Applying for a Minnesota salvage title with the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division of the state Department of Public Safety (DPS) is an important step for owners of wrecked motor vehicles. However, in order to be issued a car salvage certificate, vehicles must meet the requirements to be classified as salvage by the state. Upon the issuance of these credentials, the DPS will brand these vehicles as salvage title cars in its records.

After obtaining an MN salvage certificate, you can repair your motor vehicle and apply to clear the status of its title. In such cases, your car will be required to pass an inspection for purposes of checking its roadworthiness, as well as the origin of the component parts used to rebuild the vehicle. If your car passes this inspection, you can apply for a rebuilt title through a nearby deputy registrar office.

What is a Minnesota salvage title?

A Minnesota salvage car title is a unique type of certificate issued by the state for vehicles that were damaged to the extent that they cannot be legally or safely operated any longer. DVS salvage certificates are clearly marked with the salvage brand, indicating that the vehicle will have to be rebuilt and inspected before it is reregistered. On the other hand, in order to be classified as salvage, the vehicle will have to meet certain conditions.

Salvage title cars may also qualify for other related types of credentials. For instance, if you successfully repair a damaged vehicle after it has been declared salvage, you can clear its title and reapply for an MN rebuilt title. However, rebuilt titles can only be obtained if and when the vehicle proves to be roadworthy once again, and that it has not been repaired with any stolen components or parts.

Minnesota Salvage Title Eligibility Requirements

Before learning how to get a salvage title in Minnesota, motorists must ensure that their vehicles meet the requirements to be classified as salvage. In general, the DVS will issue a salvage vehicle title only for late-model and high-value vehicles. As an example, late-model vehicles are cars that are newer than six model years. Moreover, high-value cars are those that are valued at $9,000 or more prior to being damaged, or vehicles with a weight rating larger than 26,000 pounds. Furthermore, an MN salvage title is required under any of the following circumstances:

• An insurance company has purchased the motor vehicle in a total loss claim.
• The car owner is self-insured, and his or her motor vehicle has sustained damages that exceed more than 80 percent of its value without the damages.
• The vehicle owner has transferred the car from another state on an out-of-state DMV salvage title.

Note: If your damaged vehicle does not meet the criteria to be issued a DVS salvage title, contact the division and/or your insurer to inquire how to proceed in your specific situation.

How to Get a Salvage Title in Minnesota

Getting a Minnesota salvage title is a straightforward procedure that can be completed in person through a nearby deputy registrar’s office. However, it is important to note that the process to apply for a vehicle salvage certificate will vary slightly depending on whether the applicant is the car’s owner or insurer.

If the owner retains the vehicle, he or she will be responsible for submitting the salvage title request. To do so, applicants will be required to fill out the Application to Title/Register a Vehicle (Form PS2000), submit their existing title certificate and pay any applicable fees.

Salvage Car Inspections in Minnesota

Despite the fact that undergoing a salvage vehicle inspection in Minnesota is not a requirement when obtaining this type of certificate, all vehicles will be required to go through an examination if and when they are repaired for the purposes of being relicensed. Thus, completing this type of car inspection is a mandatory step when applying for a rebuilt salvage title. The purpose of this examination is to check the roadworthiness of the vehicle, as well as the origin of the component parts used to repair it.

You can complete a salvage car inspection in MN through a station approved by the state DVS. To do so, you will need to submit your salvage title, a filled out Declaration of Reconstruction (Form PS2015A) and proofs of ownership of the components used to restore the car. Once you complete the car inspection, you can obtain a rebuilt title by submitting the vehicle inspection report to a DVS site. Once the division processes your paperwork and fee payment, it will issue you a new title branded as “prior salvage.”

Minnesota Salvage Title Fees

During the application process for a Minnesota car salvage title, vehicle owners will be required to pay the applicable titling costs. In general, the state DVS charges a $10 filing fee and a standard $8.25 title fee.

On the other hand, if you wish to obtain a restored salvage title, you will be required to pay additional costs as well, such as the $35 vehicle inspection fee. If you are re-registering your vehicle upon retitling it, additional registration fees will also apply.

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