Guide to Accessing Copart Used Car & Salvage Vehicle Auctions

July. 16,2025

Discover how to access Copart salvage and used car auctions with this comprehensive guide. Learn registration steps, bidding strategies, and tips for finding vehicles. Whether you're a casual buyer or a dealer, this article helps you navigate Copart's auction platform efficiently to find and win your desired vehicles, leveraging membership upgrades and mobile bidding options for best results.

Guide to Accessing Copart Used Car & Salvage Vehicle Auctions

Guide to Accessing Copart Used & Salvage Vehicle Auctions

Interested in purchasing salvage vehicles or used cars for repairs or parts? Copart offers extensive listings where bidders can find vehicles fit for various needs. Familiarity with local auction laws and licensing requirements can greatly streamline bidding. Some states may require brokers or dealers for certain transactions, so understanding these regulations is essential.

Join Copart Today
Registering as a Copart member grants access to their wide range of salvage and used car auctions. The sign-up process is simple and involves completing a few steps to start bidding.

  • Fill out the required registration details.
Guide to Accessing Copart Used & Salvage Vehicle Auctions
  • Receive a confirmation email with login credentials after registering.
  • Create your account using these credentials.
  • Access the sign-in page from the header once logged in.
  • Choose a membership level—Basic or Premier—and complete the payment.
  • Upload required documents, such as business licenses or government IDs, for verification. This process takes about two days before bidding begins.
  • Initial registration limits members to searching and watching vehicles unless upgraded.

To increase buying power and participate actively, members should consider upgrading their membership or adding deposits. Premier members enjoy higher bidding limits and no need for deposits when bidding on multiple vehicles. Upgrades involve paying an annual fee and refundable deposits, making high-volume bidding easier. Basic members can boost their limits by making deposits without upgrading to Premier.

Start Bidding

Both Basic and Premier members can participate in no-license-required auctions using a valid ID and minimum deposit. For vehicles requiring licenses, members typically need a broker or to register as a business. Several authorized brokers facilitate bidding for licensed vehicle auctions.

Find Vehicles for Sale

Use the Vehicle Finder to search for available vehicles with keywords like "Copart auto auction near me." You can filter results by categories such as Copart Select or Hot Items. New listings are added daily, so frequently checking the website keeps you updated on the latest options.

Participate in Auctions

After selecting a vehicle, submit a preliminary bid or join live online auctions. An account is needed to bid actively, and you can view ongoing auctions from the 'Today’s Auctions' section or check the Auction Calendar for upcoming events. The Copart Mobile App allows bidding on the go, showing live auction status and current bids.

Place Bids & Win

Pre-bids can be placed before the auction or during the live event, with bids accepted until a few minutes before the lot closes. Bidding can be done via smartphone, computer, or broker, with automatic bid options available. The highest bid when the auction timer ends wins, but sellers can counter-bid if minimum bids or pending sale statuses apply.

Complete Payment & Pickup

Pay for won vehicles using the convenient payment methods offered. Note that some options are specific to domestic vehicles. After payment, arrangements for vehicle pickup are made accordingly.