How To Get a Rebuilt Title in New York

https://www.findthebestcarprice.com/author-chris-cho

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!

Chris also has a passion for things that go fast, and drones are no exception. He spends some of his time writing for Dronesourced.

LinkedinSoundcloud

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.

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.

To get a rebuilt title in New York:

• Obtain salvage title
• Repair the vehicle
• Complete the Salvage Examination/Title Application form
• Pay the necessary fees

Let’s discuss the entire process of how to get a rebuilt title in New York!

Key Takeaways

• To be eligible for a salvage title, the car must be 8 years old or newer and received an insurance payout for 75%+ of its value.
• Only salvage titles labeled "rebuildable" are eligible to get a rebuilt title.
• After repairing the car, you must bring it to a NY DMV office for a salvaged car inspection and to pay all necessary fees.
• The total rebuilt title process with the DMV typically takes 3-5 weeks.

How To Get a Rebuilt Title in New York

1. Get salvaged title: The car must be declared a salvage title to get a rebuilt title in New York State.
2. Repair the car: Then, you must repair your car to a roadworthy condition.
3. Salvage Examination: Once the repairs are complete, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles will examine the car.
4. Apply for Title: 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. Obtain 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

Repair your vehicle to obtain a rebuilt title in New York. Hire a trusted auto mechanic, or if you have the necessary skills and knowledge, you may perform the repairs yourself.

Once you have completed the repairs and are confident that your car is drivable, you can proceed with the following steps.

3. Apply for a Rebuilt Title

After repairing the vehicle, apply for a New York rebuilt title. Visit a local NYS DMV office. There, you must present the following documents as proof:

Present the following documents as proof:

1. 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.

2. Identity: Valid forms of identification include:

• • Your NY driver's license.
  • A New York State non-driver ID card.
  • Other acceptable identification documents specified by the NY DMV.

3. 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.

Then, compile the following items:

1. A completed Salvage Examination/Title Application (Form MV-83SAL).
2. 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.
3. The sales tax receipt (Form FS-6T) was obtained from the DMV.
4. Payment for the appropriate fees related to the salvaged vehicle.

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, 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 assesses the safety and compliance of the rebuilt vehicle.

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.

For the exam, your salvage car must meet specific criteria, including:

1. Functioning airbags.
2. Visible Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

During the inspection, you will be expected to:

1. Pay the designated salvage inspection fee.
2. Unveil and open all vehicle doors, hood, and deck lid for a thorough examination.
3. Provide a comprehensive account of the repair work conducted.
4. 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.

6. Pay the Rebuilt Title Fees

Here are the relevant fees you can expect to pay:

• 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.

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:

1. Visit your local New York DMV office.
2. Carry your salvage vehicle title along with you.
3. 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.

Conclusion

To register and legally drive a vehicle with a salvage title in New York, you must restore the car and get a rebuilt title. Your vehicle must pass the salvage inspection, and you must pay the associated fees.

The total process to get a rebuilt title in NY takes between 3 and 5 weeks with the DMV. You can expect to get your rebuilt title around 15 business days after passing the exam.

Learn about how to get a rebuilt title in all 50 states with our helpful guides. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally drive my salvage vehicle with a salvage title in New York?

No, a salvage vehicle with a title is considered unsafe for road use and cannot be legally driven on public roads in New York. It must be repaired and pass the salvage examination to obtain a rebuilt title before it can be driven legally.

How long does it take to receive a rebuilt title in New York?

It typically takes between 3-5 weeks to get your rebuilt title in NY.

Can a rebuilt title increase the value of my vehicle?

Yes, a vehicle with a rebuilt title may have a higher value than one with a salvage title. The rebuilt title signifies that the vehicle has undergone repairs and restoration, which can instill confidence in potential buyers and lead to a better selling price.

How do I determine if my salvage vehicle qualifies for a rebuilt title in New York?

To determine eligibility for a rebuilt title, your salvage vehicle must undergo a salvage examination conducted by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. The examination evaluates the vehicle's safety and overall condition.

Is it possible to obtain insurance for a car with a rebuilt title in New York?

Yes, it is possible to insure a car with a rebuilt title in New York. Many insurance companies offer minimum liability insurance coverage for rebuilt salvage cars, allowing you to drive the car legally on the roads. However, you may meet challenges in getting an insurance provider for such cars because most companies steer clear of cars with rebuilt titles, considering them high-risk.