If a vehicle has been involved in an accident and declared to be a total loss by the owner or the insurance company, the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles will brand it with a salvage title.
Generally, a salvage title car cannot be driven on public roads in Tennessee until it has been adequately repaired, inspected, rebranded as “rebuilt” or “revived”, registered, and insured.
This page will cover the salvage title process in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee DMV office or visit the official DMV website:
What is a Salvage Title in Tennessee?
Like many other states, a salvage title in Tennessee 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.
Salvage titles are issued when a vehicle is declared a total loss after it needs repairs of more than 75% of its current retail value.
Tennessee salvage title cars cannot be driven until they have been repaired and inspected.
How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared in Tennessee
To clear a salvage title and register the vehicle again for road use, you’ll need to apply for a rebuilt title.
First, you’ll need to:
- Complete an Application for Motor Vehicle Identification Certification: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/revenue/documents/forms/titlereg/f1315401Fill-in.pdf
- Provide the salvage certificate.
- Provide color photographs of all sides of the vehicle.
- Provide receipts and Bills of Sale for all parts used in the rebuild, including VINs for parts from used vehicles.
- Pay the $75 inspection and title conversion fee.
The application, documents, and payment can be mail to:
Tennessee Dept. of Revenue, Vehicle Services Division
500 Deaderick St.
Nashville, TN 37242
After submitting the application and documents, the DOR will notify you whether an inspection is required.
Upon passing the inspection (or if an inspection is not required), you’ll receive an approved rebuilt salvage decal.
You’ll be able to bring the approval letter and other documentation to your local county clerk to apply for the rebuilt title and registration.
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 Tennessee, VINvaquero.com has the free resources you need to get back on the road.
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