, the Maryland State Police (MSP) must perform a salvaged vehicle inspection. After passing the inspection, all you need to do is apply for a rebuilt title and registration in person at any Maryland DMV (MVP) branch office.

To get a rebuilt title in Maryland, you’ll need to apply for a salvage title, complete the repairs, get a
safety inspection
, and submit your documents to the MVA.
A rebuilt title indicates that a previously totaled car has been restored to a roadworthy condition.
Obtaining a rebuilt title in Maryland can take months, depending on how quickly
car repairs
are made and inspections are scheduled.

Rebuilt titles: What you need to know

Rebuilt titles

certify that a car once declared a total loss by an insurance company is now safely restored to drivable condition.

Usually a car with a rebuilt title first has a salvage title. Salvage cars are not safe to drive; the title indicates that the cost of repairs outweighs the car’s fair market value.

The vehicle is eligible to have a

salvage title replaced

once the car has been restored by a mechanic.

The bottom line: If you’re hoping to drive or sell a previously totaled car, you’re going to need a rebuilt title. While it is possible to sell a salvage title vehicle to a car enthusiast who wants to fix it up, or someone who isn’t risk-averse, experts generally advise buyers to avoid cars with salvage titles.

MORE: How to insure a car with a salvage title

How to get a rebuilt title in Maryland

Obtaining a rebuilt title in Maryland requires:

Applying for a salvage title

Completing the necessary repairs

Getting a state safety inspection

Submitting the required documents to the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) indicating the car has been made roadworthy

You’ll also have to be timely with each of the steps because each certificate issued expires within 30 to 90 days of issuance.

1. Apply for the salvage title

You will need a salvage title to begin the process of obtaining a rebuilt title in Maryland. Your salvage title can be from any state except New York.

Getting a salvage title in Maryland requires:

A completed

Application for Salvage Certificate/Owner Retention (Form VR-028)

The vehicle’s certificate of title

A lien release, if applicable

A copy of your state-issued identification (usually your driver’s license)

Fee payment totaling $60

$40 for “rebuilt title” and “flood damage” titles

$20 for salvage certificate

You can submit these items in person or by mail to: Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA), Salvage Unit RM 104, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.

Once received, the MVA will send you a notice about a safety inspection.

2. Complete the state police safety inspection

With the salvage title in hand, you’re ready to either make the necessary repairs yourself or have them done by a licensed mechanic.

Once the repairs are complete, you’ll need to take the vehicle to a Maryland State Police (MSP) inspection station for a safety inspection before you can apply for the rebuilt title. You must

schedule your appointment online

and pay the $25 inspection fee.

Keep in mind: Vehicles with missing vehicle identification numbers will have to be inspected by a member of the Auto Theft Unit.

3. Essential documents for a rebuilt Maryland title

After you have your stamped and signed certificate of salvage from the MSP, you’re ready to apply for your rebuilt title. Bring the following to one of MVA’s

full service

branch offices:

Proof of ownership: Use the rebuilt vehicle’s certificate of salvage, which needs to have your name on it.

Application form: You can use your Maryland salvage certificate, or

an application for certificate of title form

if your salvage certificate is from another state (other than New York).

Proof of Maryland salvage inspection: The salvage inspector will need your MSP inspection with an impressed seal.

Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate: Valid within 90 days of issuance.

Proof of purchase price: The bill of sale must carry the signatures of both seller and buyer. If the car is under 6 years old or newer or sold for $500 or more below book value, it must be notarized.

Odometer disclosure statement: Your Maryland salvage certificate, auction receipt, or bill of sale counts.

Your new title, marked “rebuilt salvage” will be mailed to you whether you applied in person or not. Now you’re ready to buy

auto insurance

and get your rebuilt car back on the road!

How long does a rebuilt title take in Maryland?

Applying for a rebuilt title in Maryland can take months. This depends on how quickly you can make repairs and how soon you can schedule an inspection with the MSP.

MORE:

Maryland car insurance laws

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FAQs

Is a rebuilt title bad in Maryland?

Even though cars with rebuilt titles can sometimes hide mechanical issues, the rebuilt title also means the car is fully restored and safe to drive. You can often get a good deal on used cars like these—just use caution.

How much does it cost to get a rebuilt title in Maryland?

While the MSP inspection costs only $25, each case incurs different fees and taxes. You should inquire about what costs you could be looking at before beginning the process.

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