How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Indiana

To get a rebuilt title in Indiana, you must pay a $15 fee and complete all required paperwork within 45 days of acquiring the salvage vehicle.
Written by Amber Reed
Edited by Pat Roache
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The title application fee for a rebuilt title in
Indiana
is $15, and all paperwork must be submitted directly to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Central Office within 45 days after the salvage vehicle was acquired or purchased. 
  • You need a rebuilt title to legally drive a vehicle that’s previously been declared a total loss by a
    car insurance
    company in Indiana.
  • Rather than requiring an inspection, the Indiana BMV an affidavit of restoration completed by the repair person to verify that the rebuilt title car is roadworthy.
  • The application for a rebuilt title car can be expedited by paying an additional $25 fee.

A rebuilt title certifies that a salvage car is now safe to drive

A
rebuilt title
is a particular type of car title certifying that a vehicle that was once declared a total loss by an auto insurance company has been fully repaired and is safe to drive
Before a totaled car can become a rebuilt vehicle, it will first be issued a certificate of
salvage title
—which makes it illegal to drive. The salvage title car can only be issued a new rebuilt salvage title once the appropriate repair work, fees, and paperwork have been taken care of.
Keep in mind: A rebuilt vehicle title does not qualify as a
clean title
. This will affect your car’s resale value since the rebuilt title means that the vehicle has a higher chance for unexpected car troubles—despite having had its major component parts repaired. 

How to get a rebuilt title in Indiana

Getting a rebuilt title is less burdensome a process in Indiana than in some other states, but there are still some hoops to jump through. Here’s what you’ll need to do.

1. Apply for the salvage title 

If you don’t already have a salvage title, you’ll need to apply for one with a
Salvage Motor Vehicle Restoration Title Application Packet
through the Indiana BMV. 
Here’s what you’ll need:
  • The vehicle’s original title
  • An Application for Certification of Title for a Vehicle
  • A Salvage Title Affidavit Form 
  • Proof of the date of settlement from your insurance company 
  • Payment of $4 via check, money order, or Visa/Mastercard
  • A completed Title Application Checklist
Mail the completed packet to the following address:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Central Office Title Processing
100 North Senate Avenue, Room N411
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Expert tip: You can pay an additional $25 speed title fee to expedite the processing time.
MORE: How to insure a car with a salvage title

2. Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle

You can repair a salvage vehicle yourself in Indiana. However, it’s generally best to hire a professional mechanic unless you have a good bit of experience with auto work.
The car repairs will need to be documented by whoever completes them via an Affidavit of Restoration of a Salvage Motor Vehicle from the Indiana BMV. 

3. Gather essential documents for a rebuilt Indiana title

Once your repairs are done and the salvage vehicle is roadworthy again, it’s time to fill out your Salvage Restoration Packet. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
  • The car’s salvage title 
  • An Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle
  • Affidavit of Restoration of a Salvage Motor Vehicle
  • Proof of ownership or purchase for major parts used in the repair, OR a completed Affidavit State Form 37964 for each part
  • If the vehicle is transferring ownership, you will need to complete an
    Odometer Disclosure Statement
  • Proof of address
  • Payment of tax if selling the vehicle, or completed exemption form if not
  • The $15 title application fee (plus a $25 speed title fee if you want it faster)
Expert tip: When filling out your forms, be sure to include all necessary vehicle information, including the
make, model,
year, and vehicle identification number (VIN). 
Mail the completed packet to the address below:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Central Office Title Processing
100 North Senate Avenue, Room N411
Indianapolis, IN 46204
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FAQs

Indiana does not require inspections for a rebuilt title and anyone can do the repair work. As a result, rebuilt title cars in the state have more potential for hidden mechanical problems. Drivers shopping for cheap used cars may be reluctant to buy a vehicle with a branded title. 
The title application fee costs $15 to $19, plus an additional $25 if you want to expedite the process. Additionally, there is a $30 administrative penalty fee if the BMV does not receive your title packet paperwork within 45 days of acquiring or purchasing the vehicle.
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