How to Get a Rebuilt Title in New Mexico
You can get a rebuilt title in New Mexico as long as you have all the required documents and the vehicle meets the state’s safety standards.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
You can get a rebuilt title in
New Mexico
by presenting all the required documents to the state’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) and having the vehicle inspected to ensure it meets the required road safety standards. A totaled car is usually a sign it’s time to head to the dealership and start over. In most cases, the vehicle is sent off to the scrap yard and stripped of its parts—unless there is an interest in rebuilding it. In that case, the vehicle will require a rebuilt title.
In New Mexico, if you’re interested in rebuilding a totaled vehicle there are certain steps you’ll need to take to obtain a title for it.
MORE: Car loans in New Mexico
What is a rebuilt title?
The purpose of a
rebuilt title
is to certify that a car that was once declared a total loss by the insurance company has been salvaged and restored to working order. Most of the time, the vehicle will need a salvage title while in the repair stage.
- Vehicles with salvage titles cannot be driven on public roads
- Once the restoration of the vehicle is complete, you can replace the salvage title with a rebuilt title
Does my car need a rebuilt title?
Anytime you intend to buy or sell a vehicle that was previously totaled, you should expect to need a rebuilt title.
Unless you are willing to put in the incredibly technical work involved with restoring a salvaged vehicle, it is not recommended that you purchase one.
A rebuilt title doesn't carry the same risk as a salvage title does to prospective buyers. While it doesn't eradicate the fact the car was once written off as a total loss, a rebuilt title signifies that the vehicle passed an extensive inspection by a licensed professional.
How to get a rebuilt title in New Mexico
Getting a rebuilt title in New Mexico means you’ll need to go through a series of steps that require time and effort. It’s also important to understand that there is no concrete timeframe in which you’ll receive the title—so patience is also key.
Apply for a salvage title
If your vehicle doesn’t have one already, the first thing to do is apply for a salvage title. This should be done within 20 days of the date the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurers. You will then need to present the following to the MVD:
- The car’s original title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) stamped with the word “SALVAGE” or “NON-REPAIRABLE” diagonally across its front.
- Payment for the salvage title fee
To find out how much the fee will be and where to deliver your salvaged title application, contact the New Mexico MVD at (888)-683-4636.
Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
After receiving your salvage title, you can start the restoration process. Your level of automotive skill will determine whether you can make the repairs on your own or if you need the help of an experienced mechanic.
Next up, get the vehicle inspected at a
participating MVD location
. A portion of the inspection includes a vehicle identification number (VIN) to check if the VINs on the car’s factory-issued chassis, cab, or engine are different. This ensures that the car was not rebuilt using stolen parts. The rebuilt vehicle will require a New Mexico assigned VIN machine-etched or die-punched on it. If there is an existing VIN on the vehicle, you can put the New Mexico Assigned Number beside it. Do not deface an existing VIN on a salvaged vehicle.
Essential documents for a rebuilt New Mexico title
Once you’ve passed the initial inspection you will be able to apply for a rebuilt title. Here’s the documentation you’ll need:
- Your vehicle’s salvage title
- Affidavit of VIN(s) for each VIN on the factory chassis, cab, and engine (these forms will be given to you after the VIN inspection)
- Your assigned New Mexico VIN
- Invoices and/or bills of sale for the part you purchased while repairing the vehicle
- Weight certificate (needed for accurate assessment of registration fee)
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for the applicable titling and vehicle registration fees and excise taxes
Upon processing your documents, your vehicle will then need to undergo a final inspection at the MVD to confirm that it’s ready for the road. Again, you’ll want to check with the MVD for participating inspection locations in your area.
How long does a rebuilt title take in New Mexico?
The time in which you’ll receive your rebuilt title in New Mexico varies. To expedite the process as much as possible, be sure to arrive at the MVD prepared.
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FAQ
Can you insure a vehicle with a salvage title in New Mexico?
No. Since salvage titles are relegated to cars that have been declared a total loss, you cannot legally drive them on the road—which means no insurance company will insure one.
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