A Salvage Title is what your car title turns into after the insurance company declares the car a total loss from damage. They pay you the value of the car and the car is now titled only for the junk yard, or salvage.
What Is a Salvage Title?
There is a lucrative business in purchasing cars with titles that have been declared salvage. But, aside from that, you might want to keep your car and fix it up over time. You can reregister this car after doing certain things to bring it back up to road worthy and changing the salvage title.
How to Reregister a Salvage Title
There are many things you need to do in order to reregister to turn that salvage title back into a regular car title. You will likely need some help from the California DMV, but here is the quick list and the place to start.
What You Need to Register That Title
- Application for Title, Form REG 343
- REG 31 Form and CHP Inspection CHP 97C
- Sales Receipt or Proof You Own the Car
- Brake and Light Safety Inspection Certificate
- Title Application Fee
Smog Certification in California
When you have a Salvage title on your car and you’re reregistering it then you might or might not need to have a smog certification. Obviously, if the car isn’t running then you can’t get a smog certificate for it. See form Statement of Facts REG 256.
Recovering Your Car Title
Once all your questions have been answered on what is a salvage title and you’re ready to turn it back into a regular car title, the real work begins. There are many forms and hassles you need to get through, but if you really want to keep that car then it’s worth it. Here is more information on Reregistering Salvage Titles at the California DMV.
