certifies that a once-totaled car that was previously written off by insurance is now repaired and safe to drive on the road. In Missouri, the rebuilt title is known as the prior salvage title.

First, get a salvage title: You will first need to apply for a salvage title before proceeding with your rebuilt title application. The salvage title shows that the car has been severely damaged and was deemed a total loss.

Second, apply for a rebuilt title: But once the vehicle gets repaired to its roadworthy state, the salvage title

can be replaced

, allowing you to

Does my car need a rebuilt title?

If you want to drive or sell a once-totaled car, you will need a rebuilt title.

However, if you find a buyer who wants to repair the car themselves, it can be sold with its salvage title. On the other hand, most buyers will

avoid cars with salvage titles

, making the car harder to sell in its salvaged condition.

Warning: Having a rebuilt title will not clear the car’s damage history, but it does certify that the car has been restored to working condition. This gives buyers more confidence in buying your rebuilt vehicle.

MORE:

How to insure a car with a salvage title

How to get a rebuilt title in Missouri

It takes time, money, and patience to get a rebuilt title in Missouri.

Apply for the salvage title

You will need to apply for a salvage title if the vehicle doesn’t have one. Make sure you know the vehicle identification number and that you are the vehicle owner. Follow the steps below:

Notice of Vehicle Titling Requirements (Form 5043)

—MUST be completed by your auto insurance company

Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108)

Provide the car’s original certificate of title

Provide a notarized lien release, if applicable

Odometer disclosure, if required

Payment for the title fee ($8.50 +$5 for quick titles) and processing fee ($6)

Once your request is processed, you will receive your salvage certificate.

Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle

Once you obtain the salvage title, you can begin the repairs to restore the vehicle to its working condition. You can do this by yourself or have a licensed mechanic complete the work.

You must complete a salvage vehicle inspection before you can apply for a rebuilt salvage certificate of title. This requires payment of $25 plus a $6 processing fee made payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). This can be paid in person at your local DOR licensing office or by mail.

Mail the form to: Motor Vehicle Bureau, P.O. Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105.

The form will be mailed to you and you can then visit a certified salvage examination site for your inspection. The inspector will then fill in your Vehicle Examination Certificate (Form DOR-551), which is needed to get your prior salvage title (aka rebuilt title).

Essential documents for a rebuilt Missouri title

Once the car has been repaired and you have the Vehicle Examination Certificate, you can apply for the prior salvage title. You’ll need to provide the following for your application:

Completed application for

Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108)

The current proof of ownership (i.e. salvage title)

The Vehicle Examination Certificate (Form DOR-551), no more than 60 days old but obtained before prior salvage title application

Bill of sale to indicate the purchase price (if applicable)

Payment for prior salvage title ($8.50), plus the title processing fee ($6)

The documents above can be submitted in person to your local DOR office or by mail to: Motor Vehicle Bureau, Special Titling Unit, P.O. Box 2076, Jefferson City, MO 65105.

Remember to get car insurance on your rebuilt title. Not all insurance companies offer full coverage on salvage title cars that are now rebuilt because they do not have clean titles. However, you should still be able to purchase liability coverage on your used car.

How long does a rebuilt title car application take in Missouri?

It varies. The time for the entire process also depends on how long is spent to complete the necessary repairs on your salvage title vehicle, which could range from days to months.

MORE:

Missouri car insurance laws

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