How to Register a Salvage Title in California
If your insurance company has declared your registered California vehicle as a total loss, or you have junked the vehicle altogether, you must contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and exchange the title for a salvage certificate. This salvage certificate becomes the only documentation for the vehicle, while you consider the possibility of restoring the car. In addition, you can sell the vehicle to a junk yard or scrap metal company after the title has been converted to a salvage certificate.
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Instructions
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Visit the California DMV website and print out the application for a "Salvage Certificate or Non-repairable Vehicle Certificate."
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Fill out the application. Sign the application in black ink only. Note that only the owner or lien holder can complete the application.
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Visit your local DMV office and give the completed application to the representative along with the title to your vehicle. Bring all documents you have related to your vehicle, including repair receipts.
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Wait for the representative to complete the vehicle verification form. Provide her with any information requested of you during this process. Depending upon the year of your vehicle, you may need to fill out an odometer disclosure form and provide the representative with the license plates and/or bill of sale from the salvage vehicle.
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Pay the fee, which is $18 as of January 2011. Wait for the representative to issue you the salvage certificate.
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Tips & Warnings
If you restore your vehicle, you can apply to re-register the salvage vehicle under a different kind of title for restored salvage vehicles by visiting your local DMV.
References
Resources
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