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The state of

Ohio

requires totaled car owners seeking a rebuilt title to apply for a $4 salvage vehicle title, perform all necessary repairs, pass a $50 safety inspection at a state-designated facility, and submit a new title application at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

A rebuilt title is required to legally drive a car that’s previously been declared a total loss in Ohio.
Totaled car owners must apply for a salvage title within 30 days of the car being deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
Be prepared to bring receipts for all major component parts costing more than $100 used in the rebuilding process to your salvage vehicle safety inspection.
Check your local county’s titling fees to determine just how much your rebuilt Ohio title will cost.

Ohio rebuilt title: The basics

rebuilt title

signifies that a car that was once declared a total loss by an insurance company has been restored (rebuilt) to roadworthy condition.

Before a rebuilt title can be issued, the car first needs to have had a salvage title. A salvage title designation certifies the car has been totaled and is no longer safe or legal to drive.

Here’s what to expect with an Ohio salvage title:

The Ohio salvage title

can be replaced

once the salvage vehicle has been properly repaired.

You need a rebuilt title to legally drive a car that’s previously been totaled on public roadways in Ohio.

Driving a salvage car without a rebuilt title is punishable by fines of up to $2,000 and up to a year in jail in Ohio.

You could sell a car with a salvage title if you find the right buyer, but most experts advise motorists to

avoid buying used cars with salvage titles

Key Takeaway A rebuilt title doesn’t expunge the rebuilt title car’s vehicle history, but it does prove that the car has been fully repaired and designated as safe by a licensed inspector. Furthermore, it’s the only way to safely and legally drive a car that formerly had a salvage title.

MORE:

Can you keep your totaled car? It depends…

Step 1: Apply for a salvage title at the Ohio BMV

You must apply for a salvage title at your

local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles title office

within 30 days of the insurance provider declaring your vehicle totaled. Be prepared to bring the following required documents:

The original certificate of title

Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle

(Form BMV 3774)

Supporting paperwork from your car insurance company or lienholder, if applicable

A $4 salvage title fee

MORE:

How to insure a car with a salvage title

Step 2: Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle

You can handle your salvage title vehicle’s

car repairs

yourself or hire a professional mechanic. Regardless, you’ll need to take the following steps during the rebuilding process:

Keep receipts for all major parts that cost over $100.

Leave all registration, serial, or other identification numbers on the parts.

Step 3: Get your vehicle inspected

Your rebuilt salvage vehicle will need to pass an inspection at one of Ohio’s nine designated deputy registrar salvage inspection locations. Schedule your inspection by using the

Vehicle Inspection Gateway

You’ll need to pay a $50 inspection fee at your

local deputy registrar

. Then, bring the following documents to your salvage inspection appointment:

Your salvage inspection receipt number

Your Ohio driver’s license

The car’s salvage title

Bills of sale or receipts for major component parts used to reconstruct the vehicle.

Invoices for the repair services performed on your vehicle.

The Ohio State Highway patrol will evaluate the following at your inspection:

Assess the safety of the rebuilt vehicle

Establish proof of ownership

Check the vehicle identification number (VIN)

Confirm that no parts used in the rebuild were stolen

MORE: How to register a car in Ohio

Key Takeaway Make sure to keep detailed records and receipts of repairs made on your vehicle as they are needed during the vehicle inspection.

Step 4: Apply for your rebuilt Ohio title at the BMV

Once you’ve passed your salvage inspection, you can finalize your rebuilt salvage title by scheduling another appointment at your

local BMV office

. Bring the following documents:

Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle

(Form BMV 3774)

The salvage title

Passed vehicle inspection certification

Local county titling fees

Once the paperwork is approved, the BMV will issue your new title with a “rebuilt salvage” stamp, deeming your car legal to drive again.

MORE:

How to find auto insurance for a car with a rebuilt title

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FAQs

Is a rebuilt title bad in Ohio?

While cars with rebuilt titles are legal and safe to drive, they can often hide more mechanical frailties than other vehicles. As such rebuilt title cars typically carry less market value than comparable models with clean titles.

How much does it cost to get a rebuilt title in Ohio?

Outside of the repairs to your vehicle, Ohio charges the following fees to get a rebuilt salvage title car:

$4 salvage title fee

$50 processing fee for the safety inspection

Local county titling fees for the rebuilt title