California § 488.385 - To attach a vehicle or vessel for which a certificate of ownership has been issue
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 488.385 — To attach a vehicle or vessel for which a certificate of ownership has been issue, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 488.385. To attach a vehicle or vessel for which a certificate of ownership has been issue
(a) To attach a vehicle or vessel for which a certificate of ownership has been issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a mobilehome or commercial coach for which a certificate of title has been issued by the Department of Housing and Community Development, which is equipment of a going business in the possession or under the control of the defendant, the levying officer shall file with the appropriate department a notice of attachment, in the form prescribed by the appropriate department, which shall contain all of the following: (1) The name and mailing address of the plaintiff. (2) The name and last known mailing address of the defendant. (3) The title of the court where the action is pending and the cause and number of the action. (4) A description of the specific property attached. (5) A statement that the plaintiff has acquired an attachment lien on the specific property of the defendant. (b) Upon presentation of a notice of attachment, notice of extension, or notice of release under this section for filing and tender of the filing fee to the appropriate department, the notice shall be filed and indexed. The fee for filing and indexing the notice is fifteen dollars ($15). (c) Upon the request of any person, the department shall issue its certificate showing whether there is on file in that department on the date and hour stated therein any notice of attachment filed against the property of a particular person named in the request. If a notice of attachment is on file, the certificate shall state the date and hour of filing of each such notice of attachment and any notice affecting any such notice of attachment and the name and address of the plaintiff. The fee for the certificate issued pursuant to this subdivision is fifteen dollars ($15). Upon request, the department shall furnish a copy of any notice of attachment or notice affecting a notice of attachment for a fee of one dollar ($1) per page. (d) If property subject to an attachment lien under this section becomes a fixture (as defined in paragraph (41) of subdivision (a) of Section 9102 of the Commercial Code), the attachment lien under this section is extinguished.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 488.385
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 488.385 cover?
Section 488.385 ("To attach a vehicle or vessel for which a certificate of ownership has been issue") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 488.385?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 488.385" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 488.385 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.