A Guide to Salvage Vehicle Titles in Nevada

Salvage vehicle titles are an important aspect of vehicle ownership, and understanding them is crucial. In Nevada, vehicles declared as total losses, flood-damaged, or non-repairable receive orange-colored salvage titles. Here's what you need to know about salvage vehicle titles in Nevada:

Orange-Colored Salvage Title:

• Vehicles declared as total losses due to extensive damage (estimated repair cost exceeding 65% of fair market value) or flood damage receive orange-colored salvage titles.
• Non-repairable vehicles or those stripped beyond restoration also get salvage titles.
• Salvage titles cannot be registered or operated on public streets in Nevada until they have been rebuilt and inspected.

Handling Salvage Titles:

1. Insurance Company Involvement:
   
   • If your vehicle is declared a total loss by your insurance company, they handle the salvage title process.
   • They may choose to retain ownership, sell it to a DMV-licensed entity (e.g., salvage pool, rebuilder), or allow you to retain it.

1. No Insurance or Lienholder:
   
   • If you don't have insurance or a lienholder, and you wish to retain the vehicle, submit the current title and an Application for Salvage Title (VP-213) within 30 days.
   • You can also choose to sell it to a DMV-licensed entity.
   • The DMV will issue the salvage title to the new owner or the current owner (if the vehicle is retained).

Procedures for Restoring Salvage Vehicles:

• For vehicles five model years old or newer, you must complete the Authorization for Vehicle Restoration at a DMV Inspection Station before making any repairs.
• Repairs must meet industry standards, including airbags and seat belts to federal law standards.
• Maintain records of repairs, including parts information.
• After reconstruction, have a licensed garage, body shop, or rebuilder complete a Certificate of Inspection.
• Bring the vehicle to a DMV inspection station for the final Certificate of Inspection.
• Once all requirements are met, you can register and title the vehicle. It may also be sold with the new title, which will be branded as "Rebuilt."

Salvage Vehicle Laws and Penalties:

• Sellers must disclose in writing if the vehicle is salvage, rebuilt, or reconstructed.
• Removing or concealing markings indicating salvage or rebuilt status is a felony if the vehicle is valued at $250 or more.
• Courts can impose jail terms, fines, and restitution.
• Purchasers may pursue civil suits and may receive court costs, attorney's fees, and damages.

Important Notes:

• Salvage vehicles can't leave Nevada without a Salvage Title if intended for sale.
• Vehicles older than ten model years may not be considered salvage if repairs are limited to specific components.
• Rebuilt vehicles must be inspected, and the title will be branded as "Rebuilt."
• Check the Nevada DMV website or contact the Salvage Unit for title-related questions.

Understanding salvage vehicle titles is essential to ensure proper registration and compliance with Nevada laws. Whether you're dealing with a total loss or rebuilding a salvage vehicle, following the correct procedures is vital for legal ownership and safety on the road.