How to Restore a Car Title
When a car is declared a total loss by an insurance company (usually due to an accident), a salvage title will be issued for the car. Once a salvage title is issued, the car can no longer be insured or driven on public roads. If the car is repaired to roadworthy condition, a reconditioned title (known as a rebuilt title in some states) can be issued. A car with a rebuilt title may be insured and driven on public roads.
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Things You'll Need
- Certificate of title
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Repair receipts
- Application for salvage vehicle inspection
- Application for rebuilt title
Instructions
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1
Locate the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Although it should be printed on the car's registration certificate, it is best to physically locate it. It is engraved somewhere on the car, although the precise location varies with each make, model and year.
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2
Check the car's VIN to confirm that it has been issued a salvage title using an online VIN checker (see Resources). A salvage title is a prerequisite to the issuance of a reconditioned or rebuilt title.
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3
Repair the car to roadworthy condition. Keep the receipts for the parts that you buy (or that the garage buys), because you will need to present these receipts to obtain a new title. The purpose of this regulation is to confirm that no stolen parts have been incorporated into the car.
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Download an application for salvage vehicle inspection and an application for a rebuilt or reconditioned title from the website of your state's division of motor vehicles, or the equivalent department in your state. Record the addresses of the nearest state-authorized salvage vehicle inspector and the nearest state government office that issues rebuilt or reconditioned titles.
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Have your car towed to an authorized salvage vehicle inspector. Bring along your car's salvage title certificate, repair receipts and an application for salvage vehicle inspection. Do not drive it there because your car is still not allowed to be driven on public roads. The inspector will inspect your car and issue you an inspection report.
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6
Go to the state office that issues rebuilt or reconditioned titles. Bring your car's salvage title certificate, the inspection report and an application for a rebuilt or reconditioned title. Pay the required fee. A rebuilt or reconditioned title will be issued in the name of the owner of the car as listed on the salvage title certificate.
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Tips & Warnings
The requirements for obtaining a rebuilt or reconditioned title vary somewhat from state to state. Check your state's division of motor vehicles or the equivalent state government subdivision.
You can be fined for driving a vehicle with a salvage title on public roads--even if you have repaired it and is in roadworthy condition. If you cause an accident, you could become personally liable for all damages.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Original firetruck used at Houston Municipal Airport in 1940s image by Lucid_Exposure from Fotolia.com
