Rebuilt Title: What Is It and How Can You Get One?

A “rebuilt title” is a term you might encounter if you’re looking to buy a used car or if you’d like to sell or drive a totaled car. But what is a rebuilt title? When should you get it and how can you get it? Get the lowdown on this type of car title.

What Is a Rebuilt Title?

A rebuilt title indicates that a totaled car is roadworthy again after undergoing repair.

Insurance companies can declare that a vehicle is a total loss once the cost of repairing it is greater than the value of the vehicle. The totaled vehicle is usually issued a salvage title.

O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendour of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

A vehicle has to have a salvage title before its owner can apply for a rebuilt title. Vehicles with a salvage title are often sold to companies or people that want to repair them.

Aside from salvage and rebuilt titles, vehicles can also have clean titles. A clean title indicates that the vehicle has little to no damage.

When Should You Get a Rebuilt Title?

If you have a vehicle that was declared a total loss and you want to sell or drive it again, you’ll have to get a rebuilt title.

How to Get a Rebuilt Title

The process and requirements for getting a rebuilt title can vary per state, so read up on the rules that apply to your state. To give you examples, here are quick guides on how to get a rebuilt title in Florida and Michigan:

Rebuilt Title in Florida

To get a rebuilt title in Florida, you’ll have to get a temporary license plate so that you can drive your ride to a rebuilt vehicle inspector in your area. You’ll also have to call the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to let them that you’re meeting with an inspector.

After that, you can set an appointment with your local DMV compliance examiner. Once the application is approved, they’ll affix a decal on your vehicle, so it’s easy to identify that it’s a rebuilt vehicle.