New York auctions

New York State's Office of General Services sells surplus vehicles and highway equipment through its GovDeals marketplace, and New York City's DCAS runs its own online surplus and fleet auctions. Upstate cities have lower competition and plenty of salvage and estate inventory. Start with the statewide sources below, then open a city page for verified local links.

City guides

Statewide sources

Government surplus

• NY OGS: vehicle and equipment auctions: Official page. State vehicles and highway equipment are sold through the GovDeals State of New York marketplace; inspection by appointment.
• NY OGS: State Surplus Property Program: How New York sells state surplus property.
• GovDeals: New York listings: Every New York 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

Estate sales and local auction houses

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

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

New York rules worth knowing

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

• Sales tax and reselling. New York's state sales tax is 4%, plus local taxes (8.875% combined in New York City). If you buy to resell regularly, you generally need to register with the New York Department of Revenue. With a Certificate of Authority, you can give qualifying sellers a resale certificate (Form ST-120). 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). Sales tax on vehicles is generally paid to the DMV when you register the vehicle. 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 New York State sell surplus vehicles?

Through the GovDeals State of New York marketplace, run by the Office of General Services. Inspection is by appointment.

Does New York City sell surplus to the public?

Yes. NYC DCAS runs online surplus and fleet vehicle auctions.

What is the sales tax in NYC?

8.875% combined.

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