Rebuilt Titles in Utah, Explained
In Utah, you can apply for a rebuilt title at the DMV after repairing your salvaged vehicle and passing a state safety inspection.
Written by Cassandra Hamilton
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Utah
drivers with a rebuilt salvage car should expect to pay $26 to $52 in safety inspection and titling fees when applying for a rebuilt title from the Utah Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).- Cars that are deemed a total loss by an insurance agency must first be given a salvage title which can then be rebranded with a rebuilt or restored title.
- Salvage car owners will need to make repairs and have their rebuilt vehicle inspected by the Utah State Highway Patrol before applying for a rebuilt title.
- The process to get a rebuilt title in Utah can take a few months, depending on how long your repairs take.
- Selling a car in Utah is more difficult with a branded title.
- Cars that are deemed a total loss by an insurance agency must first be given a salvage title which can then be rebranded with a rebuilt or restored title.
- Salvage car owners will need to make repairs and have their rebuilt vehicle inspected by the Utah State Highway Patrol before applying for a rebuilt title.
- The process to get a rebuilt title in Utah can take a few months, depending on how long your repairs take.
- Selling a car in Utahis more difficult with a branded title.
Utah rebuilt title: The basics
A
rebuilt title
is given to a once-totaled car that has since been repaired and guaranteed safe to drive by the DMV.A car that’s been deemed a total loss by an auto insurance company will first be issued a salvage title which renders it illegal to drive. A
salvage title car can be rebranded
as a rebuilt title car, but it requires following the state’s procedures.Keep in mind: Rebuilt title vehicles wear the history of the vehicle on their sleeves, so they’ll carry less fair market value than comparable models with
clean titles
. Branded title vehicles are harder to sell, but rebuilt cars are still perfectly legal to drive.Step 1: Apply for the salvage title
Before you can get a rebuilt or restored title for a used vehicle, you’ll first need to get a salvage certificate of title for your
total loss car
. Salvage titles must be applied for within 10 days of the total loss settlement or the date on which the car was damaged.What to do: You’ll need to go to the Utah DMV in person to apply for a salvage title. Be sure to bring the car’s current certificate of title and payment for the $6 title application fee.
Step 2: Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
After you’ve received your salvage title, your vehicle must be rebuilt to the state standards. You can make the
car repairs
yourself if you’re confident, but most people will need a licensed automotive mechanic to make the repairs.Keep in mind: Be sure to keep your receipts and bills of sale for any parts used during the repair process and take before and after photos of the vehicle.
As part of this process, you will also need the vehicle to pass a
safety inspection
conducted by the Utah State Highway Patrol. Fees for this inspection range from $14 to $40 depending on the type of vehicle.MORE:
Utah car inspection
Step 3: Submit essential documents for a rebuilt Utah title
You will need to contact your local DMV to make sure you have all the required documents for your rebuilt/restored title application in Utah. You may need to bring the following to your appointment:
- Salvage title
- Safety inspection certificate
- Driver’s license
- Original receipts for the parts used during the rebuilding process
- Photos of the vehicle
- Payment for the $6 replacement title fee and any applicable taxes
What to expect: There is no definitive timeline, but it could take a couple of months to complete the entire process of changing a salvage title to a rebuilt title in Utah.
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Is a rebuilt title bad in Utah?
Not necessarily. While rebuilt titles can sometimes hide mechanical issues, they can also mean you’re getting a great deal on a car if you exercise a little caution.
How much does it cost to get a rebuilt title in Utah?
You will have to pay a $6 title fee and any additional taxes. Costs may vary depending on your county.
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