No. Manheim is a dealer-only wholesale marketplace. Manheim, part of Cox Automotive, sells to licensed dealers at its physical auctions, through Simulcast, and online on Manheim.com and OVE.com. To buy there, you need a dealer license and registration, usually through AuctionACCESS. Without a license, look at public auctions instead, or get licensed. A wholesale license is the least expensive way in.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice.
In this article
- How Manheim sells
- What it takes to buy at Manheim
- What non-dealers can do
- Frequently asked questions
How Manheim sells
| Channel | What it is |
|---|---|
| Physical auctions | In-lane sales at Manheim locations, including Riverside, Fontana, Anaheim, San Diego, Hayward and Fresno in California |
| Simulcast | Live online bidding on in-lane sales |
| Manheim.com | Since July 2025, only vehicles Manheim facilitates (Simulcast, timed sales and upstream platforms) |
| OVE.com | Manheim's 24/7 bid and buy-now marketplace. Since July 2025 it lists all Manheim vehicles plus inventory from independent auctions |
All of these are wholesale channels for dealers. See the Manheim guide and Manheim California locations.
What it takes to buy at Manheim
- A California dealer license. Wholesale or retail. See What do you need to get a dealer license?
- AuctionACCESS registration, the dealer verification system most dealer auctions use. See AuctionACCESS for California dealers.
- A Manheim account with your dealer packet: license, seller's permit, bond information, insurance and W-9.
- Payment set up: certified funds or a floor plan. See How do dealers finance inventory?
What non-dealers can do
- Buy at public auctions: government surplus, lien sales and some Copart and IAA lots. See Can you buy at a car auction without a dealer license?
- Buy from a dealer who buys at Manheim. Many dealers will source a car for a fee.
- Get licensed: a wholesale license is the least expensive dealer license, but you'll still need to budget for business setup. See starting with little money.
Frequently asked questions
Is Manheim open to the public?
No. Manheim is a wholesale marketplace for licensed dealers.
Can I buy on OVE.com without a dealer license?
No. OVE.com is Manheim's online wholesale marketplace for dealers.
Who owns Manheim?
Cox Automotive, whose brands also include Autotrader, Dealertrack and Kelley Blue Book. See Who owns the major car auctions?
Related questions
- What is OVE.com?
- Best car auction sites for new California dealers
- Manheim MMR explained
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Next step: Start the 6-hour DMV-approved course for $99
Resources
- Auto Remarketing: What changes at OVE and Manheim.com mean for dealers (July 2025) (Opens in new window)
- Cox Automotive press release (brands list) (Opens in new window)
- Manheim: Purchase protection overview (Opens in new window)
Sources: Auto Remarketing, July 18, 2025 (Opens in new window) (OVE and Manheim.com changes) · Manheim press release, June 29, 2011 (Opens in new window) (OVE description) · Cox Automotive, Aug 18, 2025 (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 Manheim or Cox Automotive.