How to Get a Title for a Junk Car

A junk car is probably registered with a salvage title, which means that it cannot be driven on public roads and probably cannot be insured. In order to restore a clean title, you will have to repair it to roadworthy condition and apply to the state Division or Motor Vehicles for a rebuilt title. A rebuilt title is called a reconditioned or restored salvage title in some states.

Things You'll Need

• Salvage title certificate
• Application for rebuilt title
• Repair receipts
• Salvage inspection report
• Check or money order

Instructions

1. Examine the exterior and interior surface of the car, including sites such as the radiator bracket, for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN will be engraved somewhere on the car, depending on make, model and year. Although your title document and registration receipt also record the VIN, it is best to find it yourself in order to ensure that your car is the same car that the title and registration document identify.

2. Run an online check of the VIN to determine if the vehicle has been reported stolen, and to confirm that it has been issued a salvage title.

3. Repair the vehicle to roadworthy condition or have a garage repair it. Either way, retain receipts for any purchased parts so that you can prove that no stolen parts were incorporated into the car.

4. Locate the DMV webpage that lists state-approved salvage vehicle inspectors. Have your car towed to one of them and ask for a salvage vehicle inspection. The inspector will issue you an inspection report.

5. Navigate to the website of your state government's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), download an application for a rebuilt title and complete it.

6. Bring the car's salvage title certificate (if you have it), application for rebuilt title, your repair receipts, the inspection report, and a check or money order for the required filing fee to the state DMV subdivision that issues rebuilt titles. If you do not have the car's title certificate, state officials can look up the name of the owner of record. A rebuilt title will be issued to the car's owner of record.

7. Arrange for the car's owner to transfer the rebuilt title into your name, if you are not the owner.

Tips & Warnings

• The laws of each state differ slightly on the procedure to restore a salvage title. Check the laws of your state.

• Don't drive a car with a salvage title, even if you somehow manage to get it insured. You can be fined for driving it on public roads, even if you have already repaired it.

References

• Car Insurance: What is a Rebuilt Title or a Salvage Title?
• South Dakota State Government: Rebuilt Titles (scroll down)

Resources

• The Unofficial DMV Guide: Rebuilt Title Laws by State
• Carfax: Online VIN Checker