If a vehicle has been involved in an accident and declared to be a total loss by the owner or the insurance company, the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles will brand it with a salvage title.
Generally, a salvage title car cannot be driven on public roads in Michigan until it has been adequately repaired, inspected, rebranded as “rebuilt” or “revived”, registered, and insured.
This page will cover the salvage title process in Michigan, 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 Michigan DMV office or visit the official DMV website:
What is a Salvage Title in Michigan?
Like many other states, a salvage title in Michigan 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.
Michigan salvage title cars cannot be driven until they have been repaired and inspected.
How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared in Michigan
In order to get a salvage title cleared in Michigan, you’ll need to make the necessary repairs and complete a vehicle inspection with a certified law enforcement office.
Salvage vehicle inspections cost $100. You should be prepared to submit:
- A completed Application for Salvage Vehicle Inspection (Form TR-13a): https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/01armbrustmacher/tr13a.pdf?rev=90420745447d4daeb107c414ccc9b68b
- Your licensed mechanic will need to complete Part 4 of this form.
- Provide proof of ownership and receipts for parts used in the repairs.
- Pay the $100 inspection fee.
After the vehicle pasases the inspection, you can apply for a Michigan rebuilt title. To do so, you’ll need to visit your local SOS office with the following:
- The salvage title.
- The completed application for Salvage Vehicle Inspection signed by the inspector.
- A completed application for Salvage Vehicle Recertification (Form TR-13b).
- Payment for the $15 title fee.
Register a Salvage Title Car in Michigan
Once the rebuilt title has been issued, you’ll be able to get a new insurance policy and register the vehicle for road use again.
Be prepared to submit the following to your local SOS branch:
- Proof of ownership.
- Proof of car insurance.
- A completed registration application.
- 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 Michigan, VINvaquero.com has the free resources you need to get back on the road.
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