AuctionACCESS is the credentialing service most dealer-only auctions use to confirm you're a licensed dealer. Over 400 auction marketplaces in the U.S. and Canada accept it. You enroll your dealership once with your dealer license, business details and the authorized signer's photo ID, and you get an AuctionACCESS ID. Then you register at each auction with that ID. Membership costs $103 a year for each person on the account, with no charge to the dealership itself. Only licensed dealers and their bona fide employees or contractors can join.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice. AuctionACCESS sets its own rules and fees; confirm current terms at auctionaccess.com.
In this article
- AuctionACCESS at a glance
- Before you start: the document checklist
- How to enroll, step by step
- Registering at each auction
- Adding employees and representatives
- Renewals and keeping your account current
- Common hold-ups
- Frequently asked questions
AuctionACCESS at a glance
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| What it is | A dealer authentication service that confirms you're an authorized dealer |
| Who runs it | AuctionACCESS LLC |
| Where it's accepted | Over 400 auction marketplaces in the U.S. and Canada, in person and online |
| Who can join | Licensed dealers, and their bona fide employees or contractors |
| Cost | $103 a year per individual, plus sales tax where it applies. No charge to the dealership. One fee per person, even if they work for more than one dealership |
| Renewal | Yearly. A payment link is emailed 30 days before your renewal date |
| In person | Scan the QR code in the AuctionACCESS Mobile app at participating auction kiosks to get your bidder badge |
| Support | (205) 414-2739, customerservice@auctionaccess.com |
Source: AuctionACCESS FAQ (Opens in new window).
Before you start: the document checklist
From experience (Garrett Eddings, professional opinion): Signing up doesn't take long. What holds people up is that they don't have their documents ready, so they get asked a bunch of questions they aren't familiar with. Get everything on this list together first.
For the dealership
- [ ] California DMV dealer license (must be uploaded to complete enrollment)
- [ ] EIN, or the owner's Social Security number for a sole proprietorship
- [ ] Legal business name and DBA
- [ ] Entity type: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or LLC
- [ ] Dealer type and business type (for example, used or wholesale)
- [ ] Business address and phone number
- [ ] Other state and local licenses: city business license and CDTFA seller's permit
- [ ] Surety bond and liability insurance details (AuctionACCESS's guide lists this step as optional, but have them ready)
- [ ] W-9
- [ ] Bank account information, for auctions that pay by ACH
For the authorized signer (usually the owner)
- [ ] Legal first name, not a nickname
- [ ] Date of birth, home address, phone and email
- [ ] Social Security number (U.S.)
- [ ] Photo ID: driver's license, state ID card or passport
Sources: AuctionACCESS Online Enrollment Guide (PDF opens in new window); Manheim new dealer FAQ (Opens in new window) (driver's license, dealer license, W-9 and bank account managed in AuctionACCESS).
How to enroll, step by step
- Go to AuctionACCESS (Opens in new window) and choose Enroll a new dealership.
- Enter the dealership's information and its government ID (EIN, or SSN for a sole proprietor).
- Enter your state licenses: your California dealer license and the others listed above.
- Enter insurance and bond information.
- Enter the authorized signer's details and photo ID, and sign the Individual Authorization Letter digitally.
- Review and accept the terms, and create your username and password.
- Upload your documents. Your dealer license has to be on the account to finish enrolling.
- Watch your email for your AuctionACCESS ID numbers.
Registering at each auction
AuctionACCESS is the handshake, not the registration. Each auction runs independently, and you sign up with each one using your AuctionACCESS credentials.
| Auction | How sign-up works | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manheim | Click Sign Up on Manheim.com and enter your AuctionACCESS ID and the last four digits of your SSN or government ID | "Registering with AuctionACCESS does not automatically register you with Manheim." Your membership must be confirmed and active first |
| ADESA | Register online with your AuctionACCESS number, birthdate, the last four digits of the ID you used and your email | Online buying is generally authorized within five business days. Your first in-person visit to each location includes paperwork, such as a voided business check, sales tax certificate, W-9 and your dealer bond if required |
| Others (ACV, CarMax, IAA, Copart and more) | Most ask for your AuctionACCESS credentials during sign-up | Requirements vary. See registration by auction |
From experience (Garrett Eddings, professional opinion): Register with Manheim first. It's free to register in my experience, and you get the Manheim Market Report (MMR) right away as your measuring stick for wholesale values.
Adding employees and representatives
- Only bona fide employees or contractors of the licensed dealership can be added.
- The owner, as the authorized signer, adds or removes people in AuctionACCESS or the AuctionACCESS Mobile app. That authorization is what tells each auction the person can buy for the dealership.
- Each person pays their own $103 yearly membership.
- Expect auctions to ask for a California salesperson license for each representative. ADESA lists one for every representative attending.
From experience (Garrett Eddings, professional opinion): An employee needs a salesperson license to buy at auction, because they're negotiating numbers on the dealership's behalf. It isn't hard to get. Once they have it, add them under the dealership in AuctionACCESS so they can bid and negotiate for you.
See Do you need a license to be a car salesperson?
Renewals and keeping your account current
| Keep current | Why |
|---|---|
| AuctionACCESS membership (yearly) | Expired members can't buy |
| DMV dealer license | Auctions verify it |
| Surety bond and insurance | A lapse can freeze buying |
| Representatives list | Remove people who leave the dealership right away |
| Bank information | Needed for ACH payments |
Common hold-ups
- Documents not ready, especially the dealer license upload
- Business name or address that doesn't match DMV records
- Using a nickname instead of a legal first name
- Expecting AuctionACCESS to register you at every auction automatically
- Representatives added without a salesperson license
Save on buy fees
The Independent Automobile Dealers Association of California (IADAC) offers members buy-fee credits at 16 participating auctions through its VIP Auction Program, which IADAC says can save up to $3,200 a year. It's an inexpensive way to try a few auctions and see what each one is like. Members also get free continuing education. See IADAC (Opens in new window).
Frequently asked questions
What is AuctionACCESS?
A dealer authentication service accepted at over 400 auction marketplaces. It confirms you're a licensed dealer so you can register with auctions using one set of credentials.
How much does AuctionACCESS cost?
$103 a year per individual, plus sales tax where it applies. There's no charge to the dealership itself.
Does AuctionACCESS register me with every auction?
No. Each auction runs independently. You register with each one using your AuctionACCESS ID.
What do I need to sign up for AuctionACCESS?
Your dealer license, EIN or SSN, business details, other state licenses, bond and insurance information, and the authorized signer's photo ID and personal details. Auctions may also ask for a W-9 and bank information.
Can I get AuctionACCESS without a dealer license?
No. Membership is limited to licensed dealers and their bona fide employees or contractors.
Can my employees use our AuctionACCESS account?
Yes, if you add them as authorized individuals. Each pays their own membership, and auctions may require a salesperson license.
Related
- How to get a license to buy cars at auction in California
- Get auction access in California: registration by auction
- Best car auction sites for new California dealers
- California Dealer License FAQ
Next step: Start the 6-hour dealer course for $99
Resources
- AuctionACCESS: Frequently asked questions (Opens in new window)
- AuctionACCESS: Forms (Opens in new window)
- Manheim: New dealer registration FAQs (Opens in new window)
- ADESA: Get started (Opens in new window)
- IADAC: Member benefits (Opens in new window)
Sources: AuctionACCESS FAQ (Opens in new window) (fee, eligibility, 400+ marketplaces, renewal, mobile QR) · AuctionACCESS Online Enrollment Guide (PDF opens in new window) (documents and steps; the guide is dated 2011, so screens may differ) · Manheim new dealer FAQ (Opens in new window) · ADESA get started (Opens in new window) · IADAC (Opens in new window). Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. California Dealer Academy isn't affiliated with AuctionACCESS or any auction named, and mentions aren't endorsements. Fees and requirements change; confirm with AuctionACCESS and each auction. The instructor notes reflect one instructor's professional experience and opinion.