How can I buy cars at auction?

There are two types of auctions—public car auctions and dealer car auctions. Public car auctions are open to anyone. Dealer car auctions, like those held by Manheim, are private and require you to have an auto dealer license as well as the necessary credentials, insurance and business license requirements as outlined by your state and/or county. You can also hire an auto broker to find and bid on a car for you. The car auctions listed on Classics on Autotrader are open to the public.

How can I get a dealer license for car auctions?

Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) should list the rules required to become a licensed automotive dealer. You’ll need to apply for a business license, a dealer registration number and a tax or employer identification number to adhere to any sales tax and income rules. Most states require applicants to also create a DBA, submit a detailed business plan and undergo a background check. Lastly, you will also need a surety bond for insurance purposes to protect your customers and yourself.

How do car auctions work?

Most car auctions, either public or private dealer car auctions, are in person or online. A car auction can be overwhelming since there are many rules to follow during the bidding and sales process. There's a starting price listed for each car. If you find a car you like set your maximum bid. If your bid wins, the car is yours. All auctions have fees which are in addition to the vehicle’s final bid price. Be sure to understand these fees and account for them in your budget. All online auctions also have a shipping partner to fulfill delivery of the vehicle to you.

How much does a car auction license cost?

The cost of a car auction dealer license is $600 to $800 to get a business license and to set up your corporation. Then there is $15,000 in annual building and insurance costs.

How can I buy a car from an auction without a dealer license?

You either must know a licensed car dealer or someone you trust in the automotive industry. But most people wouldn’t want to go through this much trouble to buy a single vehicle. All the auctions listed on Classics on Autotrader are open to the public and do not require buyers to have a dealer license. If you still insist on buying a car from a private dealer auction, your best bet is to find a car broker who focuses on representing clients, like you, to buy a vehicle at a dealer car auction.

How do I find car auctions near me?

Car auctions found on Classics on Autotrader occur weekly and monthly depending on the location and include a wide variety of vehicles—classics, RVs, motorhomes, trailers, ATVs, motorcycles as well as present-day vehicles and heavy-duty equipment. Most auctions listed on our site are open to the public although some may charge a bidder registration fee. We update our auctions page often so you can find a car auction near you.

Classic Car Auctions

Find classic and antique cars for sale at auction

Featured Auctions

Zephyrhills Classic Car Auction & Auto Event

300+ Classic and Special Interest Vehicles Expected!!

Where: Zephyrhills, FL
When: Oct 28 - Oct 31

GAA Greensboro Auto Auctions

FOOD & BEVERAGES: Complimentary food and beverages will be provided at the Classic Car Diner for all registered bidders, c...

Where: Greensboro, NC
When: Nov 4 - Nov 6

Classic Cars, Motorcycles & ATV's and RV's - Weekly Auction

Where:
When:: Jan 26, 2021 - Dec 31, 2021
Auctions end every Friday starting at 4:00 pm

Miedema Auctioneering Weekly Auctions - featuring classic cars & trucks, powersports and RV's More Info ›

1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport - Selling to the Highest Bidder

Where:: 600 Winfield Rd, St Albans, WV 25177, USA
When:: Oct 06, 2021 - Nov 03, 2021
Lot closes on Wednesday, Nov. 3rd @ 6:00PM EDT.

1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport with Numerous Modifications - Online Auction More Info ›

Finan Estate Online Auction: Antique & Classic Cars, Trailers, Trucks and More!

Where:: 243 S Gosser Hill Rd, Leechburg, PA 15656, USA
When:: Oct 06, 2021 - Nov 11, 2021
Lots begin to close on Thursday, Nov. 11th @ 6:00PM EST

Barn Find Classic Cars, Trucks, Trailers, Golf Cart, Motors, Parts, Tools, Fender Guitars and Much More! More Info ›

October 29 Public Auto Auction - 2016 Winnebago ERA 70C Motorhome

Where:: 298 James Brown Dr, Williston, VT 05495, USA
When:: Oct 07, 2021 - Oct 29, 2021
Lots begin to close on Friday, October 29, 2021 | 9:00 AM Eastern

Live & Online Auction - featuring 2016 Winnebago ERA 70C Motorhome More Info ›

Collector Cars, Antiques & Collectibles, Saddles & Tack - up for auction

Where:: 1878 Cadys Falls Rd, Morristown, VT 05661, USA
When:: Oct 08, 2021 - Oct 25, 2021
Lots start closing Monday, October 25, 2021 | 10:00 AM Eastern

1959 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan & 1982 Porsche 911 SC Kit (Lacking Engine)!! More Info ›

Classic Cars, Motorcycle & Tractor - Online Auction

Where:: 1325 N 2nd Ave, Siler City, NC 27344, USA
When:: Oct 13, 2021 - Oct 26, 2021
Lots begin to close on Tuesday, October 26th, 2021 at 9:00 AM

1946 Buick , 1930 A Model, Tractors, Advertising, Household, Furniture, Plus Lots More! More Info ›

Vehicles, Equipment, Tools & Building Supplies Auction - Live & Online

Where:: 1141 Wea Wit St, East Earl, PA 17519, USA
When:: Oct 18, 2021 - Oct 28, 2021
Lots begin to close on Thursday October 28 at 8:00AM and ends at 5:00PM

Classic Cars & Trucks - up for auction!! More Info ›

Classic Willys Jeep Auction - Online Only

Where:: 600 Winfield Rd, St Albans, WV 25177, USA
When:: Oct 20, 2021 - Nov 11, 2021
Lots begin closing Thursday, November 11th at 6:00PM

‘50 Willys Jeepster Convertible & ‘56 Jeep Willys CJS with Replica Army Gun - up for auction. More Info ›

2 Day Collector’s Auction - Live & Online

Where:: US-412, Locust Grove, OK, USA
When:: Oct 28, 2021 - Oct 29, 2021
Thursday, October 28th - starts at 8:46 AM Friday, October 29th - starts at 10:01 AM

This is a 2-Day Auction PLUS 800+ ONLINE ONLY LOTS. Classic & Collectable Cars & Motorcycles!! More Info ›

Zephyrhills Classic Car Auction & Auto Event

Where:: 2738 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills, FL 33541, USA
When:: Oct 28, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021
Our event will run October 28th – 31st, 2021 with gates opening at 8 a.m. EST every day.

300+ Classic and Special Interest Vehicles Expected!! More Info ›

Henderson Collector Motor Series - Live & Online Auction

Where:: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35210, USA
When:: Oct 29, 2021 - Oct 30, 2021
Saturday, October 30th | 11:00 am

Over 100+ Classic & Collectable Vehicles will be crossing the block! More Info ›

GAA Greensboro Auto Auctions

Where:: 301 Norwalk St, Greensboro, NC 27407, USA
When:: Nov 04, 2021 - Nov 06, 2021
November 4 - November 6 2021 Auction Schedule Thursday 8:00am: Gates Open 1:00pm: Auction starts with 30-40 pieces of classic memorabilia followed by 157 vehicles. Friday 8:00am: Gates open 10:00am: Auction starts offering 265 vehicles. Saturday 8:00 am: Gates Open 10:00am: Auction starts offering 175 vehicles.

FOOD & BEVERAGES: Complimentary food and beverages will be provided at the Classic Car Diner for all registered bidders, consignors and their guests. FREE PARKING: Over 2,000 spaces! (For safety reasons no strollers or pets allowed. No outside food or coolers are allowed.) AUCTION SEATING: Our ... More Info ›

Antique & Collectors Cars - Live Estate Auction

Where:
When:: Nov 13, 2021 Lots begin to close on NOVEMBER 13TH, 2021 @ 9:30 A.M.

Featuring - 1966 Restored Corvette Stingray, 1969 Corvette, 1990 Corvette, 1996 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT, 1972 Lamborghini Jarama (rare model), 1972 Chevy Camaro and 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle. More Info ›

OK CLASSICS - CLASSIC CAR AUCTION - Live & Online

Where:: 18145 Old Rangeline Rd, Shawnee, OK 74801, USA
When:: Nov 19, 2021 - Nov 20, 2021
Lots start to close on Saturday, November 20, 2021 | 9:00 AM Central

OK Classics classic cars, pickups, motorcycles & automotive memorabilia auction. More Info ›

Raleigh Classic Car Auction

Where:: 2380 Long Mill Rd, Youngsville, NC 27596, USA
When:: Dec 03, 2021 - Dec 04, 2021
Auction begins at 9:00 am on Friday, December 3rd, 2021

Over 300 Classic & Collectable Cars will be up for auction!! More Info ›

The Premier Auto Auction - Live & Online Bidding

Where:: 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, USA
When:: Dec 03, 2021 - Dec 04, 2021
Auction starts at 9:00 AM both days.

Over 200+ classic and collectable vehicles crossing the block in beautiful Punta Gorda, Florida!! More Info ›

MAG Auctions - Collector Car Auction - Live & Online

Where:: 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264, USA
When:: Jan 28, 2022 - Jan 30, 2022
January 28th - 30th, 2022 - Doors open @ 9am for General Admission

NOW SEEKING CONSIGNMENTS - Maximize your exposure with early registration!! More Info ›

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How can I buy cars at auction?
+ −
There are two types of auctions—public car auctions and dealer car auctions. Public car auctions are open to anyone. Dealer car auctions, like those held by Manheim, are private and require you to have an auto dealer license as well as the necessary credentials, insurance and business license requirements as outlined by your state and/or county. You can also hire an auto broker to find and bid on a car for you. The car auctions listed on Classics on Autotrader are open to the public.
How can I get a dealer license for car auctions?
+ −
Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) should list the rules required to become a licensed automotive dealer. You’ll need to apply for a business license, a dealer registration number and a tax or employer identification number to adhere to any sales tax and income rules. Most states require applicants to also create a DBA, submit a detailed business plan and undergo a background check. Lastly, you will also need a surety bond for insurance purposes to protect your customers and yourself.
How do car auctions work?
+ −
Most car auctions, either public or private dealer car auctions, are in person or online. A car auction can be overwhelming since there are many rules to follow during the bidding and sales process. There's a starting price listed for each car. If you find a car you like set your maximum bid. If your bid wins, the car is yours. All auctions have fees which are in addition to the vehicle’s final bid price. Be sure to understand these fees and account for them in your budget. All online auctions also have a shipping partner to fulfill delivery of the vehicle to you.
How much does a car auction license cost?
+ −
The cost of a car auction dealer license is $600 to $800 to get a business license and to set up your corporation. Then there is $15,000 in annual building and insurance costs.
How can I buy a car from an auction without a dealer license?
+ −
You either must know a licensed car dealer or someone you trust in the automotive industry. But most people wouldn’t want to go through this much trouble to buy a single vehicle. All the auctions listed on Classics on Autotrader are open to the public and do not require buyers to have a dealer license. If you still insist on buying a car from a private dealer auction, your best bet is to find a car broker who focuses on representing clients, like you, to buy a vehicle at a dealer car auction.
How do I find car auctions near me?
+ −
Car auctions found on Classics on Autotrader occur weekly and monthly depending on the location and include a wide variety of vehicles—classics, RVs, motorhomes, trailers, ATVs, motorcycles as well as present-day vehicles and heavy-duty equipment. Most auctions listed on our site are open to the public although some may charge a bidder registration fee. We update our auctions page often so you can find a car auction near you.