Vehicle releases may be obtained Monday through Friday between 8 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 8am to 2pm.
The registered owner must be present with a valid government issued identification card in order to receive a release. If the registered owner is unable to visit the Records Bureau, a notarized authorization letter must be submitted to our department which states a specific person is able to have the vehicle released to them.
Items needed to obtain a vehicle release:
- Valid government issued identification card (i.e. driver's license, ID card, passport).
- Vehicle must be currently registered.
- A "Moving Permit", issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, if the vehicle is in need of smog certification or other applicable reasons.
Legal owners must present required repossession paperwork as stated in California Vehicle Code 14602.6(1)(E)(3).