How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Colorado
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.
Rebuilt titles are used to overrule salvage titles after a previously totaled vehicle has been completely repaired.
This makes it possible for the driver/owner of the revived salvaged car to be able to drive the car confidently without getting into licensing issues. In Colorado, getting a rebuilt title follows a similar process as registering a new car.
You’d have to fully rebuild the salvaged vehicle and then head on to your local DMV for the processing, which costs $50 for the rebuilt title – there could be other fees to pay when you reach the local DMV office.
The revived salvaged vehicle would also need to pass a vehicle inspection test. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to get a rebuilt title in Colorado.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is a Revived Salvaged Vehicle?
When a vehicle is damaged beyond repair due to an accident or other scenarios, the insurance company that insured the vehicle would mark it as a total loss and report it to the state’s DMV. The state’s DMV would then mark the car as being salvaged, which confers a “salvage title” on the car.
Any car with a salvage title is “unregistered” and deemed unfit to be driven any longer. If you later decide to restore the car to good condition, you must get a rebuilt title.
This will overrule the salvage title and give you legal rights to drive the car around the state and even use it for virtually any purpose as you would a similar car that has not been totaled previously.
A revived salvage vehicle is any car previously marked as a “total loss” by an insurance issuer or title owner but has been restored to drive normally - after the damaged parts and systems were completely rebuilt, replaced, or repaired.
Getting a rebuilt title certifies that a once-totaled vehicle has been “brought back to life” and is roadworthy. While it may still be difficult to resell cars with “rebuilt titles,” it’s easier to sell such cars than the ones with a “salvage title.” When you revive a salvaged vehicle, getting a rebuilt title is imminent.
How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Colorado
To get a rebuilt title in Colorado, you must apply through the Colorado Motor Vehicle Office. The application follows a process, and the vehicle must be physically inspected to confirm its roadworthiness.
Of course, you must pay a fee for the application and inspection - it takes around four to six weeks for the title certificate to be out. Hereunder is the procedure to obtain a rebuilt title in Colorado.
1. Fix the Car
First, you need to fix the car, repair and replace all the damaged components and systems, and fix the body.
When the car is completely fixed and each system is running as expected, you can proceed with the other steps below. Ensure that all your receipts and tellers are intact - you’d submit all of them.
2. Apply for a Rebuilt Title
After the car is fixed, you must walk into your local Motor Vehicle office and request a rebuilt title. You’d be given some forms and documents you must complete, sign, and submit. At this time, you’d be required to provide the following:
- The salvaged title document
- Original title document
- Secure and verifiable identification (SVID)
- Forms DR-2424 (Salvage Title Statement of Fact, DR-2173 (Secure Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale), and DR-2704 (Certified VIN Inspection). The DR-2173 form must be purchased via a dealership’s association.
- Provide receipts and tellers of the parts replaced on the salvaged vehicle
- Pay the necessary fee of $50 for a physical inspection
Note: If the vehicle doesn’t have a salvaged title, you’d need to get one. You need to have a salvaged title before you can get a rebuilt title.
3. Wait for the Title
When you have accomplished the above procedures, you should wait for the rebuilt title certificate, which takes around four to six weeks. However, you should regularly check in with your local DMV office to know when the certificate is actually out.
