GovDeals vs GovPlanet (2026): Same Parent, Very Different Inventory
Both are Liquidity Services platforms but they sell completely different things. GovDeals is municipal surplus; GovPlanet is heavy military. Here's how to pick.
Both GovDeals and GovPlanet are owned by Liquidity Services (NASDAQ: LQDT), share buyer accounts, and use the same back-end. So why does Liquidity Services run two separate platforms? Because they sell completely different things to completely different buyers.
TL;DR
GovDeals = state and local government surplus. Police cars, school laptops, county pickups, transit buses.
GovPlanet = US military and federal heavy surplus. Humvees, MRAPs, generators, aircraft parts, trailers, comms equipment. Often sold in lot quantities.
If you're shopping for a county fleet vehicle, GovDeals. If you're shopping for a former US Army truck, GovPlanet.
Quick decision
- Municipal vehicles or equipment
- School/county/city surplus
- Specific items you can pick up locally
- Military vehicles (Humvee, M-series trucks, LMTV)
- Heavy equipment lots (often 5-20 units at a time)
- Items where you don't mind cross-country pickup
Side by side
| GovDeals | GovPlanet | |
|---|---|---|
| Seller | State/local government | US military, DLA (Defense Logistics Agency) |
| Active listings | ~50,000+ | ~3,000โ5,000 |
| Inventory type | Single items, mostly | Lots are common (10+ units) |
| Typical price | $50โ$50,000 | $500โ$500,000 |
| Buyer's premium | 7.5 โ 12.5% | 10% standard |
| Pickup | Local seller location | Regional military depots, often remote |
| Account | Shared LQDT login with GovDeals | Same account works on both |
| Registration extras | None special | May need additional paperwork for restricted items |
Where each actually wins
The inventory split The two platforms exist precisely because the buyer profile is different. A school district selling a 2014 Chevy Tahoe wants buyers who'll show up in person and pay $4,000. A military depot selling 30 LMTVs in a lot wants serious commercial buyers with logistics capability and $300,000 to spend. Same backend; different storefronts so each audience sees what's relevant.
Lots vs individual items GovPlanet sells in lots heavily. You might see "Lot of 30 Generators" or "20-Unit M1078 LMTV Package." If you want one Humvee, GovPlanet sometimes lists individuals โ but you'll see a lot more 4-pack, 8-pack, and full-package offers. Plan for transport.
Pickup logistics GovDeals pickups happen at city/county yards near population centers. GovPlanet pickups happen at military bases and DLA distribution centers โ Texarkana, Sierra Army Depot, Tobyhanna. Plan for cross-country flatbed transport on most GovPlanet wins.
Buyer profile GovDeals attracts hobbyist buyers, small businesses, and resellers. GovPlanet attracts wholesalers, exporters, and specialty buyers who flip military vehicles to off-road enthusiasts or commercial fleets.
Title and registration GovDeals vehicles come with clean state titles in most cases. GovPlanet vehicles often come with SF-97 (military title statement) which you'll need to convert to a state title โ this varies by state and vehicle type. Some Humvees and MRAPs have restrictions (no on-road use in certain states, demilitarization requirements).
Should you use both?
If you're a vehicle reseller or flipper, yes. GovPlanet for the inventory-buy and GovDeals for retail-grade individual flips. The shared account makes it painless.
If you're a one-time buyer, pick the platform that matches what you want. Don't try to find a Humvee on GovDeals (you won't) or a county pickup on GovPlanet (it's not there).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the same LQDT account log in to both? Yes. Your buyer profile, bid history, and payment methods carry across.
Does the 90-day probation apply to GovPlanet? GovPlanet has its own buyer-tier requirements and some items require specific registration (e.g., demilitarization compliance). New buyers can usually bid on lower-restriction items immediately.
Where do former military vehicles end up registered? Varies by state. Most states will issue a title with the SF-97 paperwork, but a few (CA, NY, NJ) have stricter requirements for ex-military vehicles. Verify with your state DMV before buying.
Is GovPlanet inventory always lots? No, but it's common. Search for "1 of" or individual VIN listings if you only want one unit.
More comparisons
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