FlipSacramento is the center of California's state surplus system: the DGS surplus program is based here, and Bar None Auction's northern yard on Power Inn Road is where many state fleet vehicles are previewed before monthly auctions. IAA has a branch in Rancho Cordova and Copart has a yard in town.
Every link below was checked in October 2026. FlipTheBid is not affiliated with these agencies or companies. Listings change, so confirm terms on each site.
Where to buy at auction in Sacramento
Government surplus
- California DGS: state surplus auctions online: Official page. State surplus personal property is listed on GovDeals (StateofCalifornia), with new items posted weekly.
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.
- IAA Sacramento branch: Insurance Auto Auctions yard at 11499 Douglas Rd., Rancho Cordova. Salvage and repairable vehicles. Public buyers usually bid through a registered broker.
- Copart Sacramento (via A Better Bid): Run lists for the Copart yard in Sacramento. A Better Bid is a Copart broker that lets public buyers bid without a dealer license (broker fees apply).
Related: Vehicle and salvage auctions in our directory · How to Buy Cars at Public and Salvage Auctions
Storage unit auctions
- StorageTreasures: Sacramento storage auctions: Online storage unit auctions from self-storage facilities in and around Sacramento. Save a search to get alerts on new units.
Related: Storage unit auctions in our directory · How Storage Unit Auctions Work
Estate sales and local auction houses
- EstateSales.net: Sacramento estate sales: Upcoming estate sales in the Sacramento area, with photos, addresses and the company running each sale.
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.
More statewide sources are on our California auctions page.
Haul it, store it, ship it
Some of these are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
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- uShip: Marketplace for shipping furniture, equipment and vehicles.
- Montway Auto Transport: Door-to-door car shipping quotes.
- Neighbor: Rent garages and spare space from locals, often cheaper than a storage unit. You can also list your own space.
- SpareFoot: Compare and reserve self-storage units near you.
Frequently asked questions
- Where are California state fleet vehicles sold?
- In monthly online auctions through Bar None Auction. The northern yard is in Sacramento.
- Can I buy state surplus in Sacramento?
- State surplus personal property is sold online on GovDeals. Check the DGS page for details.
- Is there an IAA near Sacramento?
- Yes, in Rancho Cordova. Copart also has a Sacramento yard.