How to Get a Salvage Title for a Totaled Car

Salvage titles are used to replace the original title of a totaled vehicle.

A salvage title is issued when a vehicle has been damaged to a point that is more than 75 percent of the vehicle's cash value. If the owner retains the vehicle he must complete an application for salvage title and may have to surrender the original title at the time of application. The fee for a salvage title will vary from state to state. The vehicle will not be eligible to be driven until it has been restored and deemed road-safe through a vehicle inspection. Your insurance company will report the vehicle as totaled to the authorities.

Instructions

1. Visit your local department of motor vehicles or department of safety and complete the "Application for Salvage Title."

2. Provide the required information from the vehicle in order to replace the original title. This may include your original title and the vehicle's license plate.

3. Submit your payment for the replacement title. The fee for obtaining a salvage title will vary from state to state. You will be provided with a certified salvage title once all of the required documents and information is provided.

References

• Michigan Department of State: Salvage Titles
• Georgia Department of revenue: Motor vehicle division