If a vehicle has been involved in an accident and declared to be a total loss by the owner or the insurance company, the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles will brand it with a salvage title.
Generally, a salvage title car cannot be driven on public roads in Delaware until it has been adequately repaired, inspected, rebranded as “rebuilt” or “revived”, registered, and insured.
This page will cover the salvage title process in Delaware, 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 Delaware DMV office or visit the official DMV website:
What is a Salvage Title in Delaware?
Like many other states, a salvage title in Delaware 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.
Delaware salvage title cars cannot be driven until they have been repaired and inspected.
If you plan to keep the salvage vehicle, you’ll need to first obtain a Salvage Certificate from the DMV. To do so, you’ll need to visit your local DMV office with the following items:
- The completed Odometer Disclosure statement on the title.
- The completed Assignment of Title section with your name and signature.
- The DE Certificate of Title.
- A letter from your insurance company stating the vehicle is a total loss. The letter should include the insurance company representative’s signature, your name, the date of loss, and a description of the vehicle.
- The Delaware license plates.
- Payment for the $35 salvage certificate fee.
You can also submit your documents and plates by mail to:
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Title Section
P.O. Box 698
Dover, Delaware 19903
How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared in Delaware
In order to register a salvage vehicle and clear the salvage brand, you’ll need to pass an inspection with the Delaware State Police Auto Theft unit.
The following items are required when you bring the vehicle for inspection:
- The salvage title in your name.
- The bill of sale or total loss insurance settlement.
- Color photographs of the vehicle before repairs were made that show the rear and entire left side and the front and entire right side of the vehicle.
- Documentation and receipts for all repairs that were performed. Receipts must contain information of both the buyer and the seller with the date of sale. Used parts must include the VIN for the vehicle from which they came.
- Proof of your identity.
No appointment is necessary for the inspection, and salvage inspections are available at the following locations and times:
- Dover Inspection Lane, 303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901 on the 2nd Tuesday and 2nd Thursday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Georgetown Inspection Lane, 23737 DuPont Blvd, Georgetown, DE 19947 on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Delaware City Inspection Lane, 2101 Mid County Drive, New Castle, DE 19720 on the 1st and 4th Thursday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Register a Salvage Title Car in Delaware
Once the salvage inspection has been completed, the Delaware State Police inspector will provide you with your Application for Title (MV214).
In order to register the vehicle, you’ll need to:
- Complete a Delaware safety and emissions inspection, if necessary.
- Present the Salvage title.
- Present the Application for Title.
- Provide the inspection report.
- Provide proof of a valid insurance policy.
- Pay the $35 title fee and registration fees.
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 Delaware, VINvaquero.com has the free resources you need to get back on the road.
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