If a vehicle has been involved in an accident and declared to be a total loss by the owner or the insurance company, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles will brand it with a salvage title.
Generally, a salvage title car cannot be driven on public roads in North Carolina until it has been adequately repaired, inspected, rebranded as “rebuilt” or “revived”, registered, and insured.
This page will cover the salvage title process in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina DMV office or visit the official DMV website:
What is a Salvage Title in North Carolina?
Like many other states, a salvage title in North Carolina 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 North Carolina, a salvage vehicle is one that has damages that exceed 75% of their fair market value.
Once the insurance company has deemed a car to be a total loss and paid a claim, the NC DMV must be notified and the salvage certificate must be applied for within 10 days.
Salvage vehicles that are 6 model years or newer are required to pass an anti-theft inspection.
North Carolina salvage title cars cannot be driven until they have been repaired and inspected.
How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared in North Carolina
In order to clear a salvage title, you’ll need to apply for a rebuilt title.
To do so, you’ll need to:
- Make the necessary repairs.
- Keep receipts and bills of sale for all parts used in the repair.
- Pass the anti-theft inspection, if applicable.
After the vehicle has been rebuilt up to the necessary standards, a rebuilt title can be issued.
Register a Salvage Title Car in North Carolina
Once you’ve received your NC rebuilt title, you’ll need to pass the necessary vehicle safety inspections and emissions tests.
After this, you’ll be able to apply for registration again.
Be sure to have an active car insurance policy on the rebuilt vehicle.
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 North Carolina, VINvaquero.com has the free resources you need to get back on the road.
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