How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Oregon

Getting a rebuilt title in Oregon will take a few months, some fees, a lot of repairs, and a little patience.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
background
A rebuilt title in Oregon will cost a minimum of around $100, and you will need to have a salvage title first. After completing the repairs, you can apply for a rebuilt title through the mail with the Oregon DMV. 
Having a totaled car doesn’t always mean it’s the end of the line. If you’re willing to invest some time and money, a totaled vehicle can get a second chance through a rebuilt title.
Car insurance
and trusted broker app
Jerry
is here to fill you in on the details of how to get this title, so keep reading! Stick around to find out how you can lower your
Oregon insurance cost
!
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings

What is a rebuilt title?

In Oregon, a
rebuilt title
is sometimes referred to as a reconstructed title. No matter what it’s called, the meaning is the same—it’s a title certifying that a car that was declared totaled by an insurance company has been legally and adequately rebuilt. 
A car that has been totaled will first be issued a salvage title, which declares the car a total loss and makes it illegal to drive. Once the proper steps and repairs have occurred, you can replace the salvage title with a rebuilt title. 

Does my car need a rebuilt title?

If you plan on driving and insuring the car again, then you will need a rebuilt title to do so. You cannot legally drive vehicles with salvage titles in Oregon. 
Depending on the situation, you might be able to sell a car with only a salvage title, but there’s a pretty narrow range of people who might be willing to buy it. 
If you get a rebuilt title, there’s a greater likelihood of finding a buyer for the car. The rebuilt title doesn’t wipe away the car’s history, but it documents that it has been safely and legally repaired.
MORE: How to make money restoring classic cars

How to get a rebuilt title in Oregon

Oregon has some of the highest fees for car titles and registrations in the country, and there’s more paperwork required for rebuilt titles than in many other states. Between that and the cost of repairs, getting a rebuilt title can be a significant investment in time or money. However, it can still be a satisfying and worthwhile project to tackle. 

Apply for the salvage title 

If the car doesn’t already have a salvage title, you’ll need to get one. Here’s what’s required:
  • The original title
  • Releases of interest from all prior lessors, owners, or security interest holders
  • An odometer disclosure of the vehicle is less than 20 years old
  • The $27 salvage title fee
Mail the paperwork to DMV - SALVAGE TITLES, 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314
Once approved, salvaged titles are usually mailed out five days from the application's date

Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle

Once you’ve secured your salvage title, you can repair the vehicle. You can do this yourself or have a mechanic rebuild it. Either way, make sure to keep good records of all parts purchased and all work done.

Essential documents for a rebuilt Oregon title

After the repairs have been completed, it’s time to apply for the rebuilt title. Oregon requires a bit more paperwork than some other states. Here’s what you’ll need: 
You can submit the completed paperwork by mail, or in some cases, you might be able to make an appointment at a DMV office. 

How long does a rebuilt title take in Oregon?

Times will vary depending on how long it takes to do the necessary repairs to the vehicle, but expect the paperwork to take about three to five weeks to process.

Finding cheap car insurance in Oregon

You have to do a little bit more leg work to get a rebuilt title in Oregon, so it makes sense that there’s a little more required with car insurance as well. But more coverage doesn’t necessarily mean more money spent!
Jerry
scours the internet to get you the best quotes from over fifty top
car insurance
companies in minutes. Once you choose, Jerry's
trusted broker app
will help handle the details of switching or starting coverage, and can even help cancel your old policy. 
“My monthly insurance payment went from $469 to $362 and
Jerry
gave me a $25 gift card from Amazon! I’m so happy they helped me switch between companies. I sent my sister their link and she’s saving money now too!” —Wanda P.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings
Rebuilt titles always come with some risks involved. On the one hand, they’re a great way to save money on a car purchase, but there’s always the possibility of hidden (and expensive) repairs. Do your research and buyer beware.
The fee for a VIN inspection is $7, and if you need to get a salvage title, it’s $27. Fees for titling and registering rebuilt vehicles can vary depending on the circumstances, so contact the Oregon DMV for details.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings