMV authorization to conduct Lien Sale or, |
| Sale Proceeds | Excess fees to DVM within 5 days | Excess fees to DVM within 15 days |
6. Practical Considerations
Both the garage and the Owner have an interest in avoiding the turmoil and expense of a lien sale. Seldom is good value received for the vehicle at such auctions and the many hours needed to conduct a legally valid sale are not compensated for the owner of the garage.
Quite often notice of a lien sale acts as effective incentive for the Owner to achieve payment for the work. If payments over time are elected as acceptable by the garage, it is vital to achieve equivalent appropriate security for the payments if the vehicle is surrendered to the Owner. Quite often the vehicle is kept by the garage until final payment is made.
It is a long held belief that most people will do almost anything to avoid losing their means of transportation. Having a vehicle is so central to life in America that the last debt that is unpaid is the car payment. But the economics can become so tough that even that incentive is not enough to achieve payment and the proceeds from the sale are the only chance the garage has to receive payment. Good people, now desperate, simply have no way to pay the debt.
One garage known to this writer would understand that customers without vehicles can often never make enough money to pay off the lien and would “rent” the vehicle to the customer, keeping the pink slip until paid in full. So long as insurance is in place and the customer is somewhat trust worthy, that can work.
But even that method breaks down if unemployment is so severe that people are unlikely to improve their economic condition in the near future. Thus, mastering the skills necessary to enforce the lien has become a standard part of the business skills required of the well run garage or mechanic.