Titling Salvaged Vehicles in Maryland

A vehicle may be considered:

• Salvage: The vehicle was damaged and declared a total loss by an insurance company.
• Rebuilt: A salvage vehicle that has been repaired and inspected so it can be titled and registered.

A salvage vehicle cannot be registered or driven until it has been rebuilt, inspected, and approved.

• If you purchased the vehicle from a dealer, the dealer may handle the title application.
• If you purchased the vehicle from a private seller, auction, or insurance company, you are responsible for titling the vehicle.

Confirm this before proceeding to avoid duplicate applications.

Option 1: In person at a full-service MVA branch office

• Recommended for salvage or rebuilt vehicles
• Staff can review documents for completeness

Option 2: By mail for some applications

• Processing may take longer
• All documents and fees must be included

You must submit:

• A completed Certificate of Title - Application (VR-005) - PDF - 260.92 KB
• Salvage Certificate/Owner Retention Application (VR-028) - PDF - 170.02 KB
• Proof of ownership (salvage title or equivalent)
• Bills of sale or receipts for major repairs and parts
• Valid identification
• Payment for all required fees and taxes

Do not alter official documents. Missing or incorrect information may delay approval.

Before a rebuilt title can be issued, the vehicle must pass a Maryland Salvage Inspection.

• This inspection confirms the vehicle was rebuilt properly
• It verifies that no stolen parts were used

Salvage inspections are separate from standard safety inspections.