Getting a salvage title in Ohio is an important step for motorists whose vehicles have sustained heavy damages. Generally, the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues car salvage certificates through the various county clerk of courts offices, which are responsible for receiving and processing all titling procedures. However, in order to receive this type of title, a vehicle has to meet the definition of a total loss.

Once a car owner obtains an OH salvage certificate for a repairable vehicle, he or she has the option of conducting the necessary repairs and relicensing the car. On the other hand, in order to obtain a rebuilt title, the owner will have to submit the vehicle to an inspection procedure for the purposes of checking its roadworthiness and assess the parts used to rebuild it. To learn more about salvage title cars and the procedures related to these vehicles in Ohio, read the sections below.

What is an Ohio salvage title?

An Ohio salvage car title is a particular type of credential issued by the BMV in an attempt to monitor damaged or destroyed motor vehicles in the state. An OH vehicle salvage certificate indicates that a car has been damaged to such an extent that it cannot be safely and legally operated on public roads.

As such, the main purpose of this type of title certificate is to protect state motorists and roads from potentially harmful vehicles. In addition, potential buyers of vehicles that were previously been branded salvage can learn about the risks and issues that concern that particular car.

Note: If a car is deemed unrepairable in Ohio, it will be classified as a scrap motor vehicle that can only be sold for spare parts.

Ohio Salvage Title Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a salvage vehicle title in Ohio, a car must be declared a total loss by either its original owner or an auto insurance company. As such, motor vehicles will be branded salvage if they sustain damages to such an extent that the cost to repair them exceeds their actual value before incurring the damages. In most cases, insurers will apply for an OH salvage certificate after paying off the vehicle as a result of a total loss insurance claim.

How to Get a Salvage Title in Ohio

If you are wondering how to get a salvage title in Ohio, note that the application process may vary to a certain degree depending on whether you are applying as the original owner or a representative of his or her insurance company. If you choose to apply for a car salvage title yourself after retaining your motor vehicle, follow these steps:

  1. Visit your county clerk of courts title office.
  2. Fill out the Application for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (Form BMV 3774), and mark the corresponding salvage box.
  3. Surrender your current title certificate.
  4. Submit any additional paperwork, such as lien release forms, if applicable.
  5. Present an official form of identification, such as a driver’s license.
  6. Pay the applicable titling fee.

Once the state BMV processes your request for a salvage title in OH, it will manufacture and deliver your title certificate. Note that if an insurance company is applying for this type of title after acquiring the vehicle in a total loss settlement, it may have to follow slightly different steps, such as filling out different forms.

Salvage Car Inspections in Ohio

Submitting your motor vehicle to a salvage vehicle inspection in Ohio is not a required step when getting a salvage title. In such cases, only a declaration of a total loss is sufficient to obtain this certificate. On the other hand, if you choose to apply for a rebuilt salvage title after restoring the vehicle to operable status, an examination must be conducted by the State Highway Patrol (SHP). The purpose of this process is to check whether or not the vehicle has been rebuilt with stolen parts, as well as whether or not it meets the safety standards established by the BMV.

To complete the OH salvage car inspection procedure, you will first have to obtain a salvage inspection receipt by paying a certain fee through a BMV deputy registrar’s office. Then, you can contact a nearby SHP inspection station to schedule an appointment. During the examination, you will be asked to present the following items:

  • An official identification form of identification, such as a driving license
  • The BMV inspection receipt
  • Your salvage car title
  • The receipt and proofs of ownership for the parts used to rebuild the vehicle

Once your vehicle passes this inspection, the SHP will issue you a completed Salvage Inspection Form (HP106), which must be surrendered to the BMV when you apply for a restored salvage title and new license plates.

Ohio Salvage Title Fees

When applying for an Ohio car salvage certificate or a rebuilt title, applicants will have to arrange payment for certain fees. For instance, in order to acquire a standard salvage certificate after wrecking a motor vehicle, you will have to pay a $4 titling fee. On the other hand, if you wish to apply for a salvage title with a lien, you will be required to pay for a $15 fee. Late filing fees in the amount of $5 may be added if you fail to obtain your salvage certificate within a certain period of time.

Furthermore, if you restore your motor vehicle and choose to get an OH rebuilt salvage title, you will have to pay additional fees. First, you will have to arrange payment for the $50 salvage inspection fee. Then, you will have to pay the standard $15 titling fee and the vehicle registration costs, which will vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle you are licensing.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.