Department of Motor Vehicles

• Important:  Salvage Vehicle Application

  The DMV has a new Salvage Examination/Title Application (PDF) (MV-83SAL). This form replaces the MV-899 and MV-82 to apply for a Salvage Vehicle exam. The MV-83SAL
  
   -   clearly shows what fees apply to you
   -   can be completed online and printed like other DMV forms
   -   includes a handy checklist to help you avoid missing documents
  
  You may now include an email address for notification of your salvage exam.  This will allow for appointments to be scheduled sooner.
  
  DMV no longer accepts the MV-899/MV-82TON applications.

 Make sure your vehicle is prepared for the examination

To prepare

• make sure you have the required forms, documents and proofs 1  
• check the condition of your vehicle, and make sure it is safe for use on the road (if the DMV investigator determines that your vehicle is not safe, the DMV will not examine the vehicle)
  
• make sure that you complete all repairs and install all replacement parts
• you must install a new (vehicle and model specific) inflatable restraint system to replace an activated inflatable restraint system or one that was removed from the salvage vehicle. You cannot install used (removed from another vehicle) inflatable restraint systems as the replacement/s. 2  
• provide all your sales receipts 3
• display the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

On the day of the examination

Arrive on time. If you arrive more than 30 minutes after the scheduled time of the examination, the DMV will not examine your vehicle. You must pay another examination fee of $150 and schedule another examination.

The examination takes about 30 minutes.

Make sure your vehicle does not block any driveways or roadways at the facility.

You or your authorized representative must

• drive the vehicle into the examination facility
• open all the doors, the hood, and the deck lid of the vehicle
• describe the repair work and the parts that were replaced
• provide the original receipts for the replacement parts (provide any additional photocopies if they are available; the receipts are returned to you)

Any vehicle identification number that appears damaged or altered can cause a delay with the examination. The DMV can require you to return for another examination on another date.

You will get your title in 3-5 weeks

If your vehicle passes the examination, the DMV mails your title certificate in approximately 3 to 5 weeks, depending on volume.  The volume of applications for salvage examinations can vary greatly throughout the year.  Even though your vehicle passed the salvage examination, there may still be issues that delay your title being issued. We do our best to process applications, schedule exams, and issue titles as quickly as possible. 

• by law, the DMV must send the title certificate by mail
• you can check to see if your title has been issued online

Once you receive your title certificate, before you drive the vehicle, you must apply with the DMV for a registration..

If you require special accommodations

If you have a physical disability and you require special accommodations, contact the examination facility. The telephone number is provided on your appointment letter and in the list of salvage vehicle examination facilities.