How to Get a Rebuilt Title in New Jersey
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A rebuilt title allows you to drive or sell a salvaged car in New Jersey.
Under specific circumstances, such vehicles can undergo repairs and be resold.
Getting a rebuilt title in New Jersey requires:
- Apply for salvage title
- Repair the salvaged car
- Pass the vehicle inspection
- Submit application and essential documents
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.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot operate vehicles with a salvage title in New Jersey without completing the rebuilt title process.
- Document the before and after repair process to demonstrate proof of adequate repairs.
- Typically, the New Jersey rebuilt title will arrive 21-30 days after you apply for the title.
Table of Contents
What Is a Rebuilt Title?
A rebuilt title signifies that the vehicle was previously declared a total loss but has undergone significant repairs and inspections to meet safety and operational standards.
Why do you need one?
You cannot operate a vehicle with a salvage certificate in New Jersey without first getting a rebuilt title. The rebuilt title indicates that the car is now legal and safe to operation public roads. Furthermore, you may prefer a rebuilt title to sell the vehicle, because buyers will be wary of a salvage title.
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:
- A duly filled out Application for Salvage Certificate of Title (Form OS/SS-61).
- Insurance Listing Sheet (Form BA-28) duly completed by your insurance provider.
- The car's title, endorsed by your insurance carrier and bearing an official stamp.
- If applicable, evidence of lien satisfaction.
- 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
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:
- A completed Salvage Inspection Application (Form OS/SS-3).
- 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. Pass 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:
- Your New Jersey salvage title.
- The completed Salvage Inspection Application (Form OS/SS-3).
- All bills of sale for the replacement of major parts.
- 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.
- 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.
- Depending on the nature of your salvaged vehicle:
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- 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.
Exemption for the Inspection Requirement
When it comes to older salvage cars, those that have been salvaged for at least eight years do not require an inspection to get 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:
- The salvage title.
- Color photographs depicting the vehicle from all angles both before and after the repair work was carried out.
- 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.
- All work orders about the repairs conducted on the car.
- A damage report issued by your insurance provider.
- Payment of the standard title fee, amounting to $60.
Cost of Rebuilt Title in New Jersey
Here are the fees to expect for a rebuilt title in NJ:
- Salvage title: $60
- Penalty fee (request submitted over 10 days after the title transfer process): $25
- Inspection fee: $200
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. Some insurance companies 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.
Conclusion
Securing a rebuilt title in New Jersey ensures that your car is safe and ready for the road. From getting the initial salvage title to passing inspections and making repairs, every phase is key to reviving your vehicle.
Learn how to get a rebuilt title in all 50 states with our helpful guides.
