"Police auctions" in California usually means one of two things. State surplus vehicles, including retired fleet and law-enforcement cars, are sold at monthly public auctions held by the Department of General Services, with online bidding through Bar None Auction and viewing lots in Sacramento, Fresno and Fontana. Unclaimed towed and impounded vehicles are sold by tow yards at lien sales under DMV rules. Both are open to the public, both sell as-is, and neither lets you resell the cars for profit without a dealer license.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice.
In this article
- State surplus auctions
- Tow-yard lien sales
- Inspecting before you bid
- Reselling what you buy
- Frequently asked questions
State surplus auctions
| What to know | |
|---|---|
| Who sells | California Department of General Services (DGS), State Surplus |
| Who runs the sale | DGS Surplus Property, with online bidding through Bar None Auction. Monthly auctions, with in-person viewing two days before at Sacramento (4751 Power Inn Road), Fresno (3414 Nielsen Ave) and Fontana (10375 Beech Ave) |
| What's sold | Retired state fleet vehicles, including some law-enforcement units, and other equipment |
| Who can buy | The public |
| Terms | "As is, where is," with no warranties, refunds or exchanges; all sales final. Pick up the week after the auction, by appointment |
| Paperwork | Vehicles sold "with documents" come with a title. Vehicles sold "without documents" must be towed, and DMV issues a salvage title |
Local cities and counties sometimes run their own surplus sales or use online government auction sites. Check the agency's website.
Tow-yard lien sales
When an impounded or stored vehicle goes unclaimed, the tow or storage operator can sell it at a lien sale under DMV procedures. For vehicles valued over $4,000, DMV's rules include:
| Rule | What it means for buyers |
|---|---|
| Public sale | Open to the public; sealed bids aren't allowed |
| Viewing | The vehicle must be available to inspect at least 1 hour before the sale |
| Redemption | A 10-day redemption period (not counting the sale date) runs before the buyer can take possession or transfer the vehicle |
| Paperwork | After redemption, the buyer receives a Certification of Lien Sale (REG 168), a copy of DMV's authorization to conduct the sale (REG 338) and postal receipts for the notices |
| Plates | The old plates are removed and destroyed at the sale |
Inspecting before you bid
From experience (Garrett Eddings, professional opinion): I don't recommend tow yards for beginners. If you go, bring an OBD2 scanner, check for codes, and assume nothing about how the car ran before it was towed. You usually get no history, no keys guarantee and no arbitration.
- Run the VIN through an NMVTIS-approved provider.
- Confirm the title or lien paperwork you'll receive.
- Plan transport. Many lien-sale and surplus cars need a tow.
- Budget for smog: a California retail sale needs a valid smog certificate. See Do you have to smog a car after you buy it?
Reselling what you buy
Buying one car for yourself is fine. Buying government or lien-sale cars to resell for profit is dealer activity, and California requires a dealer license for it. See How many cars can you sell without a dealer license?
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone go to a police auction in California?
Yes. State surplus auctions and tow-yard lien sales are open to the public.
Are police auction cars cheap?
Sometimes, but they're sold as-is with little protection. Add buyer premiums, transport, repairs and smog before deciding a car is a deal.
What paperwork do you get from a lien sale?
A Certification of Lien Sale (REG 168), a copy of DMV's authorization letter (REG 338) and postal receipts for the notices. You get them after the 10-day redemption period ends.
Related questions
- Can you buy at auction without a dealer license?
- Where do auction cars come from?
- How do you register a used car in California?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Resources
- California DGS: Public Vehicle Auctions (Opens in new window)
- California DMV: How to conduct a lien sale for a vehicle valued over $4,000 (Opens in new window)
- NMVTIS approved data providers (Opens in new window)
Sources: DGS Public Vehicle Auctions (Opens in new window) (locations, as-is terms, pickup, documents) · DMV lien sale procedure, vehicles over $4,000 (Opens in new window) (1-hour viewing, no sealed bids, 10-day redemption, REG 168). Lower-value vehicles follow a shorter DMV procedure. 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 agency or auction named. Auction terms change; confirm with the seller before you bid. The instructor note reflects one instructor's professional experience and opinion.