Your Complete Guide to Buying Auction Cars in California

Buying a vehicle from a salvage auction is already a unique experience, but California adds its own rules, paperwork, and timelines that buyers should know before placing a bid. At AutoBidMaster, we want every member to feel confident and fully prepared, especially when bidding in one of the most regulated states in the U.S.

This Behind the Bid guide explains how California’s requirements work, what documents you’ll receive, why transport rules differ from other states, and what buyers should expect before and after winning a vehicle.

Why California Purchases Are Different

California is one of the strictest states when it comes to salvage vehicles, ownership transfers, and dismantler regulations. As a buyer, this affects:

• The documents you receive
• How your vehicle can be picked up
• Whether sales tax applies
• How long paperwork processing may take

Most importantly, California law does not allow standard public auction pickups. All vehicles located in California must be transported by a licensed carrier or tow provider, even if the buyer is a California resident. Driving a vehicle off the lot isn’t allowed.

You also may not receive a standard salvage title immediately. Instead, many California lots issue an Acquisition Bill of Sale (REG 262)—a multi-purpose ownership document that is recognized by the California DMV. This document is later converted into a salvage or rebuilt title, depending on where you register the vehicle.

Understanding these differences helps you plan ahead and avoid delays.

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Step 1: Placing Your Bid on a California Vehicle

The bidding process itself is the same everywhere on AutoBidMaster. You search for a vehicle, review the lot details, set your bid, and compete during the live auction.

Before bidding on a California vehicle, make sure to check:

• The lot’s document type (REG 262 vs. salvage certificate vs. clean title)
• Whether the vehicle is for dismantling only
• If the listing requires business licenses for in-state buyers
• Buyer-responsible fees and costs associated with California yards

Most members can bid on California vehicles without restrictions, but professional dismantler-only lots are limited to licensed businesses.

Step 2: Winning the Auction and Completing Payment

After you win your California-based vehicle:

1. You’ll receive your invoice from AutoBidMaster.
2. Once payment is submitted and confirmed, the vehicle begins internal processing.
3. The yard prepares the proper ownership document—often the REG 262 Acquisition Bill of Sale.

Because of California regulations, producing the paperwork can take longer than in other states. In some cases, processing can take several weeks, and for California residents specifically, state paperwork timelines may extend toward 60–90 days. This is normal for CA lots.

During this time, your vehicle can still be removed from the yard—you don’t need to wait for the title to begin shipping.

Step 3: Arranging Transport (Required for All California Vehicles)

California is strict when it comes to removing salvage vehicles from auction yards. You cannot:

• drive the vehicle away
• bring your own trailer
• pick it up personally

Instead, all California yards require pickup by:

• a licensed carrier
• a towing company that is authorized for industrial/commercial transport

AutoBidMaster can connect you with trusted transport partners, or you may book your own carrier. Just be sure to book quickly, as California yards charge storage fees if vehicles are not removed within the allowed timeframe.

Shipping Outside California

If you’re transporting the vehicle out of state or even internationally, the process is the same. The carrier will deliver the vehicle to your address, a repair shop, or a port of export if you plan to ship overseas.

Step 4: Understanding the Paperwork (REG 262 and Beyond)

Here’s what you may receive depending on the vehicle and auction yard:

1. Acquisition Bill of Sale (REG 262)

This is the most common California auction document. It includes:

• Odometer disclosure
• Transfer of ownership
• Power of Attorney
• Vehicle identification details

Your local DMV or registration office will use this to issue:

• a salvage title
• a rebuilt title (after inspection)
• or another state-equivalent document

2. Salvage Certificate

Some California lots do issue a salvage certificate, especially for insurance total losses. This is easier to register out of state than a REG 262, but handling depends on your local DMV.

3. Dismantler Document

If the vehicle is labeled for dismantling, it cannot be registered and must be used for parts only. This is clearly stated on the lot page.

Step 5: Registering Your California Vehicle

Registration steps vary depending on your state or country, but most buyers will complete:

• A salvage inspection
• VIN verification
• Safety or emissions tests (if applicable)
• Payment of registration fees
• Title conversion using the REG 262 or salvage certificate

If you’re outside California, always check how your jurisdiction treats California auction documents. In most states, a REG 262 is accepted but may require additional inspection forms.

Costs to Expect When Buying in California

1. Sales Tax

If you’re a California resident buying a California-located vehicle, sales tax applies and is included in your purchase paperwork.

2. Transport Costs

As towing is required in all cases, factor in:

• distance from the yard
• carrier type
• vehicle size and weight

3. Storage Fees

California yards apply storage fees quickly and consistently. Always arrange transport as soon as payment clears.

4. Title/DMV Fees

Your home state may charge:

• salvage conversion fees
• rebuilt inspection fees
• registration fees

These vary from state to state.

Tips for a Smooth California Auction Experience

• Check the document type before bidding—REG 262 vs. salvage certificate can affect registration time.
• Book your transport early to avoid storage fees.
• Look for nearby yard locations if you want to control shipping distance.
• Verify your state’s salvage inspection requirements before purchasing.
• Save every document, including invoices, transport receipts, and title paperwork—your DMV may request them.
• Ask AutoBidMaster’s Buyer Services if you’re unsure about how a specific CA document affects you.

Why Buy California Vehicles Through AutoBidMaster?

California offers one of the largest and most diverse vehicle inventories in the country—everything from economy cars to luxury EVs and high-value salvage vehicles. With AutoBidMaster, you gain:

• Access to dealer-only auctions without needing a dealer license
• Secure bidding and complete cost transparency
• Support with paperwork and shipping
• Guidance through California-specific rules and timelines

We’re here to make the process as smooth and clear as possible so you can focus on finding the right vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Buying a salvage or auction vehicle in California comes with a few extra steps, but with the right information, it’s a straightforward and rewarding process. Understanding the regulations, paperwork, transport requirements, and bidding flow prepares you to navigate the state’s unique rules confidently.

When you’re ready to place your next bid, explore California’s huge inventory on AutoBidMaster, and let us help you every step of the way.

Sources (accessed November 2025):

• California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – Salvage and Junk Vehicle Information
• California DMV – REG 262: Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form
• California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) – Sales and Use Tax Rates
• Bureau of Automotive Repair (California) – Smog Check and Rebuild Requirements
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Vehicle Identification and Salvage Title Guidance

Looking to buy your next car at auction? Register on AutoBidMaster — it’s quick, free, and lets you bid right away.