If you want to title a rebuilt salvage vehicle, it must first pass a DMV examination to ensure the vehicle and its parts are in safe operating condition and have not been stolen.
Exception for Dealers
A rebuilt vehicle examination is not required if all three of the following conditions are met:
- The person rebuilding the vehicle and titling it into their name has been licensed under chapter §46.2-1605 for at least 10 years and has not had any penalties in agreement with this chapter's provisions
- The rebuilt vehicle is at least 10 years old but does not qualify as an antique motor vehicle
- The resale value of the rebuilt vehicle is less than $10,000
See the Salvage Certificate Application (VSA 56) for more information and requirements.
Scheduling a Rebuilt Vehicle Examination
See the option below that applies to you.
A. The title is already is in your name and is a VA title.
Mail DMV the following:
- The original Virginia salvage certificate in your name
- An original Request for Examination of Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle (LES 022A)
- $125 examination fee
- $15 substitute title fee
Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Branding Work Center
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269-0001
B. You just purchased a vehicle or it is an out-of-state title.
Mail DMV the following:
- The original title
- VSA 56 application
- Request for Examination of Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle (LES 022A)
- Sales and use tax
- $125 examination fee
- $15 substitute title fee
- Bill of sale
Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Branding Work Center
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269-0001
Instructions for your Exam
A DMV Special Agent will contact you to schedule an exam appointment. Bring the following items to the exam:
- Proof that the vehicle has passed a Virginia state inspection
- A photocopy of the Request for Examination of Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle
- Receipts for any original parts
- A photograph of the vehicle before the repairs
- Old component parts displaying the vehicle identification number (VIN) (if applicable)
Once the salvage vehicle has passed the exam, the Agent will notify the Vehicle Branding Work Center to release and mail the certificate of title with the appropriate brand.
Note:
If you plan to apply for a vehicle registration, please allow 48 hours from the receipt of your title certificate for the vehicle record to be updated before visiting a DMV customer service center or DMV Select.
Vehicle Title Branding
Any salvage vehicle that has been repaired for use on public highways, or any late model vehicle with an estimated repair cost of over 75 percent of its actual cash value, will receive a title certificate branded as “REBUILT.” The brand is permanent and will carry forward to each title issued for the life of the vehicle.
Selling a Rebuilt Vehicle
If you choose to sell the vehicle, you must provide the new purchaser with your title certificate signed over to the purchaser and a Rebuilt Vehicle Disclosure Statement.