How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Iowa
To get a rebuilt title in Iowa, you have to make all necessary repairs, pay a $50 fee, and pass a salvage theft exam conducted by a certified peace officer.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you want to get a rebuilt title for a repaired car in Iowa, you need to pay a $50 exam fee, and the vehicle has to pass a salvage theft inspection conducted by a specially certified law enforcement officer. Rebuilt titles are referred to as “prior salvage titles” in Iowa.
For most people, a totaled car means a car at the end of its vehicular life span. It’s suffered damages that are too expensive to repair, the insurance company writes it off, and it’s broken down for scrap. This may not be the case all of the time, though. Sometimes an experienced mechanic can bring a totaled car back to life with extensive repairs and a rebuilt title.
In Iowa, driving or selling a previously totaled car requires a rebuilt (or prior salvage) title. Each state has its own rules about obtaining one, and
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What is a rebuilt title?
A
rebuilt title
is a title for a vehicle that was once declared totaled by an insurance company, but has since been repaired to acceptable working order. Before a car has a rebuilt title, it will have a salvage title first. This title indicates that the vehicle is totaled, unsafe, and illegal to drive. Once the car has been repaired and inspected, you can replace the salvage title
with a rebuilt title
.Does my car need a rebuilt title?
If you have a totaled car that you want to drive again, you will need a rebuilt title. It is illegal to insure or register a vehicle with a salvage title in Iowa.
While you can legally sell a car with a salvage title, it’s generally something that most experts advise people against buying. Folks who buy salvage titled cars are typically hobbyists and repair enthusiasts.
That said, more people would be willing to buy a car with a rebuilt title. A rebuilt title still retains the history of the vehicle’s damage, but certifies that it has been restored to an acceptable condition.
How to get a rebuilt title in Iowa
Getting a rebuilt title in Iowa requires some fees, paperwork, and official inspections, not to mention the money you’ll be spending on repairs. It’s a process that takes some time and money, but the finished project can be quite satisfying.
Apply for the salvage title
If your vehicle doesn’t already have a salvage title, you’ll need to start by getting one. This is a relatively simple process in Iowa, and you can fill out the form online. Here’s what to do:
- Fill out and submit an Iowa Department of Transportation Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form411007). Check the box that says “Salvage Title.”
- Depending on the circumstances, you may need information from the insurance company about the vehicle’s loss settlement or information about the damage it sustained.
Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
Once you’ve got a salvage title, you can make any repairs the vehicle needs. Iowa’s laws around who can do the repairs for a rebuilt title are a little quirky—officially, only licensed recyclers can perform these repairs. However, individuals may be exempt from this requirement if they prove they repair vehicles as a hobby and not for profit. Contact the IDOT if you think you may qualify for this exemption.
After all the repairs are completed, the vehicle must undergo a salvage theft exam. This exam makes sure that none of the parts used in the rebuild have been stolen.
These exams can only be done by a peace officer who has been certified by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. The exam typically takes about 45 minutes, although it can take up to several hours in some circumstances.
Essential documents for a rebuilt Iowa title
The application for a rebuilt title is done through an
online portal
and involves completing an Affidavit of Salvage Vehicle Repairs. You’ll need to have:- The vehicle’s salvage title
- Any receipts or bills of sale for the vehicle and/or parts used
- A credit or debit card for payment of the $50 fee
Once you complete the application and submit your payment, you’ll be issued a temporary permit to drive the vehicle to and from the inspection. Make sure to bring all paperwork, receipts, and records with you to the inspection.
How long does a rebuilt title take in Iowa?
The total length of time varies. It depends on how long the repairs take and how long it takes to process the applications for your titles.
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FAQs
Is a rebuilt title bad in Iowa?
Rebuilt titles are definitely something to approach with caution. A car with a rebuilt title may be inexpensive to purchase but could end up costing you a lot of money in repairs. If you are thinking about buying a car with a rebuilt title, it’s strongly advised to get it evaluated by an independent mechanic.
How much does it cost to get a rebuilt title in Iowa?
The cost for getting a rebuilt title in Iowa is $50, which goes toward paying the salvage theft exam fee.
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