Quickest option; they handle the paperwork and title transfer for you.
The short answer is . The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a government agency responsible for vehicle registration, titling, and licensing, not for purchasing or selling private property.
If you want to sell your car, the DMV recommends private sales or dealerships:
If your car was towed and eventually sold at a lien auction because it was never claimed, the DMV may hold "surplus funds" from that sale.
However, there are specific state-run programs and circumstances where you can receive money from the government for your vehicle: Vehicle Retirement Programs ("Cash for Clunkers")
In California, the DMV has historically kept millions in unclaimed surplus from these auctions. New legislation, such as the bill proposed in 2026 , aims to ensure owners are properly notified and can claim their money. Where to Sell Instead
When you sell your car to anyone, you must notify the DMV by submitting a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5–10 days (depending on your state) to avoid being held responsible for future tickets or accidents.
After towing and storage fees are paid from the auction proceeds, any remaining money is legally the owner's property.
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