How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Minnesota
Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.
When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!
Chris also has a passion for things that go fast, and drones are no exception. He spends some of his time writing for Dronesourced.
In Minnesota, if your vehicle is deemed a total loss and you want to retain it, you must get a rebuilt title.
A rebuilt title assures the state that a vehicle has undergone repairs to meet specific standards, even after an insurance company has declared it a total loss. These vehicles are now deemed safe to drive and are legally permitted to be on the road.
To get a rebuilt title in Minnesota, you need:
- Obtain a salvaged title
- To get the vehicle inspected by the Minnesota DMV
- Pay the $35 inspection fee
- Pay a $10 title fee
Let’s cover everything you need to know about how to get a rebuilt title in Minnesota.
Key Takeaways
- Getting a rebuilt title demonstrates the car is suitable for the roads and helps enhance the resale value of a car.
- Whoever completes the repairs must fill out the Declaration of Reconstruction/Special Assembly form.
- The inspection specialist from the DMV will evaluate the car to ensure no theft or fraud.
- You must pay a $35 inspection fee and a $10 filing fee.
Table of Contents
How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Minnesota
These are the basic steps to get your rebuilt title:
- Get your salvage title.
- Obtain a filled-out form from the mechanic who did the repairs.
- Bring the car for an inspection at the DMV.
- Pay the $35 inspection fee
- Pay the $10 filing fee
- Obtain the new title and registration
Let's break it down.
Getting a Savage Title in Minnesota
A salvage title is required if:
- an insurance company takes possession of a damaged vehicle after settling a total loss claim.
- a vehicle's owner is self-insured and sustains damage exceeding 80 percent of its value.
- a vehicle with an out-of-state salvage title that must be converted to a salvage title in Minnesota.
These requirements ensure that damaged vehicles are adequately documented and identified to protect consumers and maintain transparency in the market.
Yet, for you to get a salvage title in Minnesota, your vehicle must fall under the following categories:
- Late-model automobiles that are no more than six years old.
- High-value vehicles, encompassing cars with a pre-damage value exceeding $9,000 or those weighing over 26,000 lbs.
Once you have acquired a salvage title, you proceed with the rebuilt title process.
Repair the Car
Next, you must repair the damage. We advise you to bring the car to a licensed mechanic for repairs. After fixing the car, the mechanic will complete the Declaration of Reconstruction/Special Assembly form.
They must provide proof of every part they used to repair the vehicle by including invoices and receipts.The document must include a letterhead as well.
Salvaged Car Inspection in Minnesota
Once your car has been reconstructed to meet the necessary safety and legal standards, an Inspection specialist from the Driver and Vehicle Services will examine the car to check for theft or sign of fraud.
You can locate the nearest inspector by referring to the Declaration of Reconstruction/Special Assembly (Form PS2015A). Schedule an appointment in advance to streamline the process.
Before leaving for your inspection appointment, ensure that you have the following items prepared:
- The salvage title of your car.
- The fully completed Declaration of Reconstruction/Special Assembly (Form PS2015A).
- Original bills of sale, receipts, and invoices for the parts used in the reconstruction. Each document should be printed on official letterhead.
- The inspection fee of $35.
After successfully passing the inspection, the inspector will provide you with an inspection report.
Documents You Need To Apply for a Rebuilt Title in Minnesota
Now that your vehicle has successfully passed the salvage inspection, proceed with the rebuilt title and registration process at your local MN DVS office.
You will need to provide the following documentation:
- The salvage title of your vehicle.
- A completed Application to Title/Reg. a Vehicle (Form PS2000). Note that this form can become intricate during the re-titling process. If necessary, seek guidance from a DVS representative to ensure accurate completion.
- Declaration of Reconstruction/Special Assembly (Form PS2015A). Remember, this form should have been completed by the individual who conducted the repairs on your vehicle.
- Original bills of sale, receipts, and invoices printed on official letterhead. These documents should provide detailed information about all the parts used to reconstruct your car.
- Your vehicle inspection report.
- Payment of the $10 filing fee.
Once all the provided documentation has been thoroughly reviewed and verified, the MN Driver and Vehicle Services will issue your new title and registration, completing the re-titling and registration process.
The salvage status on the vehicle's title will be replaced with a "prior salvage" brand, signifying its previous salvage history. This process ensures transparency and provides valuable information to future buyers.
Importance of Getting a Rebuilt Title in Minnesota
A rebuilt title is a prerequisite to operating your vehicle on the road. Moreover, rebuilt titles enhance the marketability of cars, rendering them more appealing than salvaged titles.
Also, rebuilt titles, while not eradicating the car's historical record, signify that the vehicle has undergone necessary measures to comply with specific standards.
Restrictions or Considerations When Buying a Car With a Rebuilt Title
Purchasing a car with a rebuilt title requires careful consideration. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle by a qualified mechanic and obtain a comprehensive vehicle history report.
Additionally, insurance companies may have specific guidelines or limitations for insuring cars with rebuilt titles.
Cost of Minnesota Rebuilt Titles
Here are the fees you can expect when applying for a rebuilt title in MN:
- Standard title fee: $8.25
- Filing fee: $10
- Inspection fee: $35
- Repairs: depends on the mechanic and type of repairs
Conclusion
Getting a rebuilt title showcases that the car has undergone critical repairs and will help boost the resale value of your car. In Minnesota, the process to get a rebuilt title is simple. Repair the vehicle and have the mechanic complete the necessary form, bring the car to the DMV for inspection, and pay the inspection ($35) and filing fee ($10).
Read our helpful guides to find out how to get a rebuilt car title in all 50 states!
