To get a reconstructed title (the equivalent to a rebuilt title) in West Virginia, you’ll need to get a salvage title and take care of any necessary repairs. Once that’s done, submit the salvage title along with a completed Reconstructed Vehicle Exam (DMV-SV-3) signed by the reconstruction inspector, a signed Certificate of Inspection (DMV-202-TR), and a $35 fee.
When a car is totaled, that’s usually the end of the line. The insurance company writes it off, then it’s stripped of any usable parts, and unceremoniously sent off to the crusher. But sometimes, a vehicle gets a second lease on life—with a rebuilt title.
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What is a rebuilt title?
A rebuilt title
, or a Reconstructed Certificate of Title as it’s known in West Virginia, certifies that a vehicle once deemed a total loss has been repaired and meets West Virginia’s driving and safety standards. In most cases, a vehicle needs a salvage title
before being rebranded as a rebuilt title. You can not legally drive a car with a salvage title. If you’re familiar with car repairs, you can fix the damage yourself before applying for a rebuilt title. You can also take the vehicle to a qualified licensed mechanic to perform this work. Does my car need a rebuilt title?
If you still want to drive a car after it's been totaled, or if you're going to sell it after it is repaired, you’ll need a rebuilt title. Selling a vehicle as salvage will be difficult, as most experts advise against buying a car with a salvage title.
Once a car has a rebuilt title, it will be easier to sell. Do know that a vehicle with a rebuilt title will still have the salvage title in its history. Still, with a rebuilt title, a car has been deemed safe and legal to drive in West Virginia.
How to get a rebuilt title in West Virginia
You’ll need to apply for a salvage title, make any needed repairs, and complete a safety inspection before applying for a reconstructed title.
Apply for the salvage title
To apply for your salvage title, submit the following to the West Virginia DMV:
Original and completed Certificate of Title
Make copies of all documents and submit the originals to the DMV: Dealer Services, PO Box 17100. Charleston, WV 25317.
Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
Once you have received your Salvage Certificate of Title in the mail, you can begin work on the reconstruction of your vehicle. Keep track of all receipts for parts, equipment, materials, labor, and any other expenses you incur during the rebuilding process.
Also, take photos of your car before it is repaired, including shots of the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle, and keep them for three years. You may need to submit these along with your receipts and other documents.
Essential documents for a West Virginia state safety inspection
Once the vehicle has been rebuilt, schedule a state safety inspection. Your car must pass this inspection. The state safety inspector will then issue you an inspection decal that’s good for 12 months, along with a completed and certified Certificate of Inspection (DMV-202-TR)
. From here, the vehicle can be inspected by a West Virginia DMV reconstructed vehicle inspector.
Essential documents to apply for a West Virginia reconstructed title
Upon approval of safety inspection, apply for a Reconstructed Certificate of Title by submitting the following:
Original, completed Reconstructed Vehicle Exam (DMV-SV-3), signed by the West Virginia reconstructed vehicle inspector
Completed Certificate of Inspection
A $35 inspection fee (and any other required fees)
How long does a rebuilt title take in West Virginia?
The Reconstructed Title process in West Virginia will take between 6 to 8 weeks from start to finish. The exact amount of time for this process depends on the vehicle in question and the extent of the necessary repairs.
Finding cheap car insurance in West Virginia
In West Virginia, you’ll need car insurance
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