Home / Rebuilt titles
Rebuilt title inspection, fee and form, state by state
For 45 of the 48 states we found a sentence about inspecting or examining a repaired salvage vehicle before it gets a new title, and for 36 a fee sentence. Who looks, what to bring and what it costs all differ. These are the sentences each state prints.
This is a reference to quoted official text, not legal, tax, insurance or professional advice. Rules change; confirm with the agency before acting.
Total Loss Threshold is an independent reference. It is not a government site and is not affiliated with any state agency, legislature or insurance company.
| State | Inspection sentence | Fee sentence | Form | Title brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | If you owned the vehicle prior to salvage a Rebuilt Inspection is required to consider a previous Salvage Vehicle now a Rebuilt Vehicle. | $90 inspection fee in certified funds (cashier’s check or money order) | Not found | Not found |
| Alaska | The vehicle must be inspected by a law enforcement officer or a representative of the Division of Motor Vehicles which is free at a state DMV office. | The fee for a Salvage title is $15. | A completed form 857 Application for Salvage Vehicle Title must be submitted along with proper evidence of ownership to obtain a Salvage Vehicle title. | Not found |
| Arizona | On application for a restored salvage certificate of title, the department shall conduct a level two or level three inspection of the vehicle that is the subject of the application to determine its proper identity pursuant to section 28-2011. | For a level two inspection, twenty dollars. For a level three inspection, fifty dollars. | Not found | Not found |
| Arkansas | Not found | Not found | the repairer or rebuilder shall complete and deliver to the owner a signed Affidavit of Reconstruction for a Salvage Vehicle form | make application to receive a new certificate of title bearing the notation "REBUILT" in the remarks section on the face of the title by surrendering the existing salvage title to the repaired or reconstructed motor vehicle |
| California | Previously salvaged California vehicles being reregistered for on-highway use must be inspected by an authorized DMV employee or referred to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for inspection, as appropriate. | All fees due, including the $50 Salvage/Dismantled Vehicles Inspection fee and the Substitute Plate fee. | A completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) form. | Not found |
| Colorado | An owner of a salvage motor vehicle that has been made roadworthy who applies for a certificate of title in accordance with section 42-6-116 shall include a certified VIN inspection in accordance with section 42-5-202 by a certified VIN inspector. | Not found | Applicants for a rebuilt from salvage certificate of title shall follow the Form DR 2415 Title Established by Salvage Title Checklist and submit all required documentation listed on that form. | The director shall include the words "REBUILT FROM SALVAGE" and shall make the designation a permanent part of the certificate of title for the vehicle |
| Connecticut | Any salvage vehicle shall be presented for inspection at any motor vehicle dealer or repairer who is licensed in accordance with section 14-52 and authorized by the commissioner to perform such inspection. | The fee for any inspection required by the provisions of this section shall be eighty-eight dollars. | Not found | Not found |
| Delaware | The vehicle cannot be driven until the vehicle has been reconstructed, presented to the Delaware State Police Auto Theft Unit for inspection, passed Delaware safety inspection, and is retitled. | presented at the time of request in addition to a fee of $15. | The Delaware State Police Auto Theft Unit inspectors will provide you with an "Application for Title" (MV214) when the vehicle successfully passes their inspection. | Not found |
| Florida | the department has conducted the physical examination of the vehicle to assure the identity of the vehicle and all major component parts | The customer will be charged an inspection fee of $40. If the vehicle fails inspection, there will be a $20 fee charged for each additional inspection needed. | The applicant must submit a completed Form HSMV 84490 (Affidavit for Rebuilt or Assembled Vehicles). | the Florida certificate of title will be issued branded "Rebuilt." |
| Georgia | When the vehicle is restored, but before it is painted, it must pass inspection by one of the Department’s state inspectors or approved private inspectors | Check, money order, or certified funds made payable to the Department of Revenue in the amount of $118 for the inspection and title fees. The commissioner shall be authorized to charge a fee of $100.00 for each initial inspection of each motor vehicle. | Completed Form T-22R Request for Inspection of a Rebuilt Motor Vehicle | Not found |
| Idaho | Not found | Not found | Not found | the department shall issue a branded certificate of title as a "rebuilt salvage vehicle" if the application for a certificate of title is supported by a salvage vehicle statement completed by the owner which states: |
| Illinois | For vehicles 8 model years of age or newer, the Secretary of State shall issue a new certificate of title to any rebuilt vehicle or any vehicle which previously had been titled as salvage in this State or any other jurisdiction upon the successful inspection of the vehicle in accordance with Section 3-308 of this Article. | Not found | Not found | the new certificate of title shall bear the notation "REBUILT". |
| Indiana | I hereby certify that I am a law enforcement officer of the state of Indiana, and I have personally examined the above vehicle, major component parts and ownership documents. | $15 title application fee. | Affidavit of Restoration for a Salvage Motor Vehicle – State Form 44606 | Not found |
| Iowa | A salvage theft examination shall be made by a peace officer who has been specially certified and recertified when required by the Iowa law enforcement academy to do salvage theft examinations. | The owner shall pay a fee of fifty dollars at the time the examination is scheduled. The $53 exam fee must be paid online by credit card to complete the approval process prior to inspection. | you will need go to the website to complete the Affidavit of Salvage Vehicle Repairs form. | Not found |
| Kansas | The owner of the vehicle shall request the Kansas highway patrol to check the vehicle and the highway patrol shall within a reasonable period of time perform such vehicle check. | A charge of $20 per hour or part thereof, with a minimum charge of $20, shall be made to the owner of a vehicle requesting check under this subsection, and such charge shall be paid prior to the check under this section. a fee of $5 shall be collected from the owner of such vehicle requesting the inspection for the notice required under this paragraph. | Not found | Once a vehicle's title has been branded as salvage, all succeeding titles will reflect this condition while titled in Kansas. |
| Kentucky | and proof of passing the inspection required by KRS 186A.115, the cabinet shall issue a new certificate of title with the words "rebuilt vehicle" printed on the face of the title. | Fifteen dollars ($15) for an individual person There shall be a fee for this certification, payable to the sheriff's office | Not found | Not found |
| Louisiana | The vehicle identification number of every vehicle for which an application is submitted shall be inspected by an inspector at a location designated by the department. | Not found | Not found | the commissioner shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the owner which shall contain the notation "RECONSTRUCTED" on the face of the certificate |
| Maine | If a salvage vehicle is repaired or rebuilt for operation on a public way, the vehicle may only be titled or registered for operation or offered for sale in this State if: | Not found | Not found | The legend "rebuilt salvage" must appear on a certificate of title for a rebuilt salvage vehicle if: |
| Maryland | If your vehicle has been declared salvage (totaled) in Maryland or in another state, it must pass an inspection before you can get a Maryland title or registration. | The inspection fee is $75 | Not found | The Administration shall issue a certificate of title that contains a conspicuous notation that the vehicle is "rebuilt salvage" |
| Massachusetts | shall make application to the registrar for a certificate of title and an inspection of the vehicle prior to registration or sale of said vehicle. | Not found | Not found | the registrar shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the owner which shall contain the notation ''reconstructed'' |
| Michigan | The secretary of state shall not issue a certificate of title or registration plates for a vehicle for which a salvage certificate of title was issued unless a specially trained officer described in subsection (15) certifies all of the following: | Each local authority with a police agency shall determine the amount of the fee for inspections by that police agency, that must not exceed $100.00. | Not found | the secretary of state shall issue a certificate of title for the vehicle bearing the legend "rebuilt salvage". |
| Minnesota | the commissioner must not issue a certificate of title that bears a "prior salvage" brand unless the application for title is accompanied by a certification of inspection in the form and content specified by the department. | A fee of $35 must be paid to the department before the department issues a certificate of title for a vehicle that has been inspected and for which a certificate of inspection has been issued pursuant to subdivision 1. | Not found | Not found |
| Mississippi | Inspection of Motor Vehicle is conducted by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety . You must contact your regional office to make an appointment. | Salvage Inspection Required Documentation: The inspection fee is $125.00. (Certified Check or Money Order) | Not found | Not found |
| Missouri | shall be accompanied by a vehicle examination certificate issued by the Missouri state highway patrol, or other law enforcement agency as authorized by the director of revenue. | The fee for the vehicle examination application shall be twenty-five dollars and shall be collected by the director of revenue at the time of the request for the application | Not found | Not found |
| Montana | the owner shall present the motor vehicle and the salvage certificate, if one has been issued, or the certificate of title, the appropriate receipts or bills of sale establishing ownership, and the source of component parts used to rebuild the motor vehicle to a department employee or designated peace officer for inspection | The department shall collect an inspection fee of $18.50 from the person requesting the inspection for each salvage vehicle inspected. | Not found | the department shall issue a new certificate of title with the words "rebuilt salvage" on the face of the certificate of title. |
| Nebraska | When a salvage branded certificate of title is surrendered for a certificate of title branded previously salvaged, the application for a certificate of title shall be accompanied by a statement of inspection as provided in section 60-146 | For each identification inspection conducted by a county sheriff, the fee shall be ten dollars For each identification inspection conducted by the patrol, the fee shall be ten dollars | Not found | the following title brands shall be required: Salvage, previously salvaged, flood damaged, or manufacturer buyback. |
| Nevada | if a salvage vehicle is rebuilt and restored to operation, the vehicle may not be licensed for operation, displayed or offered for sale, or the ownership thereof transferred, until there is submitted to the state agency with the prescribed salvage title, an appropriate application, other documents, including, without limitation, an affidavit from the state agency attesting to the inspection and verification of the vehicle identification number | Payment: A check or money order for the $10 fee. | Certificate of Inspection/Affidavit of Construction (VP-064) | Not found |
| New Hampshire | If the department has issued a salvage certificate of title after the vehicle has been declared a total loss, the owner shall not apply for title or registration again until the vehicle has been inspected by the director or the director's authorized representative. | Not found | The applicant for a title to a rebuilt vehicle shall complete, under the penalties of unsworn falsification, and submit a salvage affidavit, form DSMV 545A, | Any new title and registration issued for a rebuilt vehicle shall contain the legend "rebuilt vehicle." |
| New Jersey | must undergo an inspection at a State inspection facility. | $200.00 ($100.00 Motorcycles ONLY) The inspection fee is non-refundable and expires in one (1) year. | Salvage Inspection Fee Application (OS/SS-3) | Not found |
| New Mexico | Converting a Salvage Certificate to a Salvage Title requires a safety inspection from a certified safety inspection station and a VIN (vehicle identification number) verification from an authorized VIN verification agency. | Not found | Not found | Not found |
| New York | If a salvage vehicle is rebuilt for use on roadways, the DMV must examine it before issuing a new title certificate or registration. | $200 - if you have a NY State Salvage Certificate (MV-907A) as proof of ownership $205 - if your proof of ownership is not a NY State Salvage Certificate (MV-907A) | Download the Salvage Examination/Title Application (PDF) (MV-83SAL). | Not found |
| North Carolina | Any motor vehicle up to and including six model years old damaged by collision or other occurrence, that is to be retitled in this State, shall be subject to preliminary and final inspections by the Enforcement Section of the Division. | Not found | Not found | Not found |
| North Dakota | The applicant shall include with the application a certificate of inspection in the form required by the department, the salvage certificate of title, and a five dollar fee. | the salvage certificate of title, and a five dollar fee. | CERTIFICATE OF MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION | the words "previously salvaged" and a notation that damage disclosure information is available from the department. |
| Ohio | Upon inspection by the state highway patrol, which shall include establishing proof of ownership and an inspection of the motor number and vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle and of documentation or receipts for the materials used in restoration by the owner of the motor vehicle being inspected, which documentation or receipts shall be presented at the time of inspection, the clerk, upon surrender of the salvage certificate of title, shall issue a certificate of title for a fee prescribed by the registrar. | A fee of fifty dollars shall be assessed by the state highway patrol for each inspection made pursuant to this division Obtain a receipt for the inspection at any Deputy Registrar location for a fee of fifty dollars in addition to the deputy registrar fee. | The State Highway Patrol will complete a Salvage Inspection Form (HP106) | shall bear the words "REBUILT SALVAGE" in black boldface letters on its face. |
| Oklahoma | A salvage vehicle ten (10) model years old or newer, that has been repaired to a roadworthy condition must undergo a rebuilt vehicle inspection by a Motor License Agent before it may be put into use. | The rebuilt inspection fee is paid only at the time the rebuilt title is issued. | The vehicle owner must complete a "Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection Request" (OTC Form 788-B) and submit it to the Motor License Agent. | Not found |
| Oregon | A Level 1 VIN inspection and VIN inspection fee are required when a new title is applied for. Only DMV or a law enforcement agency may perform the VIN inspection. | The VIN inspection fee is $9. The salvage title fee is $27. | A completed Assembled, Reconstructed or Replica Vehicle Certification, Form 6511, or the certification on the back of Form 226. | The word “totaled” appears on Oregon titles or salvage titles issued for vehicles that have been declared totaled. |
| Pennsylvania | All reconstructed vehicles must undergo an enhanced vehicle safety inspection to ensure the vehicle is in compliance with all equipment and inspection requirements. This inspection must be performed at an enhanced vehicle safety inspection station. | Not found | Form MV-426B, “Application for Reconstructed, Specially Constructed, Collectible, Modified, Flood, Recovered Theft Vehicles and Street Rods,” with all applicable signatures. | Not found |
| Rhode Island | Upon inspection by the division of motor vehicles, which shall include establishing proof of ownership, and upon the surrender of the salvage certificate of title, the division of motor vehicles shall issue a certificate of title for a fee prescribed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. | A fee of fifty-five dollars ($55.00) shall be assessed for each inspection made pursuant to this section. | Not found | shall bear the word "re-constructed salvage" on the title |
| South Carolina | If a salvage, salvage flood, or salvage fire vehicle is rebuilt, a regular certificate of title may not again be issued except upon submission of an application stating that the vehicle has been rebuilt and containing the information ordinarily required by the department for the issuance of a certificate of title as well as any information the department may require about the identity of the vehicle, the source and cost of any parts used in, and the extent of any repairs or other work done to the vehicle. | Title Fee of $15.00 | Application for Salvage/Branded Certificate of Title (SCDMV Form 400-S) | If requirements are met, this brand may be changed to Salvage Rebuilt. |
| South Dakota | The motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer may not be licensed or titled until there is submitted to the department proper affidavits, photo copies of receipts, bills of sale establishing ownership, or titles and the source of all parts and component parts used to rebuild the vehicle. | Title application fee is $10, and the inspection fee is $25. | Application for Inspection of Rebuilt Motor Vehicle | Each new certificate of title shall have noted thereon that the vehicle has been rebuilt. |
| Texas | A rebuilt vehicle must pass safety and anti-theft inspections, and other state-mandated standards in order to return to the road. | a $65 Rebuilt Salvage Fee will be due when an applicant applies for a Texas Certificate of Title branded "Rebuilt Salvage". | Rebuilt Vehicle Statement (Form VTR-61) | Your Texas title will include the "Rebuilt Salvage" brand. |
| Utah | Not found | Not found | Not found | the title shall be branded: |
| Vermont | the owner thereof shall not apply for a certificate of title or registration, and none shall be issued until the vehicle has been inspected by the Commissioner or his or her authorized representative. | Certificate of Title, New - $42.00 | Rebuilt/Salvage Title Application (Form VT‑017) | Any new title issued for such vehicles shall contain the legend “rebuilt.” |
| Virginia | Each salvage vehicle that has been rebuilt for use on the highways shall be submitted for a state safety inspection | The Commissioner may charge a fee of $125 per vehicle, for the examination of rebuilt vehicles. $125 examination fee | Request for Examination of Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle (LES 022A) | shall be permanently branded to indicate that it is a rebuilt vehicle. |
| Washington | A vehicle presented for inspection must have all damaged major component parts replaced or repaired to meet all requirements in law and rule before the Washington state patrol will inspect the vehicle. | shall require an applicant to pay a $65 inspection fee if an inspection of the vehicle was completed by the Washington state patrol. | Not found | Not found |
| West Virginia | it may not be titled or registered for operation until it has been inspected by an official state inspection station and by the Division of Motor Vehicles. | The division shall collect a fee of $35 per vehicle for inspections of reconstructed vehicles. A $35.00 inspection fee | Examination (DMV-SV-3), completed by the owner(s) and signed by the DMV reconstructed vehicle inspector | Not found |
| Wisconsin | A repaired salvage vehicle may not be registered or be issued a new certificate of title until an inspector authorized by the department examines it for the following, as specified in rules promulgated by the department: | The applicant shall pay a fee of $80 to the department for the examination in sub. | MV2673, Repaired Salvage Vehicle Major Parts Statement. | Not found |
| Wyoming | The owner shall apply the decal to the driver's door jamb of the vehicle prior to having the vehicle inspected by a Wyoming law enforcement officer for the vehicle identification number and to ensure the decal has been properly affixed. | A ten dollar ($10.00) fee shall be collected for each vehicle identification number or rebuilt salvage vehicle decal inspected pursuant to W.S. 31-2-103(a)(vi) or 31-2-108(d). There is no fee for a Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle Decal. | APPLICATION FOR REBUILT SALVAGE VEHICLE DECAL | a certificate of title branded "rebuilt" shall be issued to the owner. |
Each cell shows the first sentence or two we quote; the state’s page has the rest, with the source of each. Some fee sentences are for the inspection and some are for the title, and a few set a ceiling or a per-hour charge: the words say which. “Not found” means we did not find it on an official page a plain request could read.
Why do the names differ?
The states do not agree on a word. Ohio prints shall bear the words "REBUILT SALVAGE" in black boldface letters on its face.
(Ohio Revised Code 4505.11, read November 11, 2026) Minnesota’s inspection sentence speaks of a “prior salvage” brand: the commissioner must not issue a certificate of title that bears a "prior salvage" brand unless the application for title is accompanied by a certification of inspection in the form and content specified by the department.
(Minnesota Statutes 168A.152, Use and certification of title; inspection fee, read November 11, 2026) Louisiana prints the commissioner shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the owner which shall contain the notation "RECONSTRUCTED" on the face of the certificate
(Louisiana Revised Statutes 32:707, read November 11, 2026)
Is a rebuilt inspection a safety inspection?
Not always, in the states’ own words. North Carolina: These inspections serve as antitheft measures and do not certify the safety or road-worthiness of a vehicle.
(North Carolina General Statutes 20-71.3, Salvage and other vehicles - titles and registration cards to be branded, read November 11, 2026) Montana: The inspection does not attest to the roadworthiness or safety condition of the motor vehicle and must be performed by an authorized employee or an authorized agent of the department or by a peace officer designated by the department.
(Montana Code Annotated 61-3-223, Salvage vehicles, read November 11, 2026) New York: The salvage vehicle examination is not a safety inspection, an emissions inspection, or an insurance examination.
(New York DMV, The Salvage Vehicle Examination, read November 11, 2026)
Other states’ sentences do name a safety inspection. Virginia: Each salvage vehicle that has been rebuilt for use on the highways shall be submitted for a state safety inspection
(Code of Virginia § 46.2-1605, Vehicles rebuilt for highway use; examinations; branding of titles, read November 11, 2026) Pennsylvania: All reconstructed vehicles must undergo an enhanced vehicle safety inspection to ensure the vehicle is in compliance with all equipment and inspection requirements. This inspection must be performed at an enhanced vehicle safety inspection station.
(PennDOT fact sheet, Reconstructed Vehicle Titling Procedure, read November 11, 2026)