How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Indiana
To get a rebuilt title in Indiana, you must complete all required paperwork and apply directly at the Indiana BMV Central Office.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you want a rebuilt title in Indiana, you must apply for it directly at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Central Office. The title application fee is $15, and all paperwork must be submitted within 45 days after the vehicle was acquired or purchased.
Most people think a totaled car is a car that is at the end of its life, but this may not be true in all cases. With a bit of time and money, totaled you can bring cars back from the vehicular graveyard with something called a rebuilt title.
If you have a totaled car that you want to sell or drive in Indiana, you’ll need a rebuilt title to do it. Got questions? Jerry has answers. More than just a
car insurance
super app, Jerry
is here to fill you in on what you need to know about getting a rebuilt title in Indiana—plus, how to save on your Indiana insurance costs
! RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What is a rebuilt title?
A
rebuilt title
is a particular type of title certifying that a car that has been declared totaled by an insurance company has been fully repaired and is safe to drive. In Indiana, you need to have a certificate of salvage title before applying for a rebuilt title. These can be obtained from the Indiana BMV, and
replaced with a rebuilt title
once the appropriate repair work, fees, and paperwork have been taken care of.Does my car need a rebuilt title?
You cannot legally drive or insure a vehicle with a salvage title in Indiana, so you will need a rebuilt title if you are planning on driving a totaled car. You can sell a car with a salvage title, but it might be challenging to find a willing buyer. Most sources advise
against buying a car with a salvage title
unless you are a repair enthusiast. That being said, you can legally insure and drive a car with a rebuilt title. If you can find a willing buyer (or want to keep the vehicle yourself), it can be worth the time and expense to seek a rebuilt title. While it doesn’t erase the car’s history, it does mean that it has been adequately repaired and is safe to drive.
How to get a rebuilt title in Indiana
Getting a rebuilt title is less burdensome a process in Indiana than in some other states, but there are still some hoops to jump through. In addition to the time and money you’ll spend on repairs, you will need to pay some fees and complete a bit of paperwork.
Apply for the salvage title
If you don’t already have a salvage title, you’ll need to apply for one with a
Salvage Title Application Packet
. This is done through the Indiana BMV. Here’s what you’ll need:- The vehicle’s original title, an Application for Certification of Title for a Vehicle, and a Salvage Title Affidavit Form
- Proof of the date of settlement from your insurance company
- Payment of $4 via check, money order, or Visa/Mastercard
- A completed Title Application Checklist
Mail the completed packet to: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Central Office Title Processing, 100 North Senate Avenue, Room N411, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Processing times vary. If you’re in a hurry, you can pay an additional $25 speed title fee.
Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
In Indiana, you can make the repairs yourself, or you can have a professional mechanic do them. However, repairing a totaled vehicle can be complicated, so it's probably best to leave it to a professional unless you have a good bit of experience with auto work.
Regardless of who does the repairs, they will need to be documented via an Affidavit of Restoration of a Salvage Motor Vehicle.
Essential documents for a rebuilt Indiana title
The repairs are done! Now it’s time for
more of that paperwork
that was mentioned earlier. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need. - The car’s salvage title and an Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle
- Affidavit of Restoration of a Salvage Motor Vehicle
- Proof of ownership or purchase for major parts used in the repair, or a completed Affidavit State Form 37964 for each part
- If the vehicle is transferring ownership, you will need to complete an Odometer Disclosure Statement
- Proof of address
- Payment of tax if selling the vehicle, or completed exemption form if not
- The $15 title application fee (plus $25 speed title fee if you want it faster)
Mail the completed packet to the same address as the salvage title.
How long does a rebuilt title take in Indiana?
Processing times for getting your title vary in Indiana, but it can take several months to complete. Paying the extra $25 to speed up the process might be worthwhile if time is a factor.
MORE: Car insurance for used cars
Finding cheap car insurance in Indiana
Whether your car is a new or rebuilt title, super app
Jerry
is here to help you find the perfect car insurance
coverage at a low price. Download the app, answer a few quick questions, and Jerry will get you quotes from over 50 top-rated car insurance providers in Indiana. They’ll do all the work of switching you over, and they’ll even help you cancel your old policy!“As someone who has an older beat-up truck, I love how easy it was for me to get insurance without going through a lot of trouble. I would recommend anyone tryJerry!”—Melissa I.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Is a rebuilt title bad in Indiana?
Not necessarily, but it’s definitely a situation to approach with caution. In Indiana, there are no inspections required, and anyone can do the repair work for a rebuilt title, so the potential for hidden mechanical problems is likely significant.
How much does it cost to get a rebuilt title in Indiana?
The title application fees will be from $15 to $19. If you want expedited processing, the fees are $25 per title. Additionally, there is a $30 administrative penalty fee if the BMV does not receive your title packet paperwork within 45 days of acquiring or purchasing the vehicle.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
