If a vehicle has been involved in an accident and declared to be a total loss by the owner or the insurance company, the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles will brand it with a salvage title.
Generally, a salvage title car cannot be driven on public roads in Illinois until it has been adequately repaired, inspected, rebranded as “rebuilt” or “revived”, registered, and insured.
This page will cover the salvage title process in Illinois, 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 Illinois DMV office or visit the official DMV website:
What is a Salvage Title in Illinois?
Like many other states, a salvage title in Illinois 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.
Illinois salvage title cars cannot be driven until they have been repaired and inspected.
Before you can apply for a rebuilt Illinois title to drive the vehicle again, you’ll need to find a licensed rebuilder to perform the necessary repairs. You cannot repair the car yourself.
How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared in Illinois
To clear the salvage status and apply for a rebuilt title, you’ll first need to pass a safety inspection.
Be prepared to submit the following documents during the inspection:
- The salvage certificate.
- A completed rebuilt title application.
- Documentation, receipts, and bills of sale for all parts used in the rebuild.
- The rebuilder’s license number.
- Your valid IL driver’s license.
- An Illinois State Police Inspection report.
- Payment for the $94 inspection fee and $94 rebuilt title fee.
Register a Salvage Title Car in Illinois
Once the rebuilt title has been issued, you’ll be able to re-register the car.
To do so, you’ll need to visit your local SOS office with the following:
- Your rebuilt certificate of title and inspection documentation.
- Application for Registration.
- Proof of car insurance.
- Payment for your 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 Illinois, VINvaquero.com has the free resources you need to get back on the road.
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