FAQ

Is there a preview for the sale?
Yes items can be previewed the day before the auction, from 9:00 am to 4:00. You can also preregister on the preview day.

Is the sale open to anyone?
YES. The only restrictions are: (1)You must be eighteen years of age or older to purchase a vehicle; (2)You must have valid photo identification.

Can you provide further information regarding (Car, Truck, Motorcycle, or other personal property)?
Sorry, with hundreds of items available at each sale we cannot provide specific information regarding individual items.

Where do these cars come from?
Martin Edwards has a contract with the North Carolina Department of Administration for the storage and auctioning of seized vehicles of repeat offenders of Driving while impaired. MEA also has a similar contract with the US Marshal’s Service and North Carolina Department of Revenue for the storage and auctioning of their seized vehicles and personal property.

Other vehicles at the sales include: financial institution vehicles (repossession, lease terminations, fleet liquidation); corporate fleet liquidation; private vehicles; other government agency fleets and seizures.

Why/When are the items sold at auction?
NCDOA determines when vehicles are sold at auction. The proceeds from the sale of DWI vehicles are distributed to the school boards of the county of which the vehicle was seized in. Other agency US Marshals and DOR share their proceeds with local police agency involved with the seizure and determine when items are sold.

Can I buy (xx) number of vehicles at a sale and pick them up later?
Yes. You can buy as many items as you wish – you will have up to three (3) days to pick-up the vehicle(s). If you need more time than three days to pick-up the vehicles, you must make those arrangements with MEA prior to the sale.

Do I need proof of insurance to buy a vehicle at the sale?
Martin Edwards & Associates, Inc. will NOT verify insurance coverage at/during/after the sale. The State of North Carolina requires that all vehicles operated on the road be insured. You should discuss your options with your insurance agent prior to the sale.

Is there Sales Tax on auction vehicles?
No. Martin Edwards does not charge sales tax on vehicles. Vehicles taxes are handled through the NCDMV and the County of registration.

Is there Sales Tax on personal property?

N.C. Sales Tax of 7% will be applied to all personal property.

What if it rains, snows, etc?
Unless the weather is severe all sales will occur on schedule. In instances of severe weather warnings (flood, tornado, hurricane, etc) the auction will be rescheduled for another day. Information will be available as soon as possible at this web site about delays.

Do I get the title with the vehicle?
Yes. The buyer receives a North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Form LT265 at the completion of the sale. A blank title application is attached to the LT265. The buyer takes the application and LT265 to the DMV to receive the title of the vehicle. For US Marshal vehicles receives a SF97.

Can I pay with a Credit or Debit Card?
Yes. However, the following must be considered before using a credit/debit card:

  • We currently only accept Visa and/or MasterCard.
  • Debit cards must be branded (Visa or MasterCard) and will be processed as Credit Cards, not as PIN authenticated debit cards.
  • Effective Sept. 1, 2015: A 4% Administrative Fee applies to payments by any means other than cash or check.

Does Martin Edwards & Associates, Inc. remove items from the sale?
MEA does not keep any item listed for auction – we do not under any circumstance list items for sale as ‘leaders’ or ‘draws.’ There have been items ‘pulled’ from the auctions by some Local School Boards. The State or Federal Government can remove listed items from the sale at any time.

A [Year Make Model] vehicle was listed for sale, but was not seen at the auction?
At any time (even during the sale event) the State of North Carolina or US Marshals can have items removed (‘pulled’) from the sale. This happens for various reasons, including – but not limited to:

  • Court Order (owner has petitioned courts, paid bonds, etc)
  • Claim/Retention by Local School Boards
  • Book/Bond Value Corrections
  • Incorrect paperwork
  • other reasons not known to MEA

Learn about the seizure of vehicles for impaired driving and felony speeding to elude arrest.

The State of North Carolina has a website describing this process. You can read that information through this link.

My Vehicle was Seized and M.E.A. has it. How do I get it back?

Please read the following:

Procedures for Releasing a Seized Vehicle

  • Contact the Clerk of Courts in the county where the vehicle was seized to attempt to obtain a release.
  • Once you have a release from the Clerk of Court, call MEA at 910-897-6382. Releases are available by appointment only (and NO contact through our website(s) or email will be accepted).
  • At your appointment we need: the original release from the Clerk of Court with notarized state seal; proof of ownership, such as title, registration, or insurance documentation; driver’s license or picture id.
  • If the owner of the vehicle is not present, then a notarized letter from the owner must be present with ID.
  • All towing and storage fees must be paid before the vehicle is released.
  • We accept cash, only.