Registering a Rebuilt Vehicle in Michigan: Step-by-Step

If you have purchased, or are planning to purchase a rebuilt title vehicle, then you are aware that it will involve additional paperwork. In Michigan, a rebuilt title vehicle cannot get back on the road before going through the required procedure of inspection and registration by the state. Understanding exactly how to register a rebuilt vehicle in Michigan can save you from the wasted effort of visiting the Secretary of State office and waiting for several weeks for that matter.

Here at CarDome Auto Sales, we have sufficient experience in dealing with rebuilt title vehicles to realize that most of the time the problem does not lie in the question of safety of the vehicle itself but in the paperwork involved. Below you will find all the information regarding the registration process and necessary forms.

The rebuilt title is granted for the automobile, which had been marked “salvage” by the insurance company since the repairs were estimated to cost 75 to 91 percent of the car’s value prior to damage. After the necessary repairs have been made and the automobile has successfully passed the mandatory inspection, the Secretary of State of Michigan grants it the rebuilt title and marks it “REBUILT SALVAGE.”

The mere salvage title won’t make it possible to drive the car. Registration and usage on roads are permitted only after obtaining the rebuilt title.

Prior to scheduling the inspection, one must fill out Form TR-13A in collaboration with a licensed mechanic who is required to note all significant parts that have been replaced during the repair process, including any part related to the frame, air bags, suspension, etc., along with proof of purchase of these parts through the receipt. It is important that the mechanic be certified in unitized body and structural repair and in collision mechanical repair.

After filling Form TR-13A, the next step is to schedule an appointment with the certified Michigan salvage vehicle inspector who is normally a police officer with special training. The applicant is supposed to take the salvage title issued, Form TR-13A, along with all receipts of the replacement parts. Once the vehicle’s VIN and structure are inspected and found to be satisfactory, the inspector will complete Form TR-13B (Salvage Recertification). An inspection fee of up to $100 has to be paid.

Once the inspection passes, gather the following documents before going to the branch office:

• Filled out and signed TR-13A form (Application for Salvage Vehicle Inspection)
• Filled out TR-13B (Salvage Recertification) form, signed by an inspector
• Original assigned salvage title
• Application for Michigan Vehicle Title (TR-11L form)
• Evidence of no-fault insurance in Michigan
• Photo ID
• Title and registration fee payment

It is necessary to personally visit the branch of the Secretary of State’s office when applying for a rebuilt title. It is not possible to mail the paperwork in or do that using the self-service kiosks. Staff will examine your TR-13A, TR-13B, and the salvage title and process the TR-11L form. As a result, you get a new title branded “REBUILT SALVAGE.” The regular fee is $15 for a rebuilt title.

With the issuance of the new title, you can proceed with the registration process during the same visit. The registration fee must be paid, evidence of insurance must be shown if it hasn’t been shown previously, and a license plate must be issued or transferred. With all these steps done, the car becomes roadworthy in Michigan.

Rebuilt title cars are cheaper by 20% to 40% compared to similarly valued clean titles. However, there are some caveats that one needs to consider while shopping around for such vehicles.

• Insurance can be tricky to arrange. Some insurers restrict themselves to offering only liability coverage on rebuilt titles, while comprehensive or collision coverage remains limited.
• It’s a beneficial idea to get an independent mechanic check done. While the state inspection confirms compliance with the safety standards, it does not assure that all parts were restored up to the manufacturer’s standard.
• The resale value gets affected negatively. The “REBUILT SALVAGE” brand will be reflected on all subsequent titles; hence, it’s something that every future owner will know.
• If a vehicle is more than six model years old, the seller can legally sell it without mentioning the salvage history.

It is easy to register your rebuilt car in Michigan when you are familiar with the steps involved. It is meant to confirm that the car you bought was inspected for repair defects and is safe. Buying a well-rebuilt car on title is an acceptable way to save money in Detroit.

When looking for a used car in the Detroit Metro area, we at CarDome Auto Sales can guide you through the title history, financing options, and features of the car regardless of its title type—clean or rebuilt.

Yes. For a vehicle with a salvage title to be registered or operated on the roads, it must first undergo inspection by a salvage vehicle inspector who issues it a rebuilt title.

The documents required include: Form TR-13A (Application for Salvage Vehicle Inspection), Form TR-13B (Salvage Recertification) provided by the salvage inspector, and Form TR-11L (Application for Michigan Vehicle Title).

The costs will be up to $100 for inspection and $15 for title, plus other normal registration and plate fees that depend on the type of vehicle and county where it is located.

No. Transactions for the rebuilt salvage title have to be done at the office of the Secretary of State.

The insurance depends on the insurance company. Some companies only provide liability coverage on rebuilt title vehicles.