After a vehicle titled with a salvage title has been repaired or rebuilt, it can be titled and registered for road use again. The vehicle must first pass an inspection by a specially-trained law enforcement officer. After the inspection, a new title is issued with the legend "REBUILT SALVAGE." This legend alerts future owners the vehicle was once "totaled" by an insurance company. A license plate can be issued when the "rebuilt" title application is processed.
There is a recertification fee of up to $100 paid to the law enforcement agency that performs the inspection.
Inspection Process
Owners who wish to have their salvage vehicle recertified for road use need to complete a TR-13A Application for Salvage Vehicle Inspection form before taking the vehicle to a certified salvage inspector. A licensed mechanic with the appropriate specialty must complete Part 4 of the TR-13A form certifying that repairs to the vehicle were completed in a workmanlike manner.
The salvage vehicle inspection officer will complete a TR-13B Salvage Vehicle Recertification form. The officer will:
Converting Salvage Title to "Rebuilt" Title
Owners who have had their vehicle repaired and recertified as described above can now convert their salvage title to a "Rebuilt" title. This step allows the vehicle to be registered for road use again. You will need to bring the following with you to a Secretary of State branch office:
The branch office will process a "rebuilt" title application. A license plate may be purchased or transferred at this time. Or you may purchase a 30-day or 60-day permit. Proof of Michigan no-fault insurance is required. The $15 title fee ($16 if a lien is being added or removed from the title), tax (if ownership is changing), and the registration fee are due.