Copart runs its auctions online. You register as a member (or buy through a dealer license or a broker), put down a deposit that sets how much you can bid, and bid either before the live sale or during it. If you win, you pay Copart's fees on top of the winning bid and must pay and pick up by Copart's deadlines, or storage charges start. Each listing shows who can bid, the title type and the sale status, so read it before you bid.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice. Copart's terms change; confirm current rules, fees and deadlines on copart.com.
In this article
- The steps
- What to read on every listing
- Your real cost
- Common beginner mistakes
- Frequently asked questions
The steps
- Register as a Copart member, or buy through your dealer license or a broker. See Can you buy from Copart without a license?
- Fund your deposit. Your deposit and membership level set your buying power: the most you can bid.
- Find the car and read the listing, including who can bid, the title type, photos, damage notes and sale status.
- Bid before the sale or live during it. Set your maximum first, and don't chase it.
- If you win, pay the winning bid plus Copart's fees by the payment deadline.
- Pick it up or arrange transport before the pickup deadline to avoid storage fees. Salvage-certificate cars can't be driven on public roads.
What to read on every listing
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Who can bid | Some lots are open to the public, others only to licensed buyers |
| Title or sale document | Salvage, nonrepairable or clean decides whether you can register it, and how |
| Sale status | Whether the seller must approve the high bid. See What do Copart sale terms mean? |
| Damage and condition notes | "Run and drive" only means it started and drove when it arrived |
| Location | Transport costs vary by yard. Copart has 20 yards in California |
Your real cost
Copart's fees come in layers. A buyer fee scales with the sale price, payment and online-bidding fees can apply, a broker adds its own fee, and storage starts after the pickup deadline. Add transport, repairs and, for salvage cars, the revival process. See How do you sell a rebuilt title car?
Work out your all-in cost before you bid: auction day checklist.
Common beginner mistakes
- Bidding on a lot you aren't eligible to buy
- Ignoring the title type and finding out the car can't be registered
- Forgetting fees, transport and storage in the max bid
- Trusting photos over an in-person look when the yard allows previews
- Buying to resell without a dealer license
Frequently asked questions
How does Copart bidding work?
You register, fund a deposit that sets your buying power, and bid online before or during the live sale. Winners pay the bid plus fees and must pay and pick up by Copart's deadlines.
How long do Copart auctions last?
Bidding can start before the live sale, and the live online sale moves quickly, lot by lot. Check each lot's sale date and time on its listing.
Does Copart offer financing?
Check copart.com for current payment options. Many buyers pay with their own funds, and dealers may use a floor plan. See How do dealers finance inventory?
Related questions
- Can you buy from Copart without a license?
- What do Copart sale terms mean?
- Is it worth buying cars at auction?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Next step: Copart in California guide
Resources
- Copart: Buying and selling FAQs (Opens in new window)
- California DMV: Branded titles (Opens in new window)
- ACARS: How to read Copart, IAA and Manheim auction statuses (Opens in new window)
Sources: CDA's Copart guide (paths, fees, 20 California yards) · ACARS auction status guide (Opens in new window) (Feb. 2026). 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 Copart. Copart's rules, fees and deadlines change; confirm on copart.com before you bid.