How To Get a Rebuilt Title in South Dakota
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A rebuilt title is granted to a previously totaled car that has undergone repairs, undergone inspection, and has been deemed safe for operation. Wrecked cars must acquire a rebuilt title before they can be legally sold or operated.
Some states mandate a salvage title as a preliminary step. Still, in South Dakota, salvage titles are only necessary for vehicles under 11 model years old and weighing less than 16,000 pounds.
If you intend to refurbish or sell a totaled car in South Dakota, you must complete an application for a rebuilt title.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how to get a rebuilt title in South Dakota.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Clean Title?
- Salvage Title vs. Rebuilt Title
- Determining If My Vehicle Qualifies for a Rebuilt Title in South Dakota
- How To Get a Rebuilt Title in South Dakota
- Inspection Requirements for a Rebuilt Title
- How To Schedule a Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
- Insurance Coverage for a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title in South Dakota
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Clean Title?
A clean title refers to a vehicle title that has never undergone any changes by an insurer or the state. It indicates that the vehicle has never been deemed a total loss. A car with a clean title does not have any outstanding liens and generally holds better resale value.
Salvage Title vs. Rebuilt Title
A salvage certificate or title is issued to a vehicle that has been severely damaged, usually due to an accident, flood, or other significant event, and the cost of repairs exceeds its actual cash value.
On the other hand, a rebuilt title is given to a previously salvaged vehicle that has undergone repairs and passed a state inspection to ensure it meets the necessary safety and roadworthy standards.
Determining If My Vehicle Qualifies for a Rebuilt Title in South Dakota
To be eligible for a rebuilt title, your vehicle must have sustained significant damage or declared a total loss by an insurance company.
Additionally, it must be repaired to meet South Dakota's safety and legal standards.
How To Get a Rebuilt Title in South Dakota
Getting a rebuilt title in South Dakota is relatively easy. You have to ensure the vehicle is repaired by getting it inspected by the state and then submit an application to the South Dakota Department of Revenue.
Here is the detailed process to get a rebuilt title in South Dakota:
1. Get a Salvage Title in South Dakota
The first step to get a rebuilt title is to get a salvage title if the vehicle is under 11 model years old and weighs less than 16,000 pounds.
To apply for a salvaged title in South Dakota, submit the following items to your county treasurer's office:
- A fully completed Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration (Form MV-608).
- Checking the appropriate box indicating a "Salvage Total Loss" brand.
- Your car's current title.
- Any documentation provided by your insurance provider specifically for the salvage title application.
- Payment of the $10 title fee.
Once you have obtained the South Dakota salvaged title, you have the legal authorization to either sell your total loss vehicle to a scrapyard or vehicle recycler for parts or begin planning its reconstruction and obtaining a new title for road use.
If you decide to repair the vehicle, it must successfully pass a thorough rebuilt vehicle inspection.
2. Go Through Vehicle Inspections
After you or a rebuilder have restored your vehicle to meet South Dakota's safety and legal requirements, it is essential to subject the vehicle to a rebuilt vehicle inspection before proceeding with retitling and registering it.
To initiate the procedure, gather the following items and bring them to your county treasurer's office:
- A fully completed Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration (Form MV-608). This time, indicate on the form that you are applying for a "Rebuilt" branded title.
- An Application for Inspection of Rebuilt Motor Vehicle (SD R-Form 2431).
- The original salvaged title.
- Copies of the bills of sale, receipts, and invoices for the parts utilized in the vehicle's repair.
- Payment for the applicable fees:
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- Title: $10.
- Inspection: $25.
Based on your location and schedule, your county treasurer's office will schedule an inspection appointment for you in Sioux Falls, Pierre, or Rapid City.
Once your vehicle successfully passes the inspection, the inspector will issue a certificate of inspection.
It is crucial to keep this certificate safe, as you will need it to apply for a rebuilt title with the Motor Vehicles Division.
3. Apply for the Rebuilt Title
After successfully passing the inspection, you can obtain a rebuilt title and acquire new registration for your car through the SD Motor Vehicles Division.
To accomplish this, make your way to the county treasurer's office and present the following documents:
- The inspection certificate serves as evidence that your vehicle has met the requirements.
- Payment for the applicable registration fees and taxes.
- Salvage title.
- Manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO) or manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO)
- Copies of all bills of sale, receipts, and/or invoices for the parts used to repair the car.
- Pay for license plates and pay all relevant taxes and fees (if applicable).
Once all the provided documents are approved, you will be issued a South Dakota rebuilt title. Your once-salvaged vehicle is now officially road-ready and prepared for your driving pleasure.
Inspection Requirements for a Rebuilt Title
A rebuilt vehicle inspection is mandatory. Once you have completed the application process and paid the required fees, authorized personnel will comprehensively inspect your vehicle.
This inspection ensures that the vehicle has been repaired to meet safety standards.
You can visit the South Dakota Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) for a rebuilt car inspection. However, you must schedule an appointment with the MVD to inspect your rebuilt car.
How To Schedule a Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Upon submitting the necessary documents and fees, your county treasurer's office will provide you with an appointment for the rebuilt vehicle inspection.
The inspection is typically conducted at designated locations in Sioux Falls, Pierre, or Rapid City, depending on your location and availability.
Insurance Coverage for a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title in South Dakota
Securing comprehensive or collision coverage for a vehicle with a rebuilt title can be more challenging due to perceived higher risks.
However, you can convince insurers to offer physical damage coverage by providing substantial evidence of the vehicle's good condition, including inspections and documentation.
