Yes, but only with full disclosure and a road-legal title. A California dealer can retail a revived salvage car once it's been repaired and re-registered. Before displaying any used car for retail sale, the dealer must get an NMVTIS vehicle history report. If the report or the title shows a junk, salvage or other brand, the dealer must post a red warning sticker on the car near the FTC Buyers Guide (Vehicle Code §11713.26). An unrepaired salvage-certificate car can be sold to another dealer, a dismantler or a rebuilder, but not retailed as a road car.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice.
In this article
- What a dealer can sell, and to whom
- The NMVTIS check and warning sticker
- Other dealer obligations
- Frequently asked questions
What a dealer can sell, and to whom
| Vehicle | Retail to the public | Wholesale to a dealer, dismantler or rebuilder |
|---|---|---|
| Revived salvage (repaired and re-registered) | Yes, with disclosure and the warning sticker | Yes |
| Salvage certificate (unrepaired) | No. It can't be registered for road use until it's revived | Yes. Vehicle Code §24007's retail equipment rules don't apply to sales to dealers or for dismantling |
The NMVTIS check and warning sticker
Under Vehicle Code §11713.26 (added by AB 1215):
- Before you display or offer a used car for retail sale, get an NMVTIS vehicle history report for its VIN.
- If the report or title shows a brand, such as junk or salvage, a report from a junkyard, salvage yard or insurer, or another title brand, post a warning sticker while the car is displayed for sale.
- The sticker goes near the FTC Buyers Guide. It must be at least 4 by 5.5 inches, with black bold text (at least 14-point, "Warning" at 18-point) on a red background.
- It tells buyers the car may have been a reported total loss or junk or salvage vehicle, or has a title brand that could affect its value, safety or condition, and that warranties or service contracts may be affected. It also points them to the NMVTIS report or vehiclehistory.gov.
DMV's branded titles page puts it simply: "Sellers, including dealerships, are legally required to disclose a vehicle's salvage title and history."
Other dealer obligations
- FTC Buyers Guide on every used car offered for sale.
- Smog certificate and equipment compliance for retail sales (Vehicle Code §24007).
- Safety systems certificate if you rebuilt the car: a salvage rebuilder selling a total loss salvage vehicle must provide one (Vehicle Code §24007(d)).
- Accurate advertising: don't advertise a branded car as clean. See dealer compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dealership sell a car with a salvage title?
Yes, once it's repaired and re-registered as revived salvage, with the brand disclosed and the required NMVTIS warning sticker posted. An unrepaired salvage car can only be sold to dealers, dismantlers or rebuilders.
Do California dealers have to check NMVTIS?
Yes. Vehicle Code §11713.26 requires a dealer to get an NMVTIS report before displaying or offering a used vehicle for retail sale.
What does the salvage warning sticker look like?
A red sticker at least 4 by 5.5 inches with bold black text, posted near the FTC Buyers Guide, warning that the car may have been a total loss or has a title brand.
Related questions
- Can you sell a car with a salvage title in California?
- How do you sell a rebuilt title car?
- Can you trade in a car with a salvage title?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Next step: Dealer compliance guide
Resources
- California DMV: Branded titles (Opens in new window)
- VinAudit: California AB 1215 warning sticker (Opens in new window)
- NMVTIS: approved vehicle history report providers (Opens in new window)
- California Vehicle Code §24007 (Opens in new window)
Sources: DMV: Branded titles (Opens in new window) (dealer NMVTIS and disclosure; updated Aug 7, 2026) · VinAudit summary of AB 1215 / Vehicle Code §11713.26 (Opens in new window) (sticker specifications) · Vehicle Code §24007 (Opens in new window). Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Confirm current sticker specifications in Vehicle Code §11713.26.