How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Alabama
To get a rebuilt title in Alabama, you will need to obtain a rebuilder’s license, make any repairs necessary, and pay a rebuilt title fee of $15.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Getting a rebuilt title in Alabama requires you to obtain a salvage title and rebuilder’s license, make all the necessary repairs before being inspected, and apply for a rebuilt title with a $15 application fee.
After a car is totaled, it is usually sent to the salvage yard to have its usable parts stripped before being sent to the crusher. The insurance company will also write the car off and pay the policyholder. However, there are times when a totaled car can be saved with a rebuilt title.
To restore a previously-totaled car to sell or drive in Alabama, a rebuilt title is required. The
car insurance
comparison and broker app, Jerry
, has created a guide to help you through the process. The article will cover what a rebuilt title is, when you need one, and how you can get one in Alabama—plus, how to save on your Alabama insurance costs
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What is a rebuilt title?
A
rebuilt title
is basically a certificate stating that a car that was once written off as a total loss by an insurer has been repaired and is in working condition. Before you can get a rebuilt title, you will need to apply for a salvage title. This title indicates that the car sustained severe damage, is inoperable, and was deemed a total loss. The salvage title
can be replaced
when the vehicle is restored to a drivable condition.In Alabama, if the vehicle sustained extreme damage and is not repairable, it won’t qualify for a salvage title and will get a junk certificate instead.
Does my car need a rebuilt title?
In most cases, you will need a rebuilt title if you plan to sell or drive a previously-totaled car. However, the car can also be sold with a salvage title if a car enthusiast plans to fix it up themselves. Buyers are often advised to
avoid cars with salvage titles
so it may be harder to sell them as is. Getting a rebuilt title doesn’t clear the car’s damage history, but buyers would be more receptive to getting a car that has a rebuilt title. It gives peace of mind since a licensed inspector has certified that the car has been fully repaired and deemed safe to drive. A rebuilt title is also the only way a once-totaled car can be driven on the roads.
MORE: How to insure a car with a salvage title
How to get a rebuilt title in Alabama
Getting a rebuilt title in Alabama will require a significant amount of time and money. Although the experience can be rewarding, restoring a totaled car costs a lot, and you would still need to wait for the rebuilt title to be issued.
Apply for the salvage title
You will need to apply for a salvage title if the vehicle doesn’t have one. You’ll need:
- Verified VIN and basic vehicle information.
- A completed Salvage Certificate of Title application (Form MVT 41-1).
- The car’s original title. If the original title is lost, the application fee is $15.
- A lien release (if applicable).
- A check or money order for $15 made payable to the Alabama Department of Revenue.
Mail the form to:
Alabama Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Division
P.O. Box 327640
Montgomery, AL 36132-7640
Unfortunately, the processing time can vary widely. It can be tracked, however, on the
Alabama Department of Revenue
website. Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
As soon as the salvage title arrives, you have the right to make the necessary repairs for damages, whether by yourself or by taking it to a licensed mechanic.
You will need to set up an appointment with the Alabama Department of Revenue to get the car inspected before you can apply for the rebuilt title.
Essential documents for a rebuilt Alabama title
After the car is restored to working condition, you can apply for a rebuilt title. You’ll need to provide the following documents for the inspection:
- Salvage title
- Completed Application for Inspection of a Salvage Vehicle and Affirmation Supporting Salvage Certificate (Form INV 26-15)
- A notarized bill of sale for the car
- Bills of sale for any major components you had to add to the car for repair
- Copy of the vehicle registration (if you are the original owner) or a copy of the rebuilder's license (if you are the new owner)
- Inspection Application Remittance Advice (Form INV 31-1)
- Payment of applicable fees for inspection and titling
- A certified check for the fee of $90 ($75 application fee + $15 title fee) and $1.50 for each application processed
The documents and fees can be sent directly to the Alabama Department of Revenue at the Automobile Inspection Unit, PO Box 327641, Montgomery Alabama 36132
How long does a rebuilt title take in Alabama?
The time it takes to apply for a rebuilt title isn’t specified and can vary widely. One of the factors that will affect the length of time is the time it takes to make all the necessary repairs to the salvaged vehicle.
Finding cheap car insurance in Alabama
Even if you plan to sell the rebuilt car, you will need to carry insurance with the minimum coverage requirements mandated by Alabama’s state laws. You can find proper insurance in two minutes just by downloading the
Jerry
app.After signing up and entering your information, Jerry will find you the best quotes from 50+ top
car insurance
companies. Once you pick the policy you want, all the paperwork will be handled by Jerry—the team will even help you cancel your old policy if needed! On average, Jerry users can save $887 every year on car insurance. See these amazing rates for yourself by downloading the app!
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Is a rebuilt title bad in Alabama?
This could depend on the luck-of-the-draw. A rebuilt title in Alabama means the car is in good working condition and deemed safe to drive. However, while you might get a better deal, rebuilt cars may have more issues in the long run compared to a vehicle that isn’t rebuilt. Use your best judgment or you can ask your mechanic for advice.
How much does it cost to get a rebuilt title in Alabama?
Getting a rebuilt title in Alabama will cost $15. However, there is also an application fee of $75 and a $1.50 processing fee per title application.
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