How to Get a Rebuilt Title
Buying a severely damaged or totaled car can facilitate an exceptional economic savings, but the "rebuilt" designation may make getting a title for the car somewhat more difficult. However, with a little work and a penchant for dealing with state agencies, you can obtain a rebuilt title.
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Instructions
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Get a Rebuilt Title
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Obtain the car. Depending on your state of residence, you may be able to directly register a totaled car as a rebuilt vehicle. In order to do so, though, you must first secure the car from the salvage yard or insurance company. When the car is purchased, the yard or insurance company will place a notation on the title and bill of sale that the car has been declared a total loss, and the state department of motor vehicles (DMV) will assign a "salvage" or "junk" title accordingly.
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Restore the car. Once the car is obtained, get to work rebuilding and restoring the vehicle. The amount of work will vary from vehicle to vehicle, but will almost always be extensive and may include body work, electrical work, mechanical work or all of these endeavors. Depending on the extent and type of damage, this step may take several weeks, months or even years. If you are not highly familiar with comprehensive vehicle repairs, you may find it more efficient to outsource this function to a qualified mechanic.
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Have the car inspected. When repairs are complete, have the rebuilt vehicle inspected by your state's designated inspection agency. The agency that inspects vehicles for roadworthiness varies from state to state (typical agents include state DMV officers, official state inspection stations and designated private mechanics) and some states do not require an inspection at all.
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Register the vehicle as "rebuilt." Once your rebuilt vehicle has passed any required inspections, re-register your vehicle with the DMV under a "rebuilt" title. In most states, this step is performed simply by taking the existing salvage title and inspection documentation to a DMV office and requesting a new title. The new title, designating the vehicle as "rebuilt" should arrive in the mail after being processed by the appropriate state agencies.
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Tips & Warnings
The process for acquiring a rebuilt title varies from state to state. Some states, like Minnesota, do not issue rebuilt titles at all. In some jurisdictions, the age and value of the car may play a factor in whether a rebuilt title can be assigned.
Some unscrupulous shops may attempt to obtain a "clean" title by rebuilding the car on a chassis not previously identified as salvaged; attempting to circumvent government safeguards in this manner is dangerous and, in many locales, may result in fines or imprisonment.
