How to buy a car at a police impound auction
Cities, sheriffs and tow companies sell vehicles that were towed and never claimed, seized, or abandoned. The sales are public, fast and mostly cash. Here's the order to do things in.
- Find the sale and the list — upcoming auctions by city, each with the official vehicle list.
- Shortlist by VIN — decode the VIN, check open recalls, and run a title history report for salvage, total loss and odometer records.
- Check the price range — see what impound cars actually sell for.
- Inspect during the viewing window; expect no test drives and often no keys.
- Bid and pay the way the seller requires (often cash, in full, immediately).
- Remove the vehicle the same day with a tow truck or trailer, then title and register it at your DMV.
Watch out
Sites that charge for "government seized car lists" sell the same public information you can get free — every list on ImpoundHQ links to the official source.
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Questions
Can you really buy a car cheap at a police auction?
Yes, but most vehicles are older, sold as is, often without keys, and some are junk-only. Cheap deals exist on running cars with clean titles — check the VIN before you bid.
Do you need a dealer license?
No for city, sheriff and police impound auctions — they are open to the public. Copart and IAA restrict many lots to dealers unless you buy through a broker.
What do you need to bring?
Photo ID and the accepted payment, often cash in full. Plan a tow truck or trailer: unregistered vehicles can't be driven off the lot.
What title do you get?
Depends on the state and the sale: a lien-sale or abandoned-vehicle title, sometimes salvage or junk-only paperwork. Some vehicles can only be sold for parts.