How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Missouri
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You can use your total loss vehicle in Missouri instead of letting it go to waste. By getting a rebuilt title, your car can be redeemed after being involved in an accident.
To get a rebuilt title in Missouri:
- you must conduct repairs
- pass an inspection
- pay for re-titling to convert your salvage car into a rebuilt title vehicle
A rebuilt title confirms that a car once deemed a total loss and previously written off by insurance has now been repaired and is safe to drive on public roads.
Let’s look at everything you need to know about how to get a rebuilt title in Missouri!
Key Takeaways
- To obtain a rebuilt title in Missouri, your vehicle must first have a salvage title.
- Vehicles must meet specific eligibility requirements for a salvage title in Missouri, including being less than 7 years old and having repair costs exceeding 80% of their fair market value.
- The rebuilt title process involves passing a state inspection, submitting necessary documents to the Missouri Motor Vehicle Bureau, and paying a title fee of $8.50 plus a $2.50 processing fee.
- Insuring a vehicle with a rebuilt title in Missouri is possible, but it may come with higher premiums due to the perceived increased risk.
Table of Contents
How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Missouri
- Apply for a salvage title from the Missouri Department of Revenue
- Restore the vehicle to safe operation after being declared a non-operable in total loss claim
- Submit the application and necessary documents to the Missouri Motor Vehicle Bureau
- Pay the title fee of $8.50 and a processing fee of $2.50.
How to Get a Salvage Title in Missouri
Step 1: Get Salvage Title
If you want to retain your totaled car as part of a partial settlement, you must apply for the appropriate title in Missouri.
Apply for a Missouri salvage title by submitting the following documents at your local DOR agency:
- Your insurance provider must fill out a Notice of Vehicle Titling Requirements form (Form 5043).
- Application for Missouri Title and License form (Form DOR-108).
- An original certificate of title.
- A notarized lien release, if applicable.
- Payment for the required fees includes an $8.50 title fee (with an additional $5 for expedited processing) and a $6 processing fee.
After completing these steps, you will receive the salvage title. You can now repair the vehicle to a functional state and apply for a rebuilt title.
Salvage Title Eligibility Requirements in Missouri
To apply for a salvage title, your vehicle must be deemed ‘salvaged”. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) defines a salvaged car as a total loss. Such a classification applies to vehicles that meet the following criteria:
- The car was less than 7 model years old at the time of the incurred damage. AND
- The extent of damage is significant enough that the cost of repairs exceeds 80% of the car's fair market value.
Once these qualifications have been certified by your insurance provider, you will be faced with whether to retain ownership of the salvage vehicle.
If you choose to pursue a salvage title in Missouri, you must first meet specific eligibility requirements.
One crucial criterion is being the legal owner of a motor vehicle officially declared salvaged or a total loss.
2. Get Inspection
The state must inspect your salvage car after your repairs.
To apply for inspection, you must obtain a Vehicle Examination Certificate (Form DOR-551), which requires payment of $25 and a $6 processing fee.
This payment can be made by check or money order, payable to the "Department of Revenue." There are two options available for acquiring the certificate:
- An in-person visit to your local DOR licensing office. OR
- Submission via mail, accompanied by a written request, to the following address: Motor Vehicle Bureau P.O. Box 100 Jefferson City, MO 65105
Once you have the form, you must visit one of Missouri's authorized salvage examination sites to undergo the inspection.
The Department of Revenue strongly advises scheduling the examination at least four weeks in advance to ensure ample time for preparation.
Upon inspection completion, the inspector will provide you with a filled Vehicle Examination Certificate (Form DOR-551).
Step 3. Apply for a Rebuilt Title
The Required Documents To Get a Rebuilt Title in Missouri
To apply for a rebuilt salvage title in Missouri, you are required to submit the following documents:
- A completed Application for Missouri Title and License form (Form DOR-108).
- Notice of Vehicle Titling Requirements form (Form 5043): Your insurance carrier must complete this form if you are exempt from acquiring a salvage title because your insurance company classifies your car as operable in a total loss claim.
- You need to provide the current proof of ownership based on the following scenarios:
-
- For rebuilt salvage vehicles: A salvage title.
- For cars determined as operable in a total loss claim: A regular certificate of title.
- Vehicle Examination Certificate form (Form DOR-551) that is no more than 6 months old from the day of inspection.
- Bill of sale indicating the purchase price.
- If the vehicle has undergone rebuilding or repairs, the following additional items are required:
-
- Notarized bills of sale and copies of vehicle titles for all major part replacements.
- Invoices, receipts, and bills of sale for all essential parts used as replacements.
You can submit the items mentioned earlier in person at your local DOR office or via mail to the Special Titling Unit at the Motor Vehicle Bureau, P.O. Box 2076, Jefferson City, MO 65105.
Step 4. Pay the Rebuilt Title Fees
Payment must be made for the rebuilt title fee ($8.50) and the title processing fee ($6). Also, all applicable taxes on the vehicle's purchase price and replacement parts must be paid. Consult an agent at your local DOR office for specific tax details.
Step 5: Review and Approval
Missouri DMV will evaluate your application, inspection, and documents. If your vehicle meets the requirements, then they will issue your new rebuilt title.
Note that the process may take a few weeks. However, you can pay to expedite document delivery.
Insuring a Rebuilt Title in Missouri
If you're seeking insurance for a car with a rebuilt title, you will probably have to pay a higher insurance premium than a vehicle that hasn't been salvaged and rebuilt. This is partly due to the limited number of insurance companies offering rebuilt title vehicle coverage.
Contact insurance providers to inquire about specific policies and coverage options for vehicles with rebuilt titles.
Costs for a Rebuilt Title in Missouri
Here's a breakdown of the fees you can expect to pay for a rebuilt title in Missouri:
- Title fee: $8.50
- Processing fee: $2.50
- Quick title fee (expedite the document): $5
