Yes, but not at dealer-only auctions. Manheim, ADESA, ACV, CarMax Auctions and other dealer auctions require a dealer license, usually verified through AuctionACCESS. Without a license, you can buy at public auctions: government surplus sales, tow-yard lien sales, some Copart and IAA salvage lots (directly or through a broker), and enthusiast sites like Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids. And if you plan to resell what you buy for profit, you need a dealer license anyway.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice.
In this article
- Dealer-only vs public auctions
- Public options in California
- Using a broker
- The catch: reselling
- Frequently asked questions
Dealer-only vs public auctions
| Auction | License needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manheim (including OVE.com and Manheim.com) | Yes | Dealer-only wholesale. See Can you buy from Manheim if you're not a dealer? |
| ADESA | Yes | Dealer-only |
| ACV Auctions, OPENLANE, EBlock | Yes | Online dealer-to-dealer marketplaces |
| CarMax Auctions | Yes | Dealer-only, verified through AuctionACCESS |
| Copart and IAA | Not for every lot | Each listing says who can bid. Many salvage lots need a license or a broker |
| Government surplus (California DGS) | No | State vehicles sold through Bar None Auction |
| Tow-yard lien sales | No | Public sales after DMV-authorized lien procedures |
| Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids | No | Online enthusiast auctions open to the public |
Public options in California
- State surplus vehicles: California's Department of General Services sells surplus state vehicles in monthly online auctions through Bar None Auction, which has yards in Sacramento, Fresno and Fontana.
- Lien sales: tow and storage companies that hold an unpaid lien can sell a vehicle at a public sale after DMV's lien process. For vehicles valued over $4,000, the car must be viewable for at least an hour before the sale, sealed bids aren't accepted, and there's a 10-day redemption period. The buyer gets a Certification of Lien Sale (REG 168) to register the car.
- Police and city auctions: see How do police auctions work in California?
- Copart and IAA public lots: registered public members can bid on lots open to the public. See Can you buy from Copart without a license?
From experience (Garrett Eddings, professional opinion): If you go to a tow yard, make sure you can inspect the car yourself: turn it on, drive it, and plug in an OBD-II scanner.
Using a broker
At Copart and IAA, a registered broker can bid for you on more lots than a public member can. The broker charges its own fee on top of the auction's fees. Brokers can't get you into dealer-only auctions like Manheim on your own behalf.
The catch: reselling
Buying a car for yourself is fine. Buying cars at any auction to resell them for profit is dealer activity under California law, whatever the count. See How many cars can you sell without a dealer license?
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone go to a car auction?
Anyone can go to public auctions, including government surplus, lien sales and enthusiast sites. Dealer auctions such as Manheim, ADESA, ACV and CarMax are limited to licensed dealers.
Do you need a dealer license to buy at Copart?
Not for every lot. Some are open to registered public members, and a broker can bid on more. Each listing shows who can bid.
How do I get into dealer-only auctions?
Get a California dealer license, then register with AuctionACCESS and each auction. See How to get a license to buy cars at auction.
Related questions
- Can you buy from Manheim if you're not a dealer?
- Can you buy from Copart without a license?
- How do police auctions work in California?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Next step: Start the 6-hour DMV-approved course for $99
Resources
- California DGS: Online public auctions (state surplus) (Opens in new window)
- California DMV: Lien sales for vehicles valued over $4,000 (Opens in new window)
- CDA: California dealer auctions
Sources: DGS public auction guide (Opens in new window) · DMV lien sales (Opens in new window) (updated April 28, 2026) · CDA auction guides. 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 any auction named.