How to Get a Rebuilt Title in North Dakota
To get a rebuilt title in North Dakota you must make necessary repairs, pass inspection from a licensed business, and pay a $5 title application fee.
Written by John Pickhaver
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
In order to get a rebuilt title in North Dakota, you must first apply for a salvage title, complete all necessary repairs, and pass inspection. Then, you’ll need to submit an application along with a $5 fee for a rebuilt title to the North Dakota Motor Vehicle Department.
If your car is totaled, that usually means its days on the road are over. The insurance company will write the vehicle off and it will be parted out at a salvage yard before meeting its fate at the car crusher. Sometimes, however, a totaled car can get a second chance—with a rebuilt title.
If you opt to restore a totaled car in North Dakota, whether to drive or sell, you must apply for a rebuilt title. There are a few hoops you’ll need to go through, but fortunately,
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comparison and trusted broker app Jerry
is here to guide you through the steps of restoring your ride. We’ll explore rebuilt titles: what they are, when you need one, how to complete the process in the Flickertail State, and how your can lower your North Dakota insurance costs
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What is a rebuilt title?
A
rebuilt title
signifies that a car that was once designated as a total loss by an insurance company has been restored (rebuilt) to drivable condition. Usually, for a rebuilt title to be issued, the car first needs to have had a
salvage title
. A salvage title designation means the car has been totaled and is no longer safe to drive. The salvage title can be replaced
once the vehicle has been properly repaired by a mechanic.Does my car need a rebuilt title?
You will most likely need a rebuilt title if you want to drive or sell a car that has been previously totaled. You could sell a car with a salvage title to a car enthusiast looking for their next project (or even to a risk-averse buyer), but most experts advise avoiding cars with salvage titles.
With a rebuilt title, however, buyers may be more inclined to purchase your restored vehicle. To be clear, a rebuilt title doesn’t expunge the car’s history, but it does prove that the car has been fully repaired and deemed safe by a licensed inspector. Furthermore, it’s the only way to safely and legally drive a car that formerly had a salvage title.
How to get a rebuilt title in North Dakota
If you want to get a rebuilt title in North Dakota, be prepared to spend a lot of effort to restore your vehicle. While it may be worth it in the end, make sure you are aware of all of the steps before committing to this lengthy and sometimes expensive process.
Apply for the salvage title
To receive a salvage title, you must submit your current title to the
North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT)
within 10 days of your insurance provider declaring your vehicle a total loss. The NDDOT will then send you a salvage title certificate. Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
Once you’ve received the salvage title, begin restoring the car to working order. You can do this yourself or take your car to a licensed mechanic.
Get your vehicle inspected
Following repairs, your rebuilt vehicle must pass inspection. North Dakota law requires that inspections are conducted by licensed businesses that are:
- Registered with the North Dakota Secretary of State
- NOT the same business that repaired your vehicle
The inspection is conducted to evaluate the safety of the vehicle, check the VIN, and confirm that no parts used in the rebuild were stolen. The inspector might also ask to see repair-related records such as:
- Bills of sale for replacement of major component parts
- Receipts for parts used to reconstruct the vehicle
- Invoices for the repair services performed on your vehicle
Should your vehicle pass inspection, you will be provided with a
Certificate of Vehicle Inspection
(Form SFN 2486). Key Takeaway Make sure to keep detailed records of repairs made on your vehicle, as the inspection requires the name and address of the people who completed the repairs.
Apply for a rebuilt North Dakota title
If your vehicle passes inspection, you’re ready to apply for a new car title. You will need to mail the below items to the North Dakota Motor Vehicle Division (MVD):
- The salvage vehicle title
- Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle (Form SFN 2872)
- Certificate of Vehicle Inspection (Form SNF 2486)
- Payment for the $5 title fee
Send the required items above to: Motor Vehicle Division NDDOT, 608 E. Boulevard Ave. Bismarck, ND 58505.
After the MVD approves your application, you’ll receive a regular North Dakota title with the words “previously salvaged” stamped on it.
Pro Tip Prior to mailing your application, be sure to contact the North Dakota MVD at 701-328-2725 for details on supplemental paperwork or steps that may be required in your case.
How long does a rebuilt title take in North Dakota?
From start to finish, the process of applying for a rebuilt title in North Dakota varies widely. The exact length of time depends on how long it takes to make the necessary repairs to the vehicle.
Finding cheap car insurance in North Dakota
The only thing better than rebuilding a car from salvage is finding a cheap
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FAQs
Is a rebuilt title bad in North Dakota?
It depends. A rebuilt title indicates that the car has been fully restored and is safe to drive so you might get a good deal if you buy a car with a rebuilt title. However, cars with rebuilt titles can often hide more mechanical frailties than other vehicles, so be cautious.
How much does it cost to get a rebuilt title in North Dakota?
Excluding the cost of repairs, North Dakota charges $50 for an inspection fee and a $5 application fee for a rebuilt title.
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