How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Texas

How to Get Rebuilt Title in Texas

There are different laws that apply to getting a rebuilt title in Texas. These laws address how cars are declared savage and how strictly the law addresses the process of getting a rebuilt title.

The truth is, the process of getting a rebuilt title in Texas might not be the same as what is obtainable in Georgia. In fact, Texas has more strict laws regarding rebuilt titles than Georgia.

Although there are similarities in getting a rebuilt title, it simply implies getting a title for a previously damaged car. However, the requirements of the law vary across different states.

To get a rebuilt title in Texas, you'll need to complete and submit some necessary forms, provide proof of insurance and pay a total rebuilt title fee of $73, which covers the title fee and applicable fees.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to get a rebuilt title in Texas.

What Does Rebuilt Title Mean in Texas?

Rebuilt titles can mean a lot of things in different states, so you must understand the entails of rebuilding a car in Texas to enable you to make adequate plans.

Rebuilt titles in Texas involve the process of getting a title for a car that was repaired/restored after being severely damaged due to an accident, natural disaster, or unfortunate event.

These damaged vehicles are usually classified as losses in Texas because the repair cost after damage exceeds the car's value.

In this scenario, these vehicles are conserved to dump yards, where they are not meant to be legally driven on highways until they are reconstructed and approved according to Texas laws.

In Texas, car titles are classified with colors. There's a blue title, purple, orange, brown, and so on. Blue titles are given to cars with a clean title, purple titles are for salvage titles, and a blue/brown rebuilt title will be issued if a salvage car with a purple title passes inspection.

Non-repairable cars are identified with orange titles. These cars are declared unrepairable, classified as junk, and their parts are only used for dismantling.

To get a rebuilt title in Texas, your vehicle will be first branded salvage title till it passes the roadworthiness test.

However, not all vehicles are eligible in Texas to get a rebuilt title.

Here's a list of cars that are eligible for retitles:

  1. Cars with Texas Salvage Certificate of Title issued prior to September 1, 2003.
  2. Vehicles with the Texas Non-Repairable Certificate of Title issued prior to September 1, 2003.
  3. Vehicles with Texas Salvage Vehicle Title issued on or after September 1, 2003, or a comparable out-of-state ownership document.

Here's a list of cars that are not eligible for a rebuilt title:

  1. Cars with a non-repairable vehicle title issued on or after September 1, 2003.
  2. Vehicles with a certificate of authority that mandates disposal to a demolisher for demolition, wrecking, and dismantling.
  3. Vehicles with a comparable out-of-state title or any other ownership document that states that the vehicle is non-repairable, classified as junk, with parts classified for dismantling only.

Does Texas Accept Rebuilt Titles?

Yes. Texas accepts rebuilt titles. The process might not be easy, but it's worth it.

To get a rebuilt title in Texas, you'll need to submit the required documents, pass safety and anti-theft inspections and ensure that the car meets all required standards that make it roadworthy. Before your car is accepted for a rebuilt title in Texas, it will be classified as a salvage brand.

Can You Drive a Rebuilt Title in Texas?

Yes. You can drive a rebuilt title in Texas. It indicates your car is legally roadworthy. There are no restrictions on how far and how fast you can go in the car.

It is important to mention that irrespective of the fact that you can drive a rebuilt title in Texas, there is no guarantee that you can do the same in other states. Laws on rebuilt titles vary across different states, so you must confirm the laws of other states before going on a road trip.

How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Georgia

Now that it's established that you can get and drive a rebuilt title in Georgia, let's guide you through the process of getting a rebuilt title in Georgia.

Here's a list of easy ways to get a rebuilt title in Texas.

1. Begin Your Application.

The first thing to do to get a rebuilt title is to begin your application. You'll do this by picking up and completing the VTR-441 form. After filling out the form, you'll have to send it to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle (TXDMV) with an application fee of $8.00.

You must include the original title of your car and mail it to TXDMV. To mail your form and application to TXDMV, use the following address:

Texas Department of Motor Vehicle

Vehicle Titles and Registration Division

PO Box 26450

Austin, TX 78755-0450

Upon receipt and confirmation of your mail/order, TXDMV will give you a Salvage Vehicle Title, which will be mailed back to you as the owner or as the lienholder.

2. Handle the Repairs.

After starting your rebuilt application, upon receipt of your salvage title, the next thing to do is to proceed to repair the car.

Texas has no specific laws regarding using a licensed rebuilder to rebuild your salvage vehicle. But, you must understand that how well you rebuild and handle the repairs will determine if you will pass inspection.

You must complete vehicle repairs and remember to keep the receipts of all repair parts purchased and the cost of services involved in the rebuilding.

3. Book an Inspection.

If you've gotten to this stage, then you're halfway done. The next thing to do is to book an inspection. You'll do this after receiving the salvage title, and you're sure that all repairs have been done.

Book a new vehicle safety inspection and be sure to request an Identification Certificate (form VI-30).

4. Submit the Required Forms.

After inspection, you'll have to proceed to submit all the required forms to get a rebuilt title.

You are meant to submit these forms to your County Tax Assessor-Collector's office.

Here's a list of forms that you'll have to submit for assessment.

  • Salvage Vehicle Title
  • Form 130-U, Application for Texas Certificate of Title.
  • Form VTR-61, Rebuilt Affidavit. In the event that you repair your salvage vehicle, you must attach a recording of the parts used and their origin.
  • Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).
  • Proof of insurance ensuring that they meet Texas Liability Minimums.

5. Pay the Agreed Fees.

To finalize the process of getting a rebuilt title, you'll have to proceed to pay the agreed fees. This is after you've mailed the $8 applicable fee. At the finalization of the rebuilt title, you'll need to pay a rebuilder fee of $65.

Certain situations will require you to pay registration renewal fees, but that's not applicable in all cases.

6. Assessment.

At the completion of your fees, the entire process will be accessed. This includes accessing your rebuilder fees and the completed repairs to ensure that all inspections were thoroughly done.

At the end of the assessment, you'll get the rebuilt title which will permit you to drive your rebuilt vehicle on public roads again.

Conclusion

Getting a rebuilt title in Texas isn't that hard. The fees are affordable too. However, before you set out to get a rebuilt title, you must equip yourself with the necessary information that will help you scale through.

You'll get a rebuilt title if you complete and submit the necessary documents and pay the required fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a rebuilt title in Texas?

Rebuilt title in Texas costs $65, but you'll also need to pay an $8 application fee. This makes the total cost of getting a rebuilt title in Texas amount to $73.

Is it illegal to drive a salvage car in Texas?

Yes. It is illegal to drive a salvage car in Texas. You are not meant to drive a salvage car in Texas until you've gotten a rebuilt title. The salvage will need to be inspected and documented to decide that they are safe to hit the highway again.

Can you change a rebuilt title to a clean title in Texas?

No. You cannot change a rebuilt title to a clean title in Texas. A lot of scammers and fraudsters will tell you that it is possible to change a rebuilt title to a clean title, but this is wrong. Trying to change a rebuilt title to a clean title in Texas is a crime.

Is it illegal to sell a salvage car without telling the buyer in Texas?

Selling a salvage car in Texas is illegal without telling the buyer. Buyers need to know that the car is a salvaged vehicle, and more importantly, you need to inform them of the extent of damage and repairs carried out on them.