How to Get a Rebuilt Title in South Dakota
To get a rebuilt title in South Dakota, you must complete two applications, have the car inspected, and pay at least $35 in fees.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
In order to get a rebuilt title in South Dakota, you must rebuild the car to running condition, complete a Motor Vehicle Title & Registration Application and an Application for Inspection of Rebuilt Motor Vehicle, and complete an inspection. The associated fees are $10 for an application and $25 for an inspection, plus applicable taxes.
After a bad accident, insurance companies may deem your car a total loss. In that case, it is written off, stripped of salvageable parts, and sent to the crusher. But for car fanatics, even some of the most totaled cars may still have a glimmer of hope left—with a rebuilt title.
If you want to restore or sell a totaled car in South Dakota, you must apply for a rebuilt title. This ensures that buyers know the car has been repaired and is safe to drive. With help from the licensed broker and
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What is a rebuilt title?
A
rebuilt title
is a title given to a previously totaled car that has been repaired, inspected, and deemed safe to drive. Some states first require a salvage title
, however, in South Dakota, salvage titles are only required if the vehicle is less than 11 model years old and weighs less than 16,000 pounds. When owners choose to rebuild a vehicle that has been deemed a total loss, they must make sure it is safe and in good operating condition before they can apply for a rebuilt title.
Does my car need a rebuilt title?
If you have a car that has been deemed a total loss and you want to sell or drive it, you will most likely need a rebuilt title. While most car experts steer customers away from buying a car with a rebuilt title, some car owners aren’t phased by it.
A rebuilt title certifies that the car is in good working order and has undergone a full repair and inspection by a licensed professional.
All rebuilt title cars come with a detailed account of all damages sustained and a thorough record of all repairs performed on the vehicle. Cars with salvage titles must obtain a rebuilt title before they can be sold or driven.
How to get a rebuilt title in South Dakota
Getting a rebuilt title in South Dakota is easy but may require a large investment of time and money. Rebuilt cars can sometimes be sold for decent cash but the cost to repair a totaled car can be steep.
Apply for the salvage title
Unlike some other states, South Dakota only requires a salvage title if the vehicle is less than 11 model years old and weighs less than 16,000 pounds. If you do require a salvage title, you will need to apply for one through the South Dakota DOR Motor Vehicle Division. You must submit the following documents to your
county treasurer’s office
:- Tick the box for a “Salvage Total Loss” brand
- The car’s original title
- Any paperwork provided by your insurance provider for your salvage title application
- $10 title fee
After obtaining the salvage title, you can legally sell your total loss vehicle for parts or to a car recycler, or you can repair, rebuild, and retitle it to drive or sell.
Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
Once you have a salvage title (if required), you can start repairing the car. Depending on the state of your vehicle and your knowledge and skills, you may be able to perform the repairs yourself. If not, take the car to a certified mechanic to have the repairs done.
After the car has been rebuilt, it must pass an inspection to comply with South Dakota’s safety and legal standards before you can apply for a rebuilt title. To do so, you will need to file the following with your county treasurer’s office:
- This time, mark that you’re applying for a “Rebuilt” title
- Payment for the applicable fees:
- $10 title fee
- $25 inspection fee
Your county treasurer’s office will give you an appointment for inspection at one of three locations: Sioux Falls, Pierre, or Rapid City.
If your vehicle passes the inspection, you will receive a certificate of inspection. This is required for you to apply for a rebuilt title with the Motor Vehicles Division.
Essential documents for a South Dakota rebuilt title
Once your vehicle has passed the safety inspection, you can get a rebuilt title and new registration by bringing the following documents to your county treasurer’s office:
- Certificate ofinspection
- Salvage title
- Manufacturer’s statement of origin (MSO) or manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO)
- Copies of all bills of sale, receipts, and/or invoices for the parts used to repair the car
Once you’ve submitted the documents, purchased license plates, and paid all of the applicable taxes and fees, you will be issued a rebuilt title.
How long does a rebuilt title take in South Dakota?
The time it takes to apply for a rebuilt title in South Dakota varies. It will most likely depend on how long repairs take and when you can schedule an inspection appointment.
Finding cheap car insurance in South Dakota
You’ve just put a lot of time and money into rebuilding your car and getting a rebuilt title. Now it’s time to find savings on car insurance!
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Once you decide on a plan, Jerry's
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FAQs
Is a rebuilt title bad in South Dakota?
A lot of car experts will advise against buying a car with a rebuilt title because you never know what you’re getting. With that being said, having a rebuilt title does certify that a previously damaged car has undergone full repairs and is safe to drive. However, finding
insurance for a rebuilt car
can prove challenging, as you’re unlikely to find full coverage, including collision insurance
and comprehensive insurance
. It may not be impossible, but it can be difficult.How much does it cost to get a rebuilt title in South Dakota?
The current fees to obtain a rebuilt title in South Dakota include a $10 title fee and a $25 inspection fee.
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