To do this, fill out a JL-1. Locate the physical location of the car.File a lien with the DMV: You can contact the California DMV and inquire about the process for filing a lien on a vehicle. A simple rule of thumb is to record a lien in the county where the judgment debtor resides or does business. In general, for vehicles, the lien should be filed with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In California, if you're the person owed money (the creditor), you can place a judgment lien on the debtor's real estate or personal property. It describes the details of the judgment. Lien on a Lawsuit a Debtor has against someone else. Obtain and fill out Abstract of Judgment. Judgment liens are given priority on a first-to-file basis, meaning a judgment lien filed on Day 1 will have priority over a judgment lien filed on Day 2.