How To Register A Car In California With A Salvage Title

Vehicle owners may obtain a revived salvage title in california after they restore their total loss vehicle.

How to register a car in california with a salvage title. Car insurance is required to drive legally in california. California seems to be on top of the issue of salvage titles with the california used car salvage law according to a state website the california department of consumer affairs found that more than 700 000 structurally damaged and 150 000 salvaged vehicles are returned to streets and highways every year without a safety inspection and pose a potential hazard to all of the state s motorists. Proof of ownership such as a bill of sale reg 135 form or a vehicle vessel transfer and reassignment reg 262 form from a licensed dismantler make sure you include the dismantler. To register your revived salvage vehicle you will need. A starting point is to get a copy of the insurance company s original estimate of damage.

A the basic registration fee for a vehicle with a salvage title is 46 but there are other fees you re likely to pay including a 50 salvage and dismantled vehicle inspection fee and a 2 prior history fee. Registering a salvaged car in ca. A completed application for title or registration reg 343 form signed by the current vehicle owner s. So in california while salvaged vehicles may be deemed not road worthy a revived salvage vehicle may be registered and be driven on the roadways. How to get a salvage title in california.

A salvage certificate or an application for salvage certificate. Proof of vehicle ownership to include. California car insurance law marks vehicles under a salvage title because they were involved in an accident or suffered major damage from. The problem with revived salvage titles is that some preferred insurance carriers may not want to cover them at all. Complete a standard application for title or registration form reg 343.

To do so they need to perform a specific procedure and complete the following steps. Revived salvage vehicles are also required to be inspected by the dmv or the california highway patrol chp before dmv can issue title and registration. In most states you cannot drive a salvage title car on the road or obtain insurance for it and it is hard to find a company willing to insure or obtain financing to purchase even a previously salvage title car. Most reputable dealerships also shy away from accepting a salvage car as a trade in. Visit a local ca dmv branch.

Whether you re registering a brand new car or a restored salvage you ll need insurance coverage to legally drive in california as well as nearly every other state. Incorporate the cost of labor into the vehicle cost even if the labor was performed by you. To register a salvaged car in ca you will need all of the following.