Purchasing a working or a restored junk car doesn’t automatically mean you can drive the vehicle at once. What separates the bounds of a junkyard and the highway is a document called the salvage title. With it around, the only places you can drive the car are in your garage and on your driveway. You need another title to prove to the state that your car is fit to be driven, and securing it requires a little work.
Your Goal: The Rebuilt Title
The rebuilt title, otherwise known as the reconditioned title, ascertains the roadworthiness of junk cars. The document nullifies the salvage title, as having it means that your car has passed the Department of Motor Vehicle’s (DMV) assessment. A junk car that runs doesn’t automatically merit a title. The vehicle should pass the standards set by the DMV, to ensure that it won’t conk out shortly after purchase.
If the junk car you bought is in pretty bad shape, prepare to run it through a series of repairs. The automobile, from the engine to the car frame, should be fully functional, otherwise you’ll be stuck with a salvage title.
Salvaging a Rebuilt Title
The process of getting the title isn’t too hard. You just have to ensure that the repairs are documented, and all the necessary papers are brought to the DMV upon application. Here’s a guide that you can follow:
- Before you check for damages, make sure that the junk car you purchased isn’t a stolen vehicle. Locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your car’s interior or exterior. It should match the identification numbers entered on car’s title and registration. If it doesn’t, better report it to the authorities. There is a possibility that you purchased a stolen car. VIN verifiers are available online, to make sure that the vehicle wasn’t reported stolen.
- Once your car has been cleared, bring it to a repair shop. A mechanic will assess it for damages, and then provide the necessary repairs. You might as well have the repair shop work on its aesthetics, to impress the DMV, when you’re about to secure the rebuilt title. Make sure you have enough money for junk car repairs.
- Gather all the receipts for the repairs as well as those for the new parts installed.
- Log on to the Internet and visit DMV’s website. There, you will find the contact details of approved junk car inspectors in your area.
- Download a rebuilt title application form, and fill it up.
- Contact or visit an inspector and have your car checked. You’ll be given an inspection report after.
- Bring the filled up application, receipts, inspection report, salvage title and other related documents to your state’s DMV, which will then award you a rebuilt title, if all goes well.
With a rebuilt title in your possession, there’s no stopping you from driving your remodeled and reconditioned automobile or collecting money for junk car sale.