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, Vehicle Services Division, 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, Vehicle Services Division, 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:

Individuals will receive a print-on-demand "Inspection Passed" decal approval letter from the Anti-Theft Unit authorizing them to apply for title and registration through the county clerk’s office.  After the applicable sales tax, title, and registration fees are paid, a certificate of title will be issued with the brand “Rebuilt Vehicle Anti-Theft Inspected.”

Dealers will receive a print-on-demand "Inspection Passed" decal approval letter and a title issued by the state in the dealer’s name.  The title will be branded “Rebuilt Vehicle Anti-Theft Inspected.”