How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in California
California has a 30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
30 days wait required. Vehicle must be reported to DMV and law enforcement within 24 hours of storage. The 30-day clock starts after the report is filed.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner + lienholder; public notice if address unknown
California requires the storage facility or towing company to send notice via DMV-certified address within 4 days of storage.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified separately; they have priority to redeem the vehicle
If lienholder redeems, they take title subject to storage lien. If they waive, the storage lien takes priority.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title (AV Title) — Form REG 4020
Only eligible parties (storage facility, towing company, or person who reported) may apply for an AV title.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Vehicle must have been stored by a licensed tow company or storage facility
- Cannot be used on vehicles with salvage or junk titles
- Applicant must pay all storage and towing charges before title issues
California-Specific Note
California-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
California Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In California, the title transfer fee is $23 and registration costs $46 base fee plus additional fees. Vehicle sales are subject to 7.25% base state rate; total can reach 10.25% with local taxes. California does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in California — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Smog certification required for vehicles 4+ model years old
- REG 262 form required for title transfer
- Use tax due within 30 days if purchased from a private party
- Smog transfer fee of $8 applies
Official California bill of sale form
The official California bill of sale form is REG 135 (Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all California requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
California sales tax on vehicle purchases
California has a 7.25% state sales tax rate. 7.25% base; county/city adds 0.25–3.25% (total up to 10.75%). Private-party vehicle sales in California are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate. The title transfer fee is $23.
California bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 14,217 bill of sale documents for California transactions, with 382 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More California Vehicle Guides
- Dealer Doc Fee in California
- Dealer Fraud Claim in California
- Dealer Prep Fees in California
- Dealer Surety Bond in California
- Vehicle Deposit Refund in California
- Sell Car With Suspended License in California
Each guide is written specifically for California laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in California?
California requires a 30 days wait period. Vehicle must be reported to DMV and law enforcement within 24 hours of storage. The 30-day clock starts after the report is filed.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in California?
Certified mail to last registered owner + lienholder; public notice if address unknown. California requires the storage facility or towing company to send notice via DMV-certified address within 4 days of storage.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in California?
$50–$200 DMV fee + storage charges. Storage facilities may charge $45–$75/day. DMV title fee is $50. Attorney costs add if probate is needed.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in California?
45–90 days total. 30-day wait + DMV processing (15–60 days). Rush processing available for an additional fee.
Does California require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. California does not require a surety bond for abandoned vehicle titles processed through the AV Title program.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant California bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: California DMV Abandoned Vehicle Program. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.