Georgia State Rules for Buying on Copart as a Non-Dealer

CarProxy Editors

Published in Buying on CopartDecember 22nd 20255 min read

Georgia State Rules for Buying on Copart as a Non-Dealer

Different states, different rules. The Georgia state rules for buying on Copart are unique so it’s good to brush up on the details whether you’re in Georgia buying a vehicle on Copart or outside of the state buying a vehicle in Georgia. Both can have extra regulations you’ll need to follow.

Salvage Vehicles vs Clean Titles

In Georgia, private individuals can purchase salvage vehicles from Copart without a dealer license — but clean-titled vehicles require a broker if you’re not a licensed dealer.

Salvage titled vehicles: No dealer license required for non-dealers (you can buy directly via Copart’s “no license required” inventory or through a broker).
Clean Title Vehicles: Typically require a dealer or broker transaction if you don’t hold the proper Georgia business license.

This is a key distinction in Georgia that differs from many states where private buyers can bid on most inventory.

Additional information on Copart.com

Georgia Salvage Title Laws & Timelines

You Must Title a Salvage Vehicle

Once you buy a salvage vehicle, Georgia law requires applying for a salvage certificate of title within 30 days of purchase if you intend to operate, sell, transfer, or rebuild it.Salvage titles must clearly display “salvage.” Until properly titled, you cannot legally register or drive the vehicle on public roads in Georgia. (Department of Revenue)

Rebuilding & Rebuilt Title Requirements

If you plan to repair the salvage vehicle and make it road-worthy:Follow Georgia’s Rebuilt Title ProcessGeorgia requires that a salvage vehicle be inspected before receipt of a rebuilt title. Whether you work with a state inspector or an approved private inspector, the vehicle must:

Be repaired to safe, operable status
Pass an inspection before title issuance
Include parts receipts and documentation
Have photos of the pre-repair condition (may be required)
Submit forms like T-22R and T-129 with your rebuilt application
Include proof of compliance before title issuance (Department of Revenue)

Important: If the damage is so extensive the vehicle cannot be restored safely, Georgia will revoke the salvage title and restrict it to scrap or parts only. (Department of Revenue)Rebuilder License QuestionsGeorgia statutes suggest anyone restoring or rebuilding salvage vehicles must be licensed as a rebuilder when buying wrecked vehicles for repair. (Department of Revenue)However, some industry and community experience indicates individual buyers can rebuild and retitle salvage vehicles without a licensed rebuilder as long as all documentation and inspection procedures are followed (parts must be traceable with receipts, vehicles must be inspected).Best Practice: If you intend to rebuild for resale or frequent repair, consult Georgia’s Motor Vehicle Division or a licensed inspector to understand whether you need a rebuilder’s license.

Road Use Restrictions

You cannot legally drive a salvage-titled vehicle on Georgia roads until you have either:

Converted it to a rebuilt title via proper inspection and paperwork, or
Registered it under Georgia law after rebuilding and inspection.

Salvage vehicles are defined as those needing major parts replaced or declared total losses. (DMV.org)

Practical Tips for Georgia Copart Buyers

Verify Title History

Always check for salvage branding and out-of-state title brands before bidding. Misleading listings do occur in online auctions. Be safe and know what you’re bidding on before you ever bid. Bids are binding and even if the listing is misleading, it can take a while for Copart to process your claim so avoid the headache and do your research.

Transportation Considerations

If the vehicle is salvage and not roadworthy, it must be transported via trailer or tow — Georgia won’t register it until titled correctly.

Plan for Inspection Costs

Rebuilt inspections can run about $100 or more, and titling fees apply on top of that. (DMV.com)

What Georgia Buyers Must Know

Non-dealers can buy salvage vehicles from Copart without a license, but:

You must title the vehicle as salvage within 30 days if you intend to keep, use, sell, or transfer it.
Rebuilt titles require inspection and documentation before registration. (Department of Revenue)
Checking title history, parts documentation, and compliance with GA rebuilding rules is critical.
If you plan to repair regularly or sell rebuilt vehicles, investigate whether a rebuilder’s license or professional inspector involvement is advised.