If a vehicle has been involved in an accident and declared to be a total loss by the owner or the insurance company, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles will brand it with a salvage title.
Generally, a salvage title car cannot be driven on public roads in Texas until it has been adequately repaired, inspected, rebranded as “rebuilt” or “revived”, registered, and insured.
This page will cover the salvage title process in Texas, 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 Texas DMV office or visit the official DMV website:
What is a Salvage Title in Texas?
Like many other states, a salvage title in Texas 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.
To get the salvage certificate of title, you’ll need to mail the following to the TX DMV:
- The current title.
- Lien release, if applicable.
- An Application for Salvage or Nonrepairable Vehicle Title (Form VTR-441): https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/form_files/VTR-441.pdf
- Copy of your current TX driver’s license.
- Payment for the $8 salvage title fee (make check payable to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles).
Texas salvage title cars cannot be driven until they have been repaired and inspected.
How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared in Texas
After you’ve made the necessary repairs, you’ll then need to have your vehicle inspected at a state inspection station. You’ll also need a safety inspection.
Once a salvage vehicle passes inspection, you can apply for a rebuilt title by visiting your local county tax office with the following:
- Your salvage title.
- A Complete Title Application (Form 130-U): https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/form_files/130-U.pdf
- A Completed Rebuilt Vehicle Statement (Form VTR-61): https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/form_files/VTR-61.pdf
- Proof of your identity.
- Payment for the rebuilt title fee.
Register a Salvage Title Car in Texas
With a rebuilt title issued, you can apply for registration again. You’ll need to provide the following to your local county clerk:
- A completed application.
- Proof of a current insurance policy.
- Proof of a current Texas safety inspection.
- 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 Texas, VINvaquero.com has the free resources you need to get back on the road.
Check out some of our related guides and useful tools below: