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If a vehicle has been involved in an accident and declared to be a total loss by the owner or the insurance company, the Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles will brand it with a salvage title. 

Generally, a salvage title car cannot be driven on public roads in Iowa until it has been adequately repaired, inspected, rebranded as “rebuilt” or “revived”, registered, and insured. 

This page will cover the salvage title process in Iowa, 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 Iowa DMV office or visit the official DMV website:

What is a Salvage Title in Iowa?

Like many other states, a salvage title in Iowa 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. 

In Iowa, salvage vehicles are defined as requiring repairs that exceed 70% of the car’s fair market value. 

Iowa salvage title cars cannot be driven until they have been repaired and inspected. 

How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared in Iowa

In order to get your salvage vehicle re-registered, it will first need to be repaired by a licensed rebuilder and pass an inspection from a peace officer. 

The inspector will examine the vehicle to check if any stolen parts were used in the repair. 

Theft inspections cost $50, and will require you to provide:

Once it passes the inspection, you’ll receive a salvage theft examination certificate. 

Register a Salvage Title Car in Iowa

After a salvage vehicle passes the inspection, you’ll be able to re-register and title it. 

The newly issued title will be branded as “prior salvage.”

You’ll need to visit your local DMV office, submit the inspection certificate, provide proof of ownership, complete an application, provide proof of car insurance, and pay the registration fees.

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Next Steps

If you’re in the market to buy, sell, or register a salvage title vehicle in Iowa, VINvaquero.com has the free resources you need to get back on the road. 

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