Regulations by State

Each state has its own regulations governing who can bid, how titles must be transferred, and what inspections or licensing may be required, especially for salvage vehicles that need to be rebuilt before they can be registered or driven. Non-dealers have even more hoops to jump through. This page provides clear, state-by-state guidance to help you understand what you need to know before bidding, buying, titling, and registering a vehicle as a private buyer on Copart.com. Whether you’re located in the state or purchasing a vehicle in another, these regulations will help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid costly compliance issues.

New York South Carolina Georgia Alabama Florida Connecticut

Why State Regulations are Different

Vehicle purchasing laws are set and enforced at the state level, while some federal laws do impact the options, the states dictate more of the process. Each state has its own Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent authority that determines how vehicles can be sold, titled, branded, inspected, and registered based on local laws, consumer protection policies, tax rules, and fraud prevention standards. This is especially important when buying from online auctions like Copart, where rules for non-licensed buyers can differ depending on whether a vehicle has a clean title or a salvage title, where the vehicle is physically located, and where the buyer resides. Understanding these state-specific differences helps buyers avoid delays, unexpected fees, compliance issues, and registration problems after purchase.

Common Differences in State Regulations

Some states allow private buyers to purchase both clean and salvage title vehicles directly, while others require the use of a licensed broker for clean titles, salvage titles, or both. Title branding rules also vary, meaning a vehicle labeled salvage, rebuilt, or parts-only in one state may carry a different designation in another. Inspection requirements, rebuilt title processes, emissions testing, sales tax collection, and timelines for applying for salvage or rebuilt titles can all differ as well. These differences impact transportation, repair planning, registration eligibility, and overall costs, making it essential for non-dealers to understand the specific rules of the state where the vehicle is located and where it will ultimately be registered.