How To Get a Rebuilt Title in New York
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 salvage car can obtain a rebuilt title after being repaired and rebuilt to meet safety standards. This title indicates that the previously totaled vehicle is now drivable.
However, before you can get a rebuilt title in New York, the car must undergo a safety inspection to ensure compliance with the state's requirements.
Securing a rebuilt title is mandatory if you intend to operate the car again personally and is highly recommended if you plan to sell it.
Also, possessing a rebuilt title can significantly enhance the vehicle's value and give you a better selling price than a salvage title.
Let’s discuss the entire process of how to get a rebuilt title in New York!
Table of Contents
How To Get a Rebuilt Title in New York
The car must be declared a salvage title to get a rebuilt title in New York State. Then, you must repair your car to a roadworthy condition. Once the repairs are complete, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles will examine the car.
This inspection ensures the vehicle is safe and complies with all necessary regulations.
If your vehicle passes the salvage vehicle inspection, you can apply for a rebuilt title, indicating that the car has been restored and is suitable for road use.
Here is a detailed step to getting a rebuilt title in New York.
1. Ensure the Vehicle has a Salvage Title
If your car is eight years old or newer and you have received an insurance claim payout equal to or exceeding 75% of its value, it will be classified as salvage. In such cases, you will receive a salvage certificate.
Once a motor vehicle is classified as salvage, it becomes eligible for a New York rebuilt title only if the salvage certificate is labeled as "rebuildable."
However, if the vehicle's salvage title is marked as non-repairable, scrapped, parts-only, or destroyed, it cannot be reissued a license, regardless of any restoration efforts made.
2. Repair the Car To Its Best Condition
You must repair your vehicle to obtain a rebuilt title in New York. This is a crucial and significant task that requires careful consideration.
You can hire a trusted auto mechanic, or if you have the necessary skills and knowledge, you may perform the repairs yourself.
The repairs can be extensive and costly, so finding a trustworthy professional or educating yourself on the necessary repairs is crucial.
Once you have completed the repairs and are confident that your car is drivable, you can proceed with the following steps.
This involves applying for a salvage vehicle inspection and a new title certificate through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
3. Apply for a Rebuilt Title
After repairing the vehicle, it's time to apply for a New York rebuilt title. You will need to visit a local NYS DMV office. There, you must present the following documents as proof:
After repairing the vehicle, it's time to apply for a New York rebuilt title. You will need to visit a local NYS DMV office. There, you must present the following documents as proof:
- Ownership: This can be established by providing either:
-
- An NYS Salvage Certificate (Form MV-907A) issued by your insurance company.
- The original title certificate indicates that the car has been deemed a total loss. The title must be signed by both the buyer and the seller. Alternatively, a bill of sale, signed by both parties, can also serve as proof of ownership.
- Identity: Valid forms of identification can include:
-
- Your NY driver's license.
- A New York State non-driver ID card.
- Other acceptable identification documents specified by the NY DMV.
- Sales tax payment or purchase price: You must pay the applicable sales tax to the DMV, and they will issue a sales tax receipt (Form FS-6T). This particular form is exclusively available at the DMV office.
Your next step is to compile the following items:
- A completed Salvage Examination/Title Application (Form MV-83SAL).
- An Odometer and Damage Disclosure Statement (Form MV-103), signed by both the buyer and seller, only if the title certificate does not include an odometer disclosure.
- The sales tax receipt (Form FS-6T) was obtained from the DMV.
- Payment for the appropriate fees related to the salvaged vehicle.
Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you will need to mail them to the appropriate address based on the circumstances:
- If you possess the NYS Salvage Certificate issued by the insurance company, mail Form MV-83SAL with the required information to the following address:
Auto Theft and Salvage, DFI
P.O. Box 2105
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12220
- If the original title indicates that the car has been declared salvaged by its previous owner, mail all the documents to the Title Services Bureau.
After completing this step, the DMV will schedule an examination for your salvage vehicle.
4. Undergo a Salvaged Car Inspection
The salvage vehicle inspection is conducted to assess the safety and compliance of the rebuilt vehicle.
In preparation for the salvage vehicle inspection, gathering an assortment of paperwork is essential.
The Salvage Examination/Title Application (Form MV-83SAL) serves as a comprehensive guide, outlining the requisite forms, documents, and types of identification to bring along for the inspection.
Timeliness is crucial when attending the scheduled examination. Should you arrive more than 30 minutes late, you will be compelled to take the following measures:
- Reschedule the examination.
- Pay an additional fee for the salvage exam.
Moreover, your salvage car must meet specific criteria, including:
- Functioning airbags.
- Visible Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
During the inspection, you will be expected to:
- Pay the designated salvage inspection fee.
- Unveil and open all vehicle doors, hood, and deck lid for a thorough examination.
- Provide a comprehensive account of the repair work conducted.
- Identify the specific components that have been replaced.
The examination process typically spans around 30 minutes. Once concluded, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles will dispatch your salvage car title via mail within approximately five weeks following a successful examination.
After receiving the title, the final step involves re-registering your salvage vehicle.
5. Registering a Car With a Rebuilt Title in New York
The only hurdle your salvage car can conquer before taking to the roads is obtaining a New York vehicle registration.
Fortunately, this step is relatively straightforward. Once you have received your rebuilt title by mail, following a successful salvage car examination, you must:
- Visit your local New York DMV office.
- Carry your salvage vehicle title along with you.
- Proceed with the familiar steps for registering a car in New York.
Once these requirements are fulfilled, you will have the legal authorization to navigate the streets with your salvage vehicle confidently.
Fees for a Rebuilt Title in New York
The fees for obtaining a rebuilt title in New York include the following:
- Application fee, which varies depending on the proof of ownership:
- NYS Salvage Certificate (Form MV-907A): $200.
- All other proofs of ownership: $205.
- Salvage examination fee: $150.
- Reapplication fee for missed examination: $150.
Additionally, you need to take registration fees and sales tax into consideration.
