To get a rebuilt title in South Carolina, you must request a salvage title, pay the $15 fee, make the necessary repairs to the vehicle, have the car undergo inspection, and then apply for the rebuilt title.

A
rebuilt title
certifies that a previously totaled car, as determined by an auto insurance company, has been successfully restored to roadworthy condition.
If the vehicle doesn’t have a salvage certificate or title already, you’ll have to apply for one.
Applications for rebuilt titles are filed with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

MORE:

How to lower your South Carolina car insurance rates

What you need to know about rebuilt titles

When an insurance company deems a car “‘totaled,” they assume ownership of the car, and it is given a salvage title, which means a salvage brand is added to the car’s original clean title. A rebuilt title certifies that a salvage title vehicle has been restored to drivable condition.

If you want to sell or drive a previously totaled car, chances are you will need a salvage rebuilt title brand. South Carolina offers multiple salvage brands for titles, such as salvage fire and salvage flood, that inform a vehicle owner or potential buyer of the damage that led to the car being considered a total loss.

A salvage rebuilt brand informs owners and buyers that the damage that caused the vehicle to be declared a total loss has been fully repaired. While a salvage title car may appeal to a car enthusiast keen on fixing it up, most people will advise against

buying a salvage title vehicle

Rebuilt titles are only awarded to motor vehicles that have undergone complete restoration or repair and are safety-approved by a licensed inspector, making them easier to sell. Every rebuilt title car comes with a detailed account of all the previous damages and a thorough record of every repair it has undergone.

The bottom line: Any car that has previously had a salvage title must obtain a rebuilt title before it can be sold or driven.

MORE: How to insure a car with a salvage title

How to get a rebuilt title in South Carolina

To get a rebuilt title in South Carolina, you need to:

Apply for a salvage title, if necessary

Make the necessary repairs to the vehicle

Get the vehicle inspected

Apply for a rebuilt title

Step 1: Apply for the salvage title

If your vehicle does not already have a salvage title, you will need to coordinate with your auto insurance company to apply for one through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

To do this, your insurance company will need to submit:

Application for Salvage/Branded Certificate of Title

(Form 400-S) in your name

The original title

$15 title fee

A letter from your insurance company verifying that your car has been deemed a total loss and that you will retain ownership

Documents can be mailed to:

SCDMV

Salvage Titles

PO Box 1498

Blythewood, SC 29016-0044.

You can usually expect a salvage title to be granted within three to six weeks.

Step 2: Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle

Once you have a salvage certificate of title for your damaged vehicle, you can start the repairs. If you’re car-savvy, you may be able to do the repairs yourself, otherwise, take it to a certified mechanic.

Note: Be sure to keep your original receipts, bills of sale, and documentation associated with the parts used to repair your vehicle. This includes the vehicle identification number (VIN) of any vehicle from which parts are taken to complete your repairs.

Step 3: Pass a vehicle inspection

Before applying for a rebuilt title, you must get your car inspected at a valid South Carolina vehicle inspection agency. Call

your local South Carolina DMV

for specifics on making an appointment, fees, and required documentation.

The inspection will cover all repaired and replaced parts in the vehicle such as:

Fenders

The engine

Transmission

Frame

Doors

Airbags

Step 4: Apply for a South Carolina rebuilt title

After your car has passed the safety inspection and received a Salvage Vehicle Inspection Report, you can go to your local DMV to apply for a salvage rebuilt title. You must include proper documentation for all parts to certify that the parts used in the repair have not been stolen.

To apply for your rebuilt title, you’ll need:

A completed

Owner’s Rebuilder’s Affidavit

(Form S-2) certifying that your vehicle was rebuilt

The salvage title

A complete

Application for Title and Registration

(Form 400)

Salvage Vehicle Inspection Report

$15 title fee

Once complete, you can then receive your salvage rebuilt title and register the rebuilt vehicle.

Keep in mind: The rebuilt title will be attached to the vehicle for the duration of its life. Unlike a clean title, your vehicle’s new title notifies any subsequent buyers of the vehicle's history.

MORE: How to register a car in South Carolina

How long does a rebuilt title take in South Carolina?

From start to finish, applying for a rebuilt title in South Carolina generally takes anywhere from three to six weeks. However, the exact length will depend on the condition of the car and repair time prior to applying for the title.

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