Salvage, Non-repairable and Rebuilt Vehicles

Salvage and Non-repairable Vehicles

If your vehicle is deemed a total loss by an insurance company, your original title and registration are void. Owners of vehicles less than 10 years old can apply for a Salvage Certificate, which prevents the vehicle from being operated on the roadways of Tennessee. Owners of non-repairable vehicles can apply for a Non-repairable Certificate,  which prevents the vehicle from being titled or registered in the state of Tennessee.

How to Obtain a Salvage or Non-repairable Certificate

To obtain either a Salvage Certificate or Non-repairable Certificate, mail the following to the Department of Revenue, Special Investigations, Anti-theft Unit, 500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37242:

Rebuilt Vehicles

The following steps outline the process of converting a Salvage Certificate of Title to a Rebuilt Title.

STEP 1:

Mail the following to the Department of Revenue, Special Investigations, Anti-theft Unit, 500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37242:

  • Salvage Certificate of Title
  • Application for Motor Vehicle Identification Certification
  • colored photographs of the wrecked vehicle, all four quadrants
  • receipts for all parts replaced (see requirements below)
  • $75 fee
  • Applications and documentation are only accepted via mail and is not accepted in person.

Receipt Requirements for Obtaining a Rebuilt Title:

  • Receipts for parts taken from another vehicle must indicate:
    • buyer’s complete name and mailing address.
    • seller's complete name and mailing address.
    • the year, make and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle from which the parts were removed.
  • Receipts for parts from an ‘in-house’ supply require a copy of the front and back of the title proving ownership.
  • If new parts were purchased, the receipt must indicate that the parts were new.

STEP 2:

Rebuilt vehicles must undergo a thorough inspection. This inspection is designed to prevent fraud and protect all involved parties.

STEP 3:

Upon passing inspection, the salvage certificate is stamped as certified and returned to the vehicle owner with all submitted materials, except photographs. The owner must take all documents to his or her local county clerk to obtain title and registration.