Copart Canada Smart Buying

Understanding Titles in Alberta

Alberta is one of few jurisdictions where motor vehicles are not sold with titles, they are sold under a bill of sale. Additionally, motor vehicles do not need to be registered following a sale, as they can be sold without being registered at the DMV.

As a buyer it is your responsibility to know that a title will not automatically be provided with a vehicle sold in Alberta, but that one can be obtained from Ontario for a fee if you have an Ontario Registrant Identification Number (RIN). As a Buyer it is also important to understand your provincial regulations when purchasing motor vehicles from Alberta to avoid issues around registration or selling.

Alberta Motor Vehicle Branding

Alberta has motor vehicle branding that can be used to describe the status for potential registration or repair. This branding can be helpful when considering your bid and can be found at the top of the lot listing under "doc type". In this data field you can also check for the province the brand comes from, or the last province in which the vehicle was registered.

Active - The vehicle can be registered.

Salvage - Vehicles with this brand have typically been involved in an insurance claim and will need to be inspected and repaired prior to being registered. Under some circumstances, stolen vehicles fall under this category.

Rebuilt - Salvage vehicles move to rebuilt status following successful completion of a salvage inspection and can be registered.

Non-repairable - Vehicles with this brand cannot be registered. They are only sold as parts or for scrap. Under some circumstances, stolen vehicles fall under this category. Many jurisdictions will preserve a non-repairable branding from another jurisdiction. Check with your local DMV to understand the rules that apply in your area. 

Please note: in certain cases flooded recreational vehicles (RVs) and holiday trailers will be given a status of non-repairable if there is evidence the water level surpassed the floor.

Copart Canada offers various payment options for both domestic and international Buyers. Payment options include money order, etransfer, paying though online banking, debit card, credit card, cash up to $400.00, third-party financing and more.

Please note that debit and credit cards can only be used at the yard as no online payment methods are available in Canada for these payment types.

For more payment information, visit Copart.ca/Payments

To avoid late payment charges, please ensure you make payment within three business days, which includes the auction day.

Once your vehicle is paid for, you can arrange to have it picked up at the yard. Following payment there is a complementary storage period of 3 days, following 3 days. After 3 days, you will be charged a fee each day prior to the pickup. You can check each location's page to see their storage fees.

When picking up your vehicle, there are a few things to remember:

You must schedule your pick-up during business hours.

Heavy and medium duty lots are self-load only.

While it is possible to drive your vehicle out from a Copart yard, it is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure they have the required registration, insurance, or salvage in-transit paperwork. It is not permissible to move vehicles onto the street from a Copart yard without first satisfying all regulatory requirements, nor is it permissible to tow out a vehicle with a rope, chain, or similar device. If you prefer, we can arrange to have your vehicle delivered to you. Please call your local Copart location for more information as not all locations are currently available for delivery.

When visiting any Copart location you, will need to sign into our Virtual Queue.

Copart’s virtual queue is an efficient and safe way for visitors to secure a spot in line when visiting a Copart location. It allows you wait in your car while a customer service representative prepares to serve you. When it’s your turn, we'll notify you via text.

There are three ways to check into Copart’s Virtual Queue:

• Select Virtual Queue from the Copart Member or Transporter App.

• Visit Kiosk.Copart.ca

• Scan the QR Code posted at the front entrance of each Copart location.

• Please make sure you select the Canadian flag in the corner to ensure you check into a Canadian Copart location.

Safety Rules:

• Visitors must be 16+ years of age to enter the yard.

• Safety vests and closed toe shoes are required at all times.

• Pets may not be brought into the vehicle storage area.

• Due to moving equipment, caution must be exercised at all times, particularly when passing through gates and doorways.

• Use caution when walking around or looking in vehicles; broken glass and sharp edges may cause injuries.

• Buyers may not ride in or on any Copart vehicle or equipment.

• As a safety precaution, please do not attempt to start a vehicle without a Copart employee.

• Tools of any kind, including diagnostic code readers, are not allowed in the yard. See a staff member if you need assistance with a vehicle.

• Report any injuries or dangerous conditions immediately to Copart personnel.

• In some areas of the country, snakes can be a serious problem. Use extreme caution when entering vehicles or raising hoods.

• Buyers and visitors are not permitted beyond the sale area.

• Keep a safe distance between yourself and the forklifts.

• Firearms, weapons and hazardous or dangerous devices are prohibited on Copart property.

• Possession, use or sale of alcohol or illegal drugs or substances on Copart property is prohibited.

• Stay clear of electric fences at all times.