To get a rebuilt title in Maryland, the Maryland State Police (MSP) must perform a salvaged vehicle inspection. After passing the inspection, all you need to do is apply for a rebuilt title and registration in person at any Maryland DMV (MVP) branch office.
Once a car is totaled, you can usually kiss it goodbye. Most insurance companies will write the vehicle off and pass it to a salvage yard, where the car is stripped of usable parts and then crushed. A rebuilt title can give a car new life, though.
If you find or already possess a totaled car that you want to be road-worthy again in Maryland
, you will need to apply for a rebuilt title. Jerry
, the trustworthy insurance comparison app
drivers trust to find affordable car insurance
, is here to take you through the process. We’ll go over what a rebuilt title is, when you need one, and what the Old Line State requires to get one.RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What is a rebuilt title?
Rebuilt titles
certify that a car, once declared a total loss by an insurance company, is now safely restored to drivable condition.Usually a car with a rebuilt title first has a salvage title. Salvage titles mean the car has been totaled and is not safe to drive. The vehicle is eligible to have a salvage title removed
once the car has been restored by a mechanic. Does my car need a rebuilt title?
If you’re hoping to drive or sell a previously totaled car, you’re going to need a rebuilt title. While it is possible to sell a salvage title to a car enthusiast who wants to fix it up, or someone who isn’t risk-averse, experts do generally advise buyers to
avoid cars You can find more potential buyers if your car has a rebuilt title. A rebuilt title won’t erase the salvage title, but it does ensure that the car has been repaired 100% and has been certified safe to drive by a licensed inspector. If a car has been previously salvaged, a rebuilt title is essential for safely and legally driving it.
MORE: How to insure a car with a salvage title
How to get a rebuilt title in Maryland
Obtaining a rebuilt title in Maryland is a time-consuming process, though it is relatively inexpensive after the necessary repairs have been made. You’ll also have to be timely with each of the steps because each certificate issued expires within 30 to 90 days of issuance.
Apply for the salvage title
You will need a salvage title to begin the process of obtaining a rebuilt title in Maryland. Your salvage title can be from any state besides New York. The process of getting a salvage title in Maryland is:
A completed Application for Salvage Certificate/Owner Retention (Form VR-028)
A lien release, if applicable
A copy of your state-issued identification (usually your driver’s license)
$40 for “rebuilt title” and “flood damage” titles
$20 for salvage certificate
You can submit these items in person or by mail to: MVA, Salvage Unit RM 104, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.
Once received, the MVA will send you a notice about a safety inspection.
Complete the state police safety inspection
With the salvage title in hand, you’re ready to either make the necessary repairs yourself or have them done by a licensed mechanic.
Once the repairs are complete, the MSP needs to conduct a safety inspection before you can apply for the rebuilt title. You must schedule your appointment online
and pay the $25 fee. You should note that vehicles with missing VINs (vehicle identification numbers) will have to be inspected by a member of the Auto Theft Unit.
Essential documents for a rebuilt Maryland title
After you have your stamped and signed certificate of salvage from the MSP, you’re ready to apply for your rebuilt title. Bring the following to one of MVA’s full service
branch offices: Proof of ownership. Use the vehicle’s certificate of salvage, which needs to have your name on it.
Application form. You can use your Maryland salvage certificate, or this form
if your salvage certificate is from another state (other than New York). Proof of Maryland salvage inspection. You will need your MSP inspection with an impressed seal.
Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate. Valid within 90 days of issuance.
Proof of purchase price. The bill of sale must carry the signatures of both seller and buyer. If the car is under 6 years old or newer or sold for $500 or more below book value, it must be notarized.
Odometer disclosure statement. Your Maryland salvage certificate, auction receipt, or bill of sale counts.
Your title will be mailed to you whether you applied in person or not.
How long does a rebuilt title take in Maryland?
Applying for a rebuilt title in Maryland can take months. This depends on how quickly you can make repairs and how soon you can schedule an inspection with the MSP.
Finding cheap car insurance in Maryland
It doesn’t matter if you’re fixing up a salvaged car or purchasing a vehicle with a rebuilt title—you still need to meet the minimum Maryland car insurance requirements
. The title process may be long, but with Jerry, finding inexpensive car insurance that meets state requirements takes less than a couple minutes. It might sound a little too easy, but after you download Jerry
and fill out your information, it only takes 45 seconds for Jerry to compile competitive quotes from over 50 insurance companies. Best of all, Jerry handles all the paperwork and helps you cancel your old policy after you’ve chosen the right coverage and price for you! Try it for yourself! Jerry users save $887 per year on average. Check out how your current rates compare once you download the app.
“When we added a new car to our family, we were shocked at how high our current insurer was going to hike our rates. We used Jerry
for some comparison shopping and are now saving around $1000 a year. Thank you, Jerry!” —Darius P.