If a vehicle has been involved in an accident and declared to be a total loss by the owner or the insurance company, the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles will brand it with a salvage title.
Generally, a salvage title car cannot be driven on public roads in Colorado until it has been adequately repaired, inspected, rebranded as “rebuilt” or “revived”, registered, and insured.
This page will cover the salvage title process in Colorado, and provide you with tips on how to get a salvage vehicle back on the road.
For official information or questions about your specific situation, please contact your local Colorado DMV office or visit the official DMV website:
What is a Salvage Title in Colorado?
Like many other states, a salvage title in Colorado means that the vehicle has been reported to the DMV to be a total loss, wrecked, or damaged to the point where it is no longer roadworthy.
A total loss occurs when the damage to the vehicle and cost of repairs exceeds the fair market value of the vehicle.
At this point, the owner or the insurance company will need to apply for the Salvage Certificate of Title.
Colorado salvage title cars cannot be driven until they have been repaired and inspected.
How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared in Colorado
In order to clear a salvage title and re-register it with the CO DMV, you’ll need to apply for a rebuilt title.
To apply for a rebuilt title, you’ll need to complete the following steps and forms:
- Visit your local county DMV office.
- Provide receipts, Bills of Sale, and documentation of all major parts used in the repair.
- Submit a completed Salvage Title Statement of Facts (Form DR 2424): https://dmv.colorado.gov/sites/dmv/files/DR2424.pdf
- Submit the Salvage Certificate of Title with your signature stating the vehicle is now roadworthy.
- Complete a VIN Inspection with a P.O.S.T certified inspector.
- The inspector will complete Form DR 2704 once the inspection has been completed.
- The inspected form cannot be over 1 year old.
- Complete a title applicable.
- Pay the $50 inspection fee and rebuilt title fee.
Register a Salvage Title Car in Colorado
Once a CO rebuilt title has been issued, you’ll be able to re-register the car.
To do so, you’ll need to:
- Complete a registration application.
- Provide the rebuilt certificate of title.
- Provide proof of liability insurance.
- Complete any necessary emissions inspection.
- Pay the registration fees and taxes.
Related Pages:
- What is a Salvage Title?
- What is a Rebuilt Title?
- Salvage Title Insurance
- Buying a Car with a Salvage Title
Next Steps
If you’re in the market to buy, sell, or register a salvage title vehicle in Colorado, VINvaquero.com has the free resources you need to get back on the road.
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