Does a salvage title go away?

No. A salvage title does not “go away.” After repairs and a state inspection, many vehicles can be retitled as “rebuilt,” “reconstructed,” or “prior salvage,” but the salvage history remains on record and usually on the new title. In most states, a car branded salvage can’t be legally driven until it passes inspection; if it’s labeled “junk” or “non‑repairable,” it generally can never be retitled for road use. Here’s how it works, why the brand persists, and what that means for owners and buyers.

What a salvage title means today

A salvage title is issued when an insurer or state determines a vehicle is a total loss—often due to collision, flood, fire, hail, or theft recovery. The brand signals substantial prior damage or loss. Since states now share data through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), salvage and rebuilt brands typically follow a vehicle across state lines, reducing the chance that a brand is “washed” away. While branding terminology and thresholds vary by state, the underlying history is designed to remain visible to agencies, insurers, and prospective buyers.

Can you change a salvage title?

From salvage to rebuilt (what changes and what doesn’t)

After repairs and a state-sanctioned inspection, many vehicles can move from a non-drivable “salvage” title to a drivable “rebuilt” or “reconstructed” title. This rebranding allows registration and road use again. What does not change is the fact that the vehicle will still carry a brand—such as “rebuilt,” “prior salvage,” or similar—and that brand, along with the salvage event, remains in NMVTIS and on most vehicle history reports.

When it truly cannot be removed: junk/non-repairable certificates

If a vehicle receives a “junk,” “non-repairable,” “certificate of destruction,” or similar designation, it generally cannot be titled or registered again. Those labels are intended for vehicles that must be dismantled or used only for parts. Only in rare cases of administrative error can an owner petition to correct a brand.

How to get a rebuilt/reconstructed title

If you plan to return a salvage vehicle to the road, expect a formal process. The exact steps vary by state, but the general arc looks like this:

• Repair the vehicle to roadworthy condition, following manufacturer specifications and state safety standards.
• Document parts and labor with receipts, especially for major components (engine, transmission, airbags, airbags modules, catalytic converters), and keep photos of damage and repairs.
• Obtain required inspections—often a law enforcement or DMV “salvage/rebuilt” inspection to verify repairs and check for stolen parts; some states also require emissions and safety/lighting or brake inspections.
• Submit paperwork to the DMV: salvage title, inspection certificates, receipts, photos, and identity/VIN verification forms, plus applicable fees.
• Receive a new title branded “rebuilt,” “reconstructed,” “revived salvage,” or “prior salvage,” then register and insure the vehicle as allowed in your state.

Expect additional scrutiny for flood-damaged cars and vehicles with deployed airbags or repaired structural components; advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) often require post-repair calibrations documented for the inspection and for insurers.

Insurance, financing, and resale impacts

Even after a successful rebuild, a branded title changes the economics and logistics of ownership. Common implications include:

• Insurance: Many carriers offer only liability or limited coverage for rebuilt vehicles; comprehensive and collision may be unavailable or may come with lower payouts.
• Valuation: Rebuilt cars typically sell for 20–40% less than comparable clean-title vehicles, and trade-in values are often steeply discounted.
• Financing: Some lenders will not finance rebuilt vehicles; those that do may require larger down payments and higher rates.
• Registration and use: A salvage title cannot be used on public roads; after rebrand, some states still restrict commercial use or rideshare eligibility.
• Warranty and recalls: Factory warranties are often void, but safety recalls still apply; verify that recall remedies have been completed.
• Repairs and safety: Ensure frame/structural repairs and ADAS calibrations meet OEM specifications; keep documentation for future buyers and insurers.

These limitations reflect the heightened risk profile of previously totaled vehicles and are a key reason the brand persists even after repairs.

Cross-state transfers and “title washing”

Moving a vehicle to another state will not normally erase its past. All 50 states report title data to NMVTIS, though reporting frequency and brand terminology can differ. When retitled in a new state, the brand may appear as “prior salvage,” “rebuilt from salvage,” or another equivalent. While title washing is harder today, inconsistencies still happen—so always verify a vehicle’s NMVTIS record, not just the paper title.

How to verify a vehicle’s title status

Before buying or insuring a vehicle with a complicated past, take multiple steps to confirm its status and condition:

• Check NMVTIS via an approved provider for title brands, total-loss reports, and junk/salvage records.
• Run supplementary histories (e.g., Carfax, AutoCheck) for service, accident, and auction data.
• Use your state DMV’s online title/brand lookup when available, and compare VINs across documents and vehicle stamps.
• Order a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician, prioritizing structural integrity, flood indicators, airbag systems, and ADAS calibrations.
• Review recall status at the NHTSA website using the VIN to ensure safety campaigns are addressed.

Combining official title data with physical inspection reduces the risk of undisclosed damage or misrepresented branding.

Frequently asked jurisdiction notes (examples)

Examples vary: California issues a “Revived Salvage” title after CHP and brake/lamp inspections; Texas uses “Rebuilt Salvage”/“Prior Salvage” branding; New York requires a DMV Salvage Examination and brands “Rebuilt Salvage: NY”; Florida brands “Rebuilt” and flags flood. Rules, required forms, and inspection sites differ, so consult your state DMV for current procedures and fees.

Bottom line

A salvage title does not disappear. With proper repairs and inspections, the vehicle can often be retitled as rebuilt and legally driven, but its salvage history remains visible on the title and in national databases. If the vehicle is branded junk/non‑repairable, it cannot return to the road.

Summary

The salvage brand is intended to be permanent. After repair and inspection, many states allow a “rebuilt” or similar brand enabling registration, but the prior salvage status remains in both the paperwork and NMVTIS. Insurance, financing, and resale are usually more challenging, and some vehicles (junk/non‑repairable) are never eligible for road use again. Always verify the VIN’s history and get an expert inspection before buying.

Can you insure a salvage title in SC?

No, you cannot insure a vehicle with a salvage title in South Carolina, as these vehicles are declared a total loss and are not considered safe to drive on public roads. However, if you have the vehicle repaired and pass a state inspection, it can receive a salvage rebuilt title, making it insurable with certain providers like Farmers and Geico. Coverage options may be limited to liability-only insurance, with full coverage being harder to find for rebuilt vehicles. 
Why you can’t insure a salvage title:

• Declared a total loss: A salvage title means the vehicle has sustained significant damage and is too costly to repair. 
• Not roadworthy: These vehicles are not considered safe for public roads and therefore cannot be driven or insured. 

Steps to get insurance for a formerly salvage vehicle:

1. Repair the vehicle: The vehicle must be properly repaired and restored to a safe, drivable condition. 
2. Pass inspection: The vehicle will need to pass a state-mandated inspection to ensure it is safe to drive. 
3. Obtain a rebuilt title: If it passes, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) will issue it a salvage rebuilt title. 
4. Find an insurer: With a rebuilt title, you can then shop for insurance, though you may need to work with companies that specialize in insuring rebuilt vehicles. 
5. Understand coverage limits: Be prepared for potential limitations, as many insurers only offer liability coverage for rebuilt title vehicles, not full collision and comprehensive coverage. 

Can you change a salvage title to a regular title?

A salvage titled car may be reclassified as a “rebuilt title” car (or in some places “reconditioned” or “assembled”). To remove a salvage title, you will need to purchase the car, have it repaired, get it inspected, and file the correct paperwork.

Can I drive a salvage title car in MN?

If a salvage vehicle passes a salvage inspection, the title will be branded with the term “PRIOR SALVAGE.” A vehicle with a prior salvage brand may be registered and driven on the roadways just like a regular vehicle.

Is it ever a good idea to buy a salvage title car?

These cars have previously been declared a total loss and are often priced at just a fraction of the cost of comparable models with clean titles. Buying a car with a salvage title could save you money, but it’s a risky endeavor and may not be a good option for most drivers.