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

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

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

What is a Salvage Title in New York?

Like many other states, a salvage title in New York 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 New York, salvage vehicles are considered to be:

  • Vehicles transferred to an insurance company as the result of significant damages. 
  • A vehicle with repair cost estimates that exceed 75% of the current retail value of the car. 
  • A vehicle with an out-of-state salvage brand. 

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

Vehicles that have been branded parts only, non-rebuildable, non-repairable, scrapped, or destroyed can not be repaired and re-registered for road use. 

How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared in New York

Before a salvage vehicle can be registered and driven again, it will need to pass a salvage vehicle examination, which is designed to prevent fraud and prevent theft. 

To apply for a salvage vehicle examination, you’ll need to complete and submit the Salvage Examination/Title Application (Form MV-83SAL): https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv83sal.pdf 

This application and payment can be mailed to: 

Auto Theft & Salvage, DFI

P.O. Box 2105

Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY  12220-0105

The fees are:

  • $200 with a New York Salvage Certificate. 
  • $205 with other proof of ownership. 

Once your application is received, you’ll be notified of your appointment date. 

Be prepared to submit receipts, invoices, and Bills of Sale for all parts used in the repair of the vehicle. 

After passing the salvage vehicle inspection, you’ll be issued a new title that states the vehicle has been rebuilt. 

Register a Salvage Title Car in New York

Once you’ve been issued a rebuilt title, you’ll be able to apply for your New York registration again. 

To do so, you’ll need to visit your local DMV office and:

  • Provide your proof of ownership. 
  • Provide proof of an active insurance policy. 
  • Pass any necessary safety and emissions inspections. 
  • Complete a new registration application. 
  • Pay your registration fees and taxes. 

Related Pages:

Next Steps

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

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