California auctions

California sells state surplus property on GovDeals and state fleet vehicles in monthly Bar None auctions, and its huge counties and cities run their own programs. Southern California alone has more salvage yards than most states. Start with the statewide sources below, then open a city page for verified local links.

City guides

Statewide sources

Government surplus

• California DGS: state surplus auctions online: Official page. State surplus personal property is listed on GovDeals (StateofCalifornia), with new items posted weekly.
• GovDeals: California listings: Every California agency selling on GovDeals in one search, filterable by city and seller.

Related: Government surplus in our directory · How to Buy Government Surplus on GovDeals

Vehicle and salvage auctions

• California DGS: public auction guide (state vehicles): State fleet vehicles and equipment are sold in monthly online auctions through Bar None Auction, with yards in Sacramento, Fresno and Fontana.
• Bar None Auction: Auction company that sells State of California fleet vehicles monthly. Vehicles can be viewed at its yards two days before the sale.

Related: Vehicle and salvage auctions in our directory · How to Buy Cars at Public and Salvage Auctions

Estate sales and local auction houses

• AuctionZip: California auctions: Statewide calendar of auctioneers' upcoming estate, farm, equipment and consignment sales in California.

Related: Estate sales and local auction houses in our directory · How to Price and Resell on eBay

California rules worth knowing

General information only, not legal or tax advice. Check with the agency before you rely on it.

• Sales tax and reselling. California's statewide base sales tax rate is 7.25%, and district taxes push most areas higher. If you buy to resell regularly, you generally need to register with the California Department of Revenue. With a seller's permit from CDTFA, you can give qualifying sellers a California resale certificate. Government auctions may still charge tax unless you provide the paperwork they ask for.
• Vehicles: titles and taxes. Make sure you get a properly assigned title (or the documents the auction specifies). If you buy a vehicle from a private party or non-dealer, use tax is generally paid to the DMV when you register it. Smog certification rules also apply to many vehicles. Title and register through the state motor vehicle agency. Salvage-branded vehicles need extra steps before they can be driven on the road again.
• Storage auctions. Facilities must follow the state's notice and advertising rules before a lien sale, and tenants can often pay and pull a unit right up to the sale.
• Buying across state lines. The selling state's tax and pickup rules usually apply at the time of sale.

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Frequently asked questions

How does California sell state surplus?

Personal property is sold on GovDeals, and state fleet vehicles are sold in monthly online auctions through Bar None Auction.

Where can I see state vehicles before bidding?

At Bar None's yards in Sacramento, Fresno or Fontana, two days before the monthly auction.

Do I pay tax on a private-party auction car in California?

Generally yes. Use tax is collected by the DMV when you register the vehicle.

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