How to Get a Rebuilt Title in New Jersey

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Chris Cho

Chris Cho

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!

A rebuilt title allows you to drive or sell a salvaged car in New Jersey. Salvage cars have undergone significant wreckage, destruction, or damage, reaching a point where the insurance company deems it economically unfeasible to restore.

Under specific circumstances, such vehicles can undergo repairs and be resold. However, aspiring to get a rebuilt title in New Jersey requires preparation for a lengthy and expensive procedure.

Although rebuilding a vehicle can be thrilling and fulfilling, repairs come with a high cost, and acquiring the title can be time-consuming.

Let’s look at everything you need to know about how to get a rebuilt title in New Jersey.

What Is a Rebuilt Title?

A rebuilt title is a designation given to a salvaged vehicle that has been repaired and restored to a roadworthy condition.

It signifies that the vehicle was previously declared a total loss but has undergone significant repairs and inspections to meet safety and operational standards.

How to Get a Rebuilt Title in New Jersey

To get a rebuilt title in New Jersey, you must restore the vehicle to pristine condition and present your rebuilt car for inspection.

Upon successful inspection, you can convert your New Jersey salvage title into a standard title using the same procedures applicable to titling and registering a new vehicle.

Here is a breakdown of the process to get a rebuilt title in New Jersey:

1. Get a Salvage Title in New Jersey

To apply for a salvage title in New Jersey, submit the following documents to one of the State Vehicle Centers:

1. A duly filled out Application for Salvage Certificate of Title (Form OS/SS-61).
2. Insurance Listing Sheet (Form BA-28) duly completed by your insurance provider.
3. The car's title, endorsed by your insurance carrier and bearing an official stamp.
4. If applicable, evidence of lien satisfaction.
5. Payment for the salvage title, amounting to $60 if there is no lien and $85 if a lien exists.

Once the salvage title is in your possession, you can commence the restoration process on your vehicle.

2. Fix the Car

While fixing the car, it is essential to thoroughly review the Salvage Vehicle Information form (OS/SS-4) is essential to ensure compliance with state standards during the repair process.

Take color photographs of the vehicle showing all four sides before and after the repair. Additionally, you need to gather the bills of sale for all principal parts. These should include the purchase date, price, and the names and addresses of the buyer and seller.

Once you are done with the repairs, submit the following items either in person at the nearest salvage title service location or via mail to the address indicated on the information sheet:

1. A completed Salvage Inspection Application (Form OS/SS-3).
2. Payment in the form of a check or money order payable to "NJMVC" for the $200 salvage vehicle inspection fee. It's important to note that this fee is non-refundable and valid for one year.

3. Go Through the Car Inspection

After submitting the required items, you can schedule an inspection appointment at an approved inspection site.

When the day of your appointment arrives, you must bring the following items to the inspection site:

1. Your New Jersey salvage title.
2. The completed Salvage Inspection Application (Form OS/SS-3).
3. All bills of sale for the replacement of major parts.
4. Before-and-after photographs of the vehicle to demonstrate the repairs. You must submit a damage report if you don't have photographs of the pre-repair condition.
5. The work order(s) for all repairs, including the VINs of the parts used to rebuild your vehicle. Be sure to include the VINs along with detailed information about the repairs.
6. Depending on the nature of your salvaged vehicle:

• • For flood salvage vehicles: Provide a damage report from your insurance provider.
  • For theft recovery salvage vehicles: Submit a police report obtained from the agency responsible for recovering the vehicle.

After completing the inspection for your reconstructed vehicle, you must apply for a car title the same you register or title a new car.

The estimated time for receiving your rebuilt title in New Jersey can take a month; sometimes, it can be faster and take 15 to 20 days.

Getting Rebuilt Title for Salvaged Cars in New Jersey Exempt From Inspection

When it comes to older salvage cars, typically those that have been salvaged for at least eight years, there is often no requirement for an inspection to be eligible for a rebuilt title.

If your car falls into this category, you can apply for a rebuilt title with the Motor Vehicle Commission by submitting the following:

1. The salvage title.
2. Color photographs depicting the vehicle from all angles both before and after the repair work was carried out.
3. Documentation includes bills of sale, receipts, and invoices for replacing major parts. These records must include the vehicle's make, model, year, and VIN details. For a comprehensive list of significant parts, please consult the Salvage Vehicle Information (Form OS/SS-4) provided by the MVC.
4. All work orders about the repairs conducted on the car.
5. A damage report issued by your insurance provider.
6. Payment of the standard title fee, amounting to $60.

How Can I Get a Salvage Title With "Stolen" Vehicles

In the case of a salvage title about a stolen vehicle, the necessary documents must be presented at a New Jersey salvage services MVC office. These documents include the following:

1. An Insurance Listing Sheet (Form BA-28) OR a letter from your insurance provider on official company letterhead.

Either option must provide the following information:

• • An explanation stating that the vehicle remains unrecovered due to theft and that a salvage title is imperative for finalizing the total loss claim.
  • The precise nature of the loss (in this instance, an unrecovered theft) encompasses details such as the owner's name, the vehicle's actual cash value, make, model, year, and serial number.

2. A copy of the police report relating to the theft.
3. The original car title for New Jersey is appropriately completed and authenticated.
4. If applicable, a Power of Attorney document.

Inspections for Rebuilt Titles

An inspection is mandatory to obtain a rebuilt title in New Jersey. After repairing the vehicle, you must schedule an inspection appointment at an approved inspection site.

The inspection ensures the rebuilt vehicle meets the required safety and operational standards. Upon successfully passing the inspection, you can apply for a standard title.

Salvage Inspection Requirements for a Rebuilt Title in New Jersey

Getting a salvage inspection depends on a few factors. Mainly, vehicles eight years or older need no inspection to request a rebuilt title in New Jersey.

Rebuilt Title Costs in New Jersey

A sole fee of $60 is required to issue the title for salvage titles. However, you must be mindful of an additional penalty fee of $25, which applies if the request is submitted beyond ten days after completing the title transfer process.

A mandatory inspection fee of $200 must be paid before proceeding with the payment of title and car registration fees.

Application Rejections for a Rebuilt Title in New Jersey

There are various reasons why your application for a rebuilt title was rejected in New Jersey:

1. Incomplete or incorrect information.
2. Failure to provide all the necessary supporting documents, such as proof of repairs, receipts, inspection reports, or other required paperwork, your application may be rejected.
3. Non-compliance to safety standards set by the MVC.
4. Failure to pay fees or penalties.

Insurance Coverage for a Rebuilt Title in New Jersey

Getting full coverage for a car with a rebuilt title in New Jersey may be more challenging. At best, some insurance companies, such as cars, may offer limited coverage options or higher premiums.

Insurance companies often consider vehicles with rebuilt titles a higher risk due to their history of significant damage or prior salvage status.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the process of obtaining a rebuilt title take?

Getting a rebuilt title in New Jersey can take a month and involves repairs, inspections, and applying a standard title.

Do I need to disclose the rebuilt title when selling the vehicle?

Yes, disclosing the rebuilt title status is essential when selling a vehicle. Failure to do so may lead to legal consequences. Be transparent about the vehicle's history to potential buyers.

Can I obtain a rebuilt title for a previously salvaged vehicle in another state?

Yes, obtaining a rebuilt title for a vehicle previously salvaged in another state is possible. However, you will need to follow the specific guidelines and requirements of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to obtain a rebuilt title.