How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Missouri
To apply for a rebuilt title in Missouri, you will need to get a salvage title, pass the inspection after repairs, and pay a rebuilt title fee of $8.50.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you want to get a rebuilt title in Missouri, you will need to apply for a salvage title. Then you must have the car repaired to a safe working condition and pass inspection. You can apply for the rebuilt title by paying an $8.50 titling fee.
A totaled car is often too expensive to repair so it gets sent to the salvage yard and written off by the insurance provider. The policyholder is then paid for their loss. However, a totaled car can still get a second life if it’s repaired and granted a rebuilt title.
A previously totaled car in Missouri can only be driven on the roads with a rebuilt title. If this is something you’re interested in, the
car insurance
comparison and trustworthy broker app Jerry
created a guide to walk you through the process. This article covers what a rebuilt title is, when you would need it, how to apply for it in Missouri, and how you can lower your Missouri insurance costs
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What is a rebuilt title?
A
rebuilt title
certifies that a once-totaled car that was written off by insurance is now repaired and safe to drive on the road. You will first need to apply for a salvage title before proceeding with your rebuilt title application. The salvage title shows that the car has been severely damaged and was deemed a total loss. But once the vehicle gets repaired to its roadworthy state, the salvage title
can be replaced
.In Missouri, the rebuilt title is known as the prior salvage title.
Does my car need a rebuilt title?
To drive or sell a once-totaled car, a rebuilt title is required. However, if you find a buyer who wants to repair the car themselves, it can be sold with its salvage title. On the other hand, most buyers will
avoid cars with salvage titles
, making the car harder to sell in its salvaged condition. Having a rebuilt title will not clear the car’s damage history, but it certifies that the car has been restored to working condition. This gives buyers more confidence in buying it.
MORE: How to insure a car with a salvage title
How to get a rebuilt title in Missouri
If you want to get a rebuilt title in Missouri, you will need to find the time, money, and patience to do so. The cost to restore a once-totaled car can be hefty, plus a lot of effort is required if it’s a pet project. You will also need the patience to wait for the rebuilt title to be issued before the car can be insured and driven legally.
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:
- Complete the following:
- Notice of Vehicle Titling Requirements (Form 5043)—MUST be completed by your insurance provider
- Provide the car’s original certificate of title
- Provide a notarized lien release, if applicable
- Payment for the title fee ($8.50 +$5 for quick titles) and processing fee ($6)
Once your request is processed, you will receive your salvage title.
Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
Once you obtain the salvage title, you can begin the repairs to restore the vehicle to its working condition. You can do this by yourself or have a licensed mechanic complete the work.
You must complete a salvage vehicle inspection before you can apply for a rebuilt title. This requires payment of $25 plus a $6 processing fee made payable to the Department of Revenue. This can be paid in person at your local DOR licensing office or by mail.
Mail the form to: Motor Vehicle Bureau, P.O. Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105.
The form will be mailed to you and you can then visit a certified salvage examination site for your inspection. The inspector will then fill in your Vehicle Examination Certificate (Form DOR-551), which is needed to get your prior salvage title (aka rebuilt title).
Essential documents for a rebuilt Missouri title
Once the car has been repaired and you have the Vehicle Examination Certificate, you can apply for the prior salvage title. You’ll need to provide the following for your application:
- Completed application forMissouri Title and License (Form DOR-108)
- The current proof of ownership—salvage title
- The Vehicle Examination Certificate (Form DOR-551), no more than 60 days old but obtained before prior salvage title application
- Bill of sale to indicate the purchase price (if applicable)
- Payment for prior salvage title ($8.50), plus the title processing fee ($6)
The documents above can be submitted in person to your local DOR office or by mail to: Motor Vehicle Bureau, Special Titling Unit, P.O. Box 2076, Jefferson City, MO 65105.
How long does a rebuilt title take in Missouri?
The time it takes for the application to be approved can vary. The time for the entire process also depends on how long is spent to complete the necessary repairs.
Finding cheap car insurance in Missouri
Missouri requires that all drivers have car insurance. Fortunately, getting
car insurance
doesn’t need to be stressful when you can use the Jerry
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Is a rebuilt title bad in Missouri?
A car with a rebuilt title isn’t bad. In fact, a rebuilt title certifies that the car had all the necessary repairs completed and you can be confident that it is safe to drive. However, there could be hidden issues that can resurface in the future since the car was once totaled.
How much does it cost to get a rebuilt title in Missouri?
Getting a rebuilt title in Missouri will cost $8.50 for the titling fee and $6 for the processing fee.
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