What is the Copart buyer fee?

The buyer fee is a tiered charge that rises with the sale price, from around $25 on very cheap lots up to several hundred dollars, or a percentage on high-value vehicles. Licensed dealers typically pay lower buyer fees than non-licensed buyers.

What is the Copart virtual bid fee?

The virtual bid fee, also called the internet bid fee, is charged for bidding online and is tiered by sale price. Live bidding usually costs a little more than pre-bidding.

Does Copart charge storage fees?

Yes, if you do not collect the vehicle within the free period. Storage rates vary by location, so check the specific yard's rates and enter that amount in the calculator.

Do I need a license to buy from Copart?

Many US states require a dealer license or a licensed broker to buy certain vehicles. Non-licensed buyers can purchase some lots but pay higher fees; requirements vary by state.

Home / US Calculators / Seller Fees / Copart Fee

Seller & Marketplace Fees

US Copart Fee Calculator

Estimate the true, all-in cost of a Copart win. Add your bid, license status, bid type and any storage, broker, late and tax charges, and see every fee broken down. Up-to-date for 2026.

Total price

$114.00

Sale price—

Environmental fee—

Buyer fee—

Virtual bid fee—

Gate fee—

Storage fee—

Third party finance fee—

Total broker fee—

Late payment fee—

Sales tax—

Other government fees—

All-in total cost—

Where your money goes

Your all-in cost split into the winning bid, Copart fees, and taxes & government charges.

How Copart fees work

Copart is an online salvage and used-vehicle auction, and the winning bid is only part of what you pay. On top of the sale price you're charged a tiered buyer fee that rises with the price, a virtual bid fee (internet bid fee) that depends on whether you pre-bid or bid live, a flat gate fee and environmental fee, and, where they apply, storage, broker, late-payment and government fees plus sales tax.

Licensed dealers generally pay lower buyer fees than non-licensed buyers, and heavy vehicles carry higher fees than standard cars. This calculator estimates the buyer and virtual bid fees from published tiers and adds everything into one all-in total so there are no surprises at the counter.

The formula

total = sale price + buyer fee + virtual bid fee + gate fee
+ environmental fee + storage + finance + broker
+ late fee + sales tax + other government fees

Worked example

On a very low lot ($0 bid) as a non-licensed buyer: environmental fee $10 + buyer fee $25 + gate fee $79 = $114 with no other charges. Add a $500 bid and the buyer and virtual bid fees rise per the tier tables, and any storage or sales tax stacks on top.

Typical Copart fee components

Fee	How it's charged
Buyer fee	Tiered by sale price (lower if licensed)
Virtual bid fee	Tiered by price; live > pre-bid
Gate fee	Flat ~$79
Environmental fee	Flat ~$10
Storage fee	Varies by yard/location
Late payment fee	Flat, if paid late
Sales tax	% of sale price

Fee tiers are estimates from Copart's published schedules for planning and vary by member type, location and vehicle. Always confirm exact fees on the lot page before bidding.

Frequently asked questions

How are Copart fees calculated?

Your bid plus a tiered buyer fee, virtual bid fee, flat gate and environmental fees, and any storage, broker, late and government charges and tax.

What is the buyer fee?

A tiered charge that grows with the sale price; licensed buyers pay less than non-licensed.

What is the virtual bid fee?

An internet bidding fee tiered by price; live bidding costs a bit more than pre-bidding.

Does Copart charge storage?

Yes, after the free period, at rates that vary by yard. Enter your yard's rate above.

Do I need a dealer license?

Many states require a license or a licensed broker for certain vehicles; rules vary by state.