Yes, as long as you disclose it. You can sell an unrepaired car on its salvage certificate, or sell a repaired car that's been re-registered with a revived salvage title. DMV says sellers, including dealers, "are legally required to disclose a vehicle's salvage title and history." Expect a lower price than a clean-title car. And if you're buying salvage cars in order to rebuild and resell them, California treats that as dealer activity, so you need a license.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice.
In this article
- Your two situations
- Where to sell a salvage car
- What you must disclose
- If you're flipping salvage cars
- Frequently asked questions
Your two situations
| You have | Can you sell it? | What the buyer gets |
|---|---|---|
| A salvage certificate (unrepaired, not registered) | Yes. Sign the salvage certificate over to the buyer | A car that can't be driven on public roads until it's repaired, inspected and re-registered |
| A revived salvage title (repaired and re-registered) | Yes, like any registered car, with the brand disclosed | A road-legal car with a permanent revived salvage brand |
Where to sell a salvage car
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Private buyer | Revived salvage cars in good condition, sold to buyers who understand the brand |
| Salvage auction (Copart, IAA) | Unrepaired or heavily damaged cars. Copart lists a "Sell a Vehicle" option for individuals |
| Licensed dismantler | Cars worth more as parts. Dismantlers are licensed by DMV |
| Dealer | Some dealers buy salvage or revived cars, usually at wholesale prices |
See Can you sell your car at an auction? for more on salvage auctions.
What you must disclose
- Tell the buyer the car has a salvage or revived salvage brand, in writing.
- Hand over the title documents that show the brand.
- Dealers have extra rules: before displaying a used car for retail sale, a dealer must get an NMVTIS report, and if it shows a salvage, junk or other brand, post a red warning sticker near the FTC Buyers Guide (Vehicle Code §11713.26). See Can a dealer sell a salvage title car?
If you're flipping salvage cars
Vehicle Code §543.5 defines a "salvage vehicle rebuilder" as anyone who rebuilds a total loss salvage vehicle for resale. Rebuilding one for your own use and registering it in your name doesn't count. Buying salvage cars to fix and sell is buying vehicles to resell, which requires a dealer license. See Is there a rebuilder license in California? and How many cars can you sell without a dealer license?
Frequently asked questions
Can you sell a car with a salvage title in California?
Yes. You can sell an unrepaired car on its salvage certificate or a repaired revived salvage car, as long as you disclose the brand. Buyers usually pay less.
Can I sell a salvage car without repairing it?
Yes. Sign the salvage certificate over to the buyer. The buyer must repair, inspect and re-register it before driving it on public roads.
Do I have to tell the buyer it has a salvage title?
Yes. DMV says sellers, including dealerships, are legally required to disclose a vehicle's salvage title and history.
Who buys cars with salvage titles?
Rebuilders, dealers, dismantlers and salvage auction buyers. Revived salvage cars in good shape can also sell to private buyers.
Related questions
- How does a car get a salvage title in California?
- How do you sell a rebuilt or revived salvage title car?
- Can you trade in a car with a salvage title?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Resources
- California DMV: Branded titles (Opens in new window)
- California Vehicle Code §543.5, salvage vehicle rebuilder (Opens in new window)
- Copart: Selling FAQ (Opens in new window)
- NMVTIS: approved vehicle history report providers (Opens in new window)
Sources: DMV: Branded titles (Opens in new window) (disclosure requirement; updated Aug 7, 2026) · Vehicle Code §543.5 (Opens in new window) · Vehicle Code §11713.26 (dealer NMVTIS check and warning sticker). Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice.