How to Get a Rebuilt Title for Your Salvage Title in Arizona

To get a rebuilt title in Arizona, you will need to get a salvage title, repair the car for inspection, and pay a rebuilt title fee of $4.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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Getting a rebuilt title in Arizona requires you to first apply for the salvage title. You must then repair the car before getting a Level III inspection and apply for a rebuilt title with a $4 fee. 
Most totaled cars are sent to the salvage yard since it is uneconomical to make the repairs. The insurance provider will then write off the car and pay the policyholder. However, it is possible to save a totaled car and get a rebuilt title.
If you want to drive or sell a previously-totaled car in Arizona, it will need a rebuilt title. The
car insurance
comparison and broker app,
Jerry
, has gathered the information to help you through the process. The article will cover what a rebuilt title is, when it is needed, and how you can apply for one in Arizona—plus, how you can save hundreds on your
Arizona insurance costs
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What is a rebuilt title?

A
rebuilt title
is a certificate stating that the car was once written off as a total loss by an insurer but is now repaired and roadworthy. 
Before applying for a rebuilt title, you will need to obtain the salvage title. This title indicates that the car was severely damaged and was deemed a total loss. The salvage title
can be replaced
when the vehicle is restored to a drivable condition.
In Arizona, this title is also known as the restored salvage title.

Does my car need a rebuilt title?

In most cases, you will need a rebuilt title to sell or drive a previously-totaled car. There is also an option to sell the car with a salvage title if the buyer wants to repair it themselves. However, regular buyers are often advised to
avoid cars with salvage titles
,  making the car harder to sell as-is. 
It should be noted that a rebuilt title will not clear the car’s damage history. Instead, the title indicates that the car is certified road-safe so that buyers will be more receptive to buying it. A rebuilt title is also necessary for a once-totaled car to be driven on the road. 
MORE: How to insure a car with a salvage title

How to get a rebuilt title in Arizona

Getting a rebuilt title in Arizona will require time, money, and patience. Restoring a totaled car costs a lot and takes a lot of effort if you are doing it yourself. You will also need to wait for the rebuilt title to be issued before you can drive it. 

Apply for the salvage title 

You will need to apply for a salvage title if the vehicle doesn’t have one. Follow the steps below: 
  1. Visit your local MVD facility
  2. Fill out the Title and Registration Application
  3. Mark the box for the salvage title certificate
  4. Submit current title certificate and lien release forms (if applicable)
  5. Pay the applicable fees
Once your request is processed, you will be issued a salvage title certificate from the state MVD.

Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle

As soon as the salvage title arrives, you will need to repair the vehicle to working condition, whether by yourself or by taking it to a licensed mechanic. 
You must get a Level III inspection conducted at a specific
vehicle inspection location
. You will need to bring the following:
  • Valid driver license
  • Proof of ownership, vehicle title, registration, or bill of sale
  • Receipts or invoices for all parts that were repaired or replaced
  • $50 inspection fee

Essential documents for a rebuilt Arizona title

After the car is restored to working condition, you can apply for a rebuilt title. You’ll need to provide the following for the restored salvage title: 
  • Completed Title and Registration Application (
    Form 96-0236
    )
  • Original salvaged title
  • All required vehicle inspection documents
  • Emissions compliance certificate, if applicable
  • Payment for all applicable fees:
  • Inspection: $50
  • Title: $4
  • Registration: $8
  • Vehicle license tax (VLT)
  • Air-quality research fee: $1.50

How long does a rebuilt title take in Arizona?

The time it takes for the application to be approved can vary. 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 Arizona

Regardless of selling or driving your rebuilt car, Arizona’s state laws mandate a minimum insurance coverage requirement for all drivers. Luckily, you can quickly access the best quotes right from the
Jerry
app.
Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that can help you find competitive quotes from over 50 top
car insurance
providers. Not only that, the process is quick (and doesn’t involve long forms!). Once you sign up and pick your policy, Jerry will handle the rest—the paperwork and any old policy cancellations.
On average, Jerry users have found $887 in savings every year on car insurance! 
“When using Jerry, I just put in a bit of information, and they found lots of different quotes for me. I was paying $305 a month for 2 brand-new cars, but now I’m paying $150 a month for both with full coverage!” —Robin U.
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A rebuilt title doesn’t necessarily mean a car is bad, but it depends on the car. Having a rebuilt title means the car had all the necessary repairs done and was certified to be safe to drive. However, since it was once totaled, there could be unseen issues with the car in the future.
Getting a rebuilt title in Arizona will cost $4 plus registration fees.
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