Take the Abstract of Judgment and a copy to the county recorder's office in the county where you think the debtor owns real estate. There is a recording fee.First, you have to weigh the amount of your judgment against the costs you will incur to place a judgment lien on the property. 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. File online with a credit card. OR Complete the fillable PDF form using your computer. File a lien with the DMV: You can contact the California DMV and inquire about the process for filing a lien on a vehicle. Complete the form, filling out all the information required, e.g. , name of debtor, amount of judgment, etc. Money judgments against you can be turned into a lien on real estate you own, if the creditor records a certified copy of the judgment in the public records.