Manheim
Registration generally begins with proof of an active dealer license and the business entity associated with that license. Manheim may request supporting dealer and business documentation for account setup.
Dealer-Only Auction Access
Dealer Auction License — How to Get Access to Dealer-Only Auctions
A wholesale dealer license is your auction access credential. You do not need a separate “auction license” to register with dealer-only auctions; your valid wholesale dealer license and business entity are the key documents.
The Credential Auctions Recognize
What Is a Dealer Auction License?
There is no separate state-issued “auction license.” Dealer-only auctions verify that a buyer is an active licensed dealer with a legitimate business entity. For buyers who do not need to sell vehicles to the public, a wholesale dealer license is the credential used to establish that access.
Once the state issues your license, you register directly with each auction. The auction reviews its own registration requirements and activates your buying access according to its policies.
Important: A wholesale dealer license supports dealer-to-dealer transactions and auction purchases. It does not allow sales to the general public.
Auction Registration
How the Major Auctions Verify Your License
Each auction runs its own dealer-registration process. Requirements can vary by location, account type, and state, but these are the common documents auction teams review.
ADESA
ADESA reviews dealer-license and business-entity information as part of dealer registration. Additional documentation may be requested to verify the dealership and authorized representatives.
Copart
Eligibility depends on the vehicle and location. For dealer-only inventory, Copart may require proof of your dealer license and business entity; some purchases can also require garage liability insurance or other documentation.
IAAI
For inventory restricted to licensed buyers, IAAI verifies dealer credentials and business information. Certain locations or vehicle types may require additional documentation, including insurance information.
Choose the Right Path
Why a Wholesale License Is the Fastest Path to Auction Access
If your goal is dealer-only auction access and dealer-to-dealer commerce, wholesale licensing avoids many retail-dealer requirements.
Built for selling to the public
- Public-facing retail lot generally required
- Surety bond commonly required
- State course or pre-licensing education may be required
- Retail compliance and facility requirements apply
- Can sell directly to the general public
Built for dealer-only auction access
- No public retail lot or showroom
- No retail dealer course
- Typical timeline: 30–60 days
- Access to Manheim, ADESA, Copart, IAAI, and other dealer-only auctions nationwide, subject to each auction’s registration requirements
- Dealer-to-dealer only; cannot sell to the public
Auction Access FAQs
Questions About Dealer Auction Access
Do I need a separate auction license?
No. Dealer-only auctions generally require an active dealer license and business entity rather than a separate auction license. A wholesale dealer license is the credential commonly used for auction registration when you will buy and sell dealer-to-dealer.
Can I buy at Copart with a wholesale license?
For dealer-only inventory, a valid wholesale dealer license can be used to establish eligibility. Copart’s requirements vary by vehicle, location, and account type, so you must complete its registration process and provide any supporting documents it requests.
How long does it take to get auction access?
USDL can help you prepare your wholesale dealer license application in a typical 30–60 day timeline. After your license is issued, auction registration timing depends on each auction’s review process and documentation requirements.
Ready to Apply for Wholesale Dealer Licensing?
USDL prepares your application paperwork so you can pursue dealer-only auction access in a typical 30–60 day timeline.