Non-Dealer Buyers Purchasing Clean & Salvage Title Vehicles on Copart in Colorado

CarProxy Editors

Published in Buying on CopartMarch 2nd 20265 min read

Colorado State Regulation for Non-Dealer Buyers on Copart

Non-dealer buyers purchasing clean title vehicles on Copart in Colorado will require a broker. Non-dealer buyers purchasing a salvage vehicle on Copart in Colorado face additional concerns. Without a dealer license, you can purchase a salvage vehicle on Copart, however, only Title Document of Public Bill of Sale Parts, Reconstructed Permit to Sell, Permit to Sell, Parts Only w/ NoTitle, or CO-Public -Salvage Title. There are different title types and each carries different restrictions.

Different Salvage Title Types

Public Bill of Sale – Parts

This means the vehicle is sold only with a bill of sale and no title. The vehicle is intended strictly for parts or scrap. It usually cannot be titled or registered again in Colorado.

Reconstructed Permit to Sell

This document indicates the vehicle was previously rebuilt or reconstructed, and the seller has been given permission to sell it. Additional paperwork may be required before it can be titled or registered again.

Permit to Sell

A Permit to Sell is issued when the seller does not currently have a transferable title but has authorization from the state to sell the vehicle. The buyer may need to complete additional steps with the DMV to obtain a proper title.

Parts Only w/ No Title

This is one of the most restrictive designations. The vehicle is being sold strictly for parts and no title will be issued. These vehicles cannot legally be registered or driven.

CO-Public – Salvage Title

This indicates the vehicle has a Colorado salvage title and is available for public (non-dealer) buyers. The vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company and cannot be driven or registered until it is rebuilt and inspected.

Clean Title

How Non-Dealers Access Copart Auctions

Whether you or the vehicle are in Colorado, you can still view the vehicle on Copart, however when you go to bid on the vehicle, a broker will be required. CarProxy provides broker services, as an official Copart broker, at one flat rate for $299.A broker typically provides the following services:

Creating or facilitating access to a Copart bidding account, CarProxy provides a seat to each user for direct bidding.
Allowing the buyer to place bids during the auction
Handling the purchase paperwork and title transfer
Charging a service fee for the transaction ($299)

This allows individuals to legally purchase vehicles that would otherwise require a dealer or dismantler license.

Interstate Title Branding Considerations

Colorado participates in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). When a vehicle is titled in the state, the DMV checks national title records.This means that if a vehicle has been branded as salvage, rebuilt, or flood damaged in another state, Colorado will usually carry that brand forward onto the new Colorado title.For buyers, this is important because:

A vehicle that appears to have a clean title elsewhere may still be branded when retitled in Colorado
Title history discrepancies can create problems when registering or reselling the vehicle

Always verify title history before purchasing.

Rebuilt Title Process in Colorado

If you purchase a salvage vehicle with the intention of returning it to the road, Colorado requires a rebuilt vehicle process before it can be registered.This process generally includes:

Repairing the vehicle to roadworthy condition
Scheduling a Certified VIN Inspection
Providing receipts for major replacement parts used during repairs
Submitting documentation to the Colorado DMV
Receiving a Rebuilt from Salvage title

Only after this process is completed can the vehicle be legally registered and driven.If the vehicle does not pass inspection or documentation is incomplete, it may not be eligible for registration.