How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Oregon

The total cost of fees to get a rebuilt title from the Oregon DMV is $135 for the salvage title, VIN inspection, and rebuilt title application.
Written by Amber Reed
Edited by Pat Roache
background
To get a rebuilt title in
Oregon
, you’ll need to apply for a $27 salvage title and repair the vehicle. Then, submit your receipts, proof of ownership, proof of VIN inspection, and at least another $108 in titling and inspection fees to the Oregon DMV. 
  • It is illegal to drive a car that has ever been declared a total loss by a
    car insurance
    company without completing the rebuilt titling process in Oregon.
  • Totaled car owners in Oregon must apply for a salvage title before starting repair by submitting an application, proof of ownership, and a $27 fee to the Oregon DMV.
  • Your Oregon rebuilt title will be issued in three to five weeks after the DMV has received your application, proof of necessary repairs, VIN inspection, and fee payments.

Oregon rebuilt title requirements

A
rebuilt title
(known as a reconstructed title in Oregon) is required to certify that a car that was once deemed a total loss by an auto insurance company has since been rebuilt to legal standards:
  • You must first receive a salvage title to
    keep a totaled car
  • The salvage title officially declares the totaled car unsafe and illegal to drive on public roads. 
  • You must replace a rebuilt vehicle’s salvage title with a rebuilt title to make it legal to drive in Oregon.
You may be able to sell a salvage car, but experts highly recommend against
buying a salvage title vehicle
. The rebuilt title doesn’t wipe away the vehicle history, but it documents that it has been safely and legally repaired.
The bottom line: If you plan on driving and insuring a totaled vehicle again, then you will need a rebuilt title to do so. You cannot legally drive vehicles with salvage titles in Oregon. 

Step 1: Apply for the salvage title 

Before you can get a rebuilt title, you’ll need to procure a salvage title from the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Divison (DMV)—if the car doesn’t have one already. 
Here’s what you’ll need to send to the Oregon DMV:
  • Proof of ownership (the original title or manufacturer’s certificate of origin)
  • Releases of interest from all prior lessors, owners, or security interest holders
  • An
    odometer disclosure
    if the vehicle is less than 20 years old
  • The $27 salvage title fee
Mail your salvage title car paperwork to:
DMV - SALVAGE TITLES
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR 97314
Your salvage title will typically be mailed out five days from the application date if approved. 

Step 2: Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle

Once you’ve secured your salvage title, you can begin
repairing your vehicle
:
  • You can perform your own repairs or hire a professional mechanic.
  • Keep records and receipts for all major parts purchased and used in the rebuilding process.
MORE: How to make money restoring classic cars

Step 3: Essential documents for a rebuilt Oregon title

You can apply for the rebuilt title after all repairs have been completed. Oregon typically requires you to submit the following paperwork to the DMV:
What to expect You can submit the completed paperwork by mail (using the address above), or make an appointment at a DMV office depending on availability. Allow three to five weeks for the paperwork to process before you can expect to receive your rebuilt Oregon title in the mail.
MORE: How to register a car in Oregon
“My monthly insurance payment went from $469 to $362 and
Jerry
gave me a $25 gift card from Amazon! I’m so happy they helped me switch between companies. I sent my sister their link and she’s saving money now too!” —Wanda P.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings

FAQs

Rebuilt title cars hold less market value than comparable models with
clean titles
because there’s always the possibility of hidden (and expensive) repairs. While it’s easy to save some money, it’s important to understand the risks involved in purchasing a rebuilt vehicle.
Be prepared to pay the following fees to get a rebuilt vehicle title in Oregon:
  • Salvage title fee: $27
  • VIN inspection fee: $7
  • Rebuilt title fee: Varies by model, starting at $101
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings