How to Sell a Salvage Car in Rhode Island

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Are you considering selling your salvage car in Rhode Island? There are different steps you are required to take, such as obtaining a salvage car title and possibly having your car inspected. We have a lot to discuss, so let’s jump right in!

Table of Contents

What is a Salvaged Car in Rhode Island?

Each state has its definition of a salvage car. In Rhode Island, a salvage car, also known as a total loss, is a car that is damaged to the point that the cost of repairs exceeds the car’s fair market value.

If the repair costs do NOT exceed 75% of the car’s fair market value, the car is NOT considered a total loss unless the vehicle’s owner (you) request a total loss designation from your auto insurance provider. In general, it is up to your auto insurance provider to determine the car’s fair market value and evaluate the cost of repairs.

Understanding Your Car’s Actual Cash Value

You may think your car doesn’t have value because it’s a salvage, but you’re wrong! Salvage cars still have value. A car’s actual cash value (ACV) is equal to the replacement cost of the car minus the car’s depreciation. Although the ACV reflects the car’s accounting value, it does not necessarily reflect the economic value of the car, which means the car can be more or less of value than its actual cash value when the car is sold.

How is a Car’s Actual Cash Value Determined?

Great question! We have a simple equation you can use to help you determine your car’s actual cash value. To determine your car’s ACV, you need to do the following:

  • Determine the purchase price of your car
  • Estimate the expected life of your car
  • Calculate the current life of your car
  • Calculate the actual cash value of your car

When you’re done gathering the necessary information, here’s the equation you need to use to calculate your car’s ACV:

ACV = purchase price x (expected life – current life) ÷ expected life

Actual Cash Value vs Replacement Cost

Your car’s ACV is important when you’re obtaining auto insurance. As an auto insurance policyholder, we’re going to guess you would prefer to be paid the replacement cost of your car instead of the car’s actual cash value.

Let’s say your vehicle was destroyed in an accident. If you are paid the replacement cost of the car, you will be eligible to purchase a new car of the same type. If you accept payment for the car’s actual cash value, you probably won’t have enough money to purchase a car of the same type because depreciation is taken into account.

You must read the terms (the fine print) of the auto insurance policy before you sign it. If the auto insurance agent tells you they will ONLY pay for the ACV, make sure you are okay with taking this risk.

How Do You Sell a Salvage Car in Rhode Island?

To sell a salvage car in Rhode Island, you’ll need to take similar steps to those of selling a traditional car. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you need to take.

Allow the Buyer to Have the Car Inspected by a Third Party

It’s common for vehicle shoppers to want a vehicle inspected if they are interested in purchasing it. This will not be of any cost to you. The potential buyer will choose a mechanic and pay for the inspection. However, you and the potential buyer must agree on when and where the car will be inspected.

Of course, there will be issues with the car because it is a salvage. The good news is the car inspection will let the potential buyer know everything that needs to be fixed on the car and how much it will cost to make the necessary repairs.

Make sure you and the potential buyer keep invoices and receipts as documentation for your records. Rhode Island does NOT require a car inspection before purchasing a car, and there are no forms that need to be filled out. However, having the vehicle inspected before the vehicle is purchased is a good idea for you and the car buyer, so both of you have a clear understanding of what the vehicle needs to be roadworthy again.

Gather the Required Vehicle Documentation

It’s a good idea to have as much vehicle documentation as possible when you’re selling your salvage car. If you have them, keep up with maintenance records, the owner’s manual, and other paperwork that is related to the vehicle. If you can, provide the buyer with detailed maintenance records, as this will help establish trust with the buyer. You may also want to consider including a vehicle history report from a service, such as CarFAX, to show extensive details about the car.

The most essential document you’ll need when selling a salvage car in Rhode Island is the Certificate of Title. In certain situations, you are NOT required to have the car’s title to sell the car. We’ll discuss more about this later on in the article. If there is a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder must release interest in the vehicle BEFORE the car is sold. In this situation, you can pay off the car or obtain a lien release letter from the lienholder. In Rhode Island, a car title is ONLY required for private vehicle sales for car model years 2001 and newer. Owners of older vehicles can use a bill of sale to sell the vehicle and have the car registered in the buyer’s name.

Obtaining a Bill of Sale

Although you may not be required to have a car title to sell your salvage car, you are, however, required to have a bill of sale. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV) does NOT have an official bill of sale form, so you must create one. You and the buyer are required to fill out the bill of sale since the sale is between two individuals, which means it’s a private sale.

You can use a generic bill of sale but must include specific information. The bill of sale for your salvage car must include the following information:

  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Year, make, and model of the vehicle
  • Date of sale
  • Color of the vehicle
  • Purchase price
  • Seller(s) address
  • Seller(s) printed legal name and signature
  • Accurate odometer reading on the date of the sale (if applicable)

As the vehicle’s seller, you are required to provide your name, address, and signature. However, it is optional for the buyer to provide you with this same information about themselves. It is recommended that you have the car’s buyer provide the same information and also sign the bill of sale. Once the bill of sale is filled out and signed, make a copy and keep it as proof that the car has legally changed hands, which means a legal sale was made.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) updated the odometer disclosure requirement in December 2020. This requirement is for vehicle transfers from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2030, for any vehicle of the model year 2011 or newer (2012, 2013, etc.) Starting January 1, 2031, any vehicle that is less than 20 model years old will require an odometer disclosure.

Transfer the Car’s Title

If you have lost the car’s title or the title has been stolen or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate Rhode Island title by completing an Application for Title Form (Form TR-2/TR-9). You will also need to pay the $52.50 fee to receive your duplicate car title. This process can take up to 90 days to complete. The RI DMV will receive your information, review it, and verify it. Keep in mind there will be other people who are requesting duplicate car titles and handling other vehicle transactions, and it can take a while to process documentation.

If you’re selling a salvage car in a private sale (selling to another individual), and your car is the model 2001 or newer, you and the car’s buyer must complete the relevant sections on the back of the car’s title. These relevant sections include the following:

  • Legal name(s) of you and the car’s buyer
  • Address
  • You and the car buyer’s signature
  • Date of sale
  • Accurate odometer reading

You want the transfer title process to be as smooth as possible, so make sure you and the buyer write legibly and provide accurate information to prevent delays.

If more than one vehicle owner is present on the car’s title, you will need their signature on the car’s title based on the connection between the names, such as spouses, siblings, and other relatives. Only one signature is required. If there is no connection listed, it will default to “and”, and all owners will be required to sign the car’s title before the title can be transferred.

Remove Your Rhode Island License and Cancel Your Auto Insurance Policy

As the car’s seller, you must remove your license plates before handing any paperwork regarding the car to the buyer. Failure to remove your plates could leave you liable for any violations after the buyer takes possession of the vehicle. Once the sale of your vehicle is final, you must cancel your car’s registration by returning the license plates at any RI DMV branch. You can also mail your license plates to the following address and a receipt will be mailed to you:

RI DMV
Plate Department
600 New London Ave.
Cranston, RI 02920

You will also need to cancel your auto insurance policy as soon as possible, so you don’t continue paying insurance for a car you no longer own.

Why is a Bill of Sale Required?

You are required to have a bill of sale for record-keeping when you sell your vehicle privately. Since the RI DMV doesn’t have an official form for a bill of sale, you will have to create your own. To be valid, your bill of sale must include the following information:

  • Vehicle information (such as the make, model, year, vehicle identification number (VIN), and accurate odometer reading)
  • Vehicle buyer’s information (name, address, and signature)
  • Vehicle seller’s information (name, address, and signature)
  • Selling price
  • Date of sale

Are There Salvaged Vehicle Restrictions in Rhode Island?

Yes. A salvage car is a car that has a special label, the “salvage” label, and Rhode Island determines how these vehicles are handled. When your auto insurance company deems your car a salvage or a total loss, you cannot operate the vehicle on ANY road or highway.

Under no circumstances shall any person intentionally remove any VIN, or other distinguishing number from any part of the salvage car, including new and used parts.

Can You Sell a Salvaged Car Without the Title in Rhode Island?

Depending on the model year of your salvage car, you may not be able to obtain a car title if you require a duplicate. Be advised that Rhode Island does NOT issue titles for ANY kind of vehicle that is the model year 2000 or older. If your salvage car falls within this range, you can sell the car for parts by parting it out to a scrapyard or another type of vehicle dismantler, or you can rebuild the car to proper working order, pass the RI car inspection, and get back on the road.

If you’re selling your salvage car for parts in Rhode Island, make sure you have the car’s bill of sale and the registration card. If you’re planning on rebuilding your salvage vehicle, you can call the RI DMV at (401) 462-4368 to learn about the requirements that are associated with repairing your car and getting it back on the road.

If you have a newer vehicle (a vehicle that doesn’t fall under the above criteria), you will need to apply for a Rhode Island salvage title. Once you apply for your RI salvaged title, you can sell your car for parts or repair the car, and apply for a reconstructed Rhode Island title.

Why is the Car’s Title Important?

Whether you have your salvage car’s original title or you need to apply for a salvage title or reconstructed title, this legal document is important for different reasons. The title of a car proves proof of ownership. The title of a car includes the following information:

  • The name(s) of the car owner(s)
  • Year, make, and model of the vehicle (may include the body type of the vehicle)
  • Vehicle color
  • Odometer reading
  • The date on which the odometer reading was done
  • Owner or owners of the vehicle
  • Owner’s address
  • The date on which the title was issued

A car’s title can also include the following:

  • Title number
  • The vehicle’s weight
  • The number of cylinders in the engine
  • The engine number
  • The type of fuel used in the car
  • The license plate number

Some states, including Rhode Island, will require information regarding flood damage or a “salvage” label will be included on the car’s title. The car’s title should include the signature of one or multiple state officials who are in charge of motor vehicles or revenue collection, such as the Division of Motor Vehicles or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Transportation (DOT), Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), and similar motor vehicle departments.

Can You Sell a Salvaged Car Without the Car’s Registration in Rhode Island?

A car’s registration card is similar to a car title in that it is a legal document that shows proof of vehicle ownership. Depending on your situation, you may not be required to have the car’s registration card, especially if you have the car’s title.

How to Get a Rhode Island Salvage Car Title

If you decide to keep your car once it’s been deemed a total loss, you must apply for a salvage title within 10 days of the settlement agreement. You must take the following items to the RI DMV:

  • A completed Application for Title (Form TR-2/TR-9) – The individual who is listed as the owner of the car (the person listed on the car’s title) must complete the application.
  • The RI car title and the title must include the following:
    • The proper assignment of vehicle ownership
    • Disclosure of the car’s mileage
    • Release of all liens on the vehicle (if applicable)
  • Letters from your auto insurance company stating the following:
    • The vehicle is a total loss and you’re retaining ownership
    • Whether the vehicle is repairable or for parts ONLY
    • A damage appraisal
  • The $52.50 salvage title fee

You have the option of submitting the above-listed items/documents in person or by mail to the following address:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Research/Title Office
600 New London Ave.
Cranston, RI 02920

If you encounter any issues while filling out your RI salvage title car application, you can contact the RI DMV’s Research Office by calling (401) 462-5774.

When you receive your salvage title, you can sell the car to a business that handles dismantling total loss vehicles, such as a car recycler or junkyard, or start the retitling process. Also, if you’re going to rebuild your car, you need to make the required repairs and have your salvage car inspected.

Rhode Island Salvage Car Inspections

If you choose to rebuild and retitle your car, you are required to take it to a state-licensed salvage rebuilder to be repaired. Before you start the repair process, you need to take pictures of your vehicle from different angles, so the damages the vehicle sustained are well-documented. You will be required to present these photos during the car’s salvage inspection.

Once your car is rebuilt, you will need to take the following steps:

  • Take the car to your local RI police department for a VIN check (at the end of the VIN check, the officer will give you a VIN Verification Form (Form TR-5). Keep this form safe! You will need this verification form when the time comes to retitle your car.
  • Apply for a salvage inspection and take your car to be inspected – once your application is approved, you’ll need to take your vehicle to have a smog check and safety inspection performed.

When you take your vehicle to have the salvage inspection performed, it MUST have a new, valid Rhode Island inspection sticker attached.

Apply for a Salvage Inspection

To apply for a salvage inspection in Rhode Island, you must submit the following to the RI DMV:

  • A completed and notarized Application for Salvage Inspection (REV 2020)
  • Copies of the following:
    • Front and back of the car’s salvage title
    • Receipts for all new and used parts used to repair the vehicle (receipts must include vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for each part used
    • Insurance company’s damage appraisal
    • Work repair order
    • Bill of sale (helps prove ownership of the vehicle)
  • Pictures of the vehicle showing the damages
  • The Certificate of Salvage Repair and used parts VIN list (the licensed rebuilder should provide this)
  • The $57.50 inspection fee (to make this payment, you must use a blank certified check or money order made payable to “DMV”. Cash, personal checks, and business checks are NOT accepted.

You can mail the required documents and payment to the following address:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Enforcement Office
600 New London Ave.
Cranston, RI 02920

You will receive your vehicle inspection appointment information on the phone number you provided on the application. If you have questions or concerns regarding your vehicle’s inspection, you can contact the RI DMV Enforcement Office at (401) 462-5736.

What Happens at the RI Salvage Vehicle Inspection?

Before you take any other steps, be advised that you will have to reapply for a new inspection appointment and pay another $56.50 if you do any of the following:

  • Arrive at the inspection without ALL the required paperwork (this includes the new smog/safety inspection sticker you should have received BEFORE your salvage inspection appointment)
  • You fail to show up or cancel your inspection within 48 hours of the appointment (if you need to cancel your appointment for any reason, you can call (401) 462-5736.
  • Are rejected for any other reason

To avoid these mishaps and issues, make sure you are prepared by having the paperwork and fees ready to finalize this process.

When your salvage vehicle inspection appointment arrives, you must provide the following:

  • Your fully restored vehicle
  • Your Rhode Island driver’s license or identification card
  • The properly assigned salvaged title
  • Pictures of the vehicle before any repairs were made
  • Original paperwork of all the copies you sent when applying for your inspection

If you have questions or want to confirm you have everything ready to go for your RI salvage vehicle inspection, you can call the RI DMV Enforcement Office at (401) 462-5736.

After your reconstructed vehicle passes inspection, the inspector will give you the necessary paperwork to continue the re-titling and registration process. Now that you’ve completed this step, you’re only one step away from getting your car back on the road!

What Are the Major Components of a Vehicle?

During the salvage vehicle inspection, the car’s major components are checked to ensure they work properly and are safe to operate. If any of these parts malfunction for any reason, your car will likely fail the inspection. Here’s a quick look at the major components that are checked during an RI salvage vehicle inspection:

  • Cowls
  • Transmission
  • Frames
  • Engines
  • Doors
  • Trunk lids
  • Front and rear fenders
  • Quarter panels

Why Are Rhode Island Salvage Car Inspections Tests Performed?

Rhode Island salvage car inspections are performed to ensure your car was not repaired with any stolen parts. This car inspection also ensures the car you’re repairing is not stolen. Another reason RI salvage car inspections are performed is to make sure the car is roadworthy once the necessary repairs are made.

How Do You Register a Salvaged Car in Rhode Island?

You won’t be able to register your car in Rhode Island if your car maintains a salvage car title. However, you’ll be able to register your car in Rhode Island if you rebuild the car and the car passes inspection. At this time, you will apply for a Rhode Island rebuilt car title.

Rhode Island Vehicle Registration Fees

The final step of registering your vehicle in Rhode Island is to submit payment for all applicable fees. The car’s registration fees may vary based on its weight. You may be subject to paying the following fees:

  • $45 for a passenger vehicle that does NOT exceed 4,000 lbs.
  • $1.50 for the transaction fee
  • $45 for a passenger vehicle registration renewal (if the vehicle is less than 4,000 lbs.)

Other Important RI Vehicle Fees:

  • Duplicate RI car registration certificate: $19.50
  • Updated RI vehicle registration certificate: $7.50
  • Technology fee (added to registration): $1.55

How is a Rhode Island Salvage Title Different from a Rebuilt Car Title?

Salvage car titles and rebuilt car titles are similar, yet different. A salvage car title has sustained extensive damage because of an accident of some kind and has not had any repairs made at this point. A rebuilt car title is for cars that were once deemed a salvage, and have had repairs made to meet Rhode Island’s safety criteria and passed the inspection, allowing the car to be driven again.

How is a Rhode Island Salvage Title Different from a Junk Title?

Salvage titles and junk titles also have a thing or two in common. However, salvage title cars can be rebuilt and deemed roadworthy. Junk title cars do not have this option. Once a car is deemed junk, it can never have a different title, and the only value cars with this title have is for their parts. Junk cars will never be roadworthy and must be sold to a junkyard. Although salvage title cars have severe damage, they can be repaired/rebuilt and obtain a rebuilt car title to be roadworthy again.

Who Buys Salvage Cars Near Me in Rhode Island?

You have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a salvage yard in Rhode Island. Since there are tons of different salvage yards around, we won’t list all of them. We will, however, list the salvage yards that have an excellent reputation to help point you in the right direction with selling your salvage car.

K & R Auto Salvage
950 Smithfield Rd.
North Providence, RI 02904
(401) 353-9200
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Sunday and Monday (9 AM – 1 PM)
Friday and Saturday (open 24 hours)

Hall’s Garage
56 Plainfield Pike
North Scituate, RI 02857
(401) 647-3648
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 12 PM)
Saturday (8 AM – 12 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

North Smithfield Auto Recycling
1859 Pound Hill Rd.
North Smithfield, RI 02896
(401) 766-5422
Sunday and Monday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Tuesday – Thursday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Friday and Saturday (open 24 hours)

A&A Auto Parts & Towing & Cash for Junk Cards
381 Huntington Ave.
Providence, RI 02909
(401) 943-6625
Monday – Friday (8:30 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday (8:30 AM – 4 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

F&G Salvage
530 Nooseneck Hill Rd.
Exeter, RI 02822
(401) 397-6360
Monday – Friday (7:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Saturday (7:30 AM – 1 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

When Can I Get Auto Insurance for My Salvage Car in Rhode Island?

Since salvage cars are not roadworthy, you won’t be able to get auto insurance on the car. You can rebuild the car and have the car inspected. If the car passes inspection, you can apply for a rebuilt car title and then obtain auto insurance. You must complete these steps to get insurance on a car that was deemed a salvage.

Can I Salvage My Car Without a Title in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island only issues car titles for cars that fall into certain criteria. In Rhode Island, you will not receive a vehicle title of any kind if your vehicle is a model year 2000 or older. If your car meets this criteria, you won’t be issued a car title. You can sell your car’s parts to a scrapyard or another type of vehicle dismantler, such as a junkyard. If you take this route, make sure you have the car’s bill of sale and registration card.

If your vehicle doesn’t meet the above criteria, you’ll be eligible to apply for a Rhode Island salvage title. Once you obtain the title, you can sell your car to a dismantler, junkyard, or recycler to sell your car for parts, or you can start the repair process for your car.

Will a Rebuilt Rhode Island Title Affect My Car’s Value?

Having a rebuilt Rhode Island car title DOES affect your car’s value. Although you rebuilt your car, it will always have a rebuilt car title, which is better than a salvage title in many instances, however, it is still not considered a “clean” title. A clean title is what cars that have not been involved in an accident have. The good news is with a rebuilt car title, your car is roadworthy and can legally be driven on roads and highways.

How Can I Get the Most Money for My Salvage Car in Rhode Island?

We understand you want to receive the most money for your salvage car. However, having a salvage car will not get you the numbers you may be anticipating because it’s not a new car, and the car has damages. There are many people who are willing to purchase a salvage car, but one thing you need to consider is if you’re selling a salvage car or a salvage rebuilt car title.

Selling Your Salvage Car in a Private Sale

When you sell your car in a private sale, you’re selling your car to another individual and not a company, such as a junkyard, scrapyard, or recycling company. Selling your salvage car in a private sale can be a long wait or a quick sale. It depends on how many people are looking for a salvage car. If you’re selling a salvage rebuilt car, your car may sell quicker, but again, you may still have to play the waiting game. Selling your car to another individual if you want to sell your car to someone who will do the car justice, such as repair it and make good use of it.

Selling Your Salvage Car to a Salvage Yard or Junkyard

You can also sell your salvage car to a salvage yard or junkyard. If you plan on using this selling option, there isn’t a need to repair your car to get more money. Junkyards and salvage yards pay a flat fee for your car, damages, and all. Selling your car to a salvage yard or junkyard is the ideal option for individuals who want to receive cash in hand on the spot. There’s no waiting game because you don’t have to wait for a buyer. There’s also not a lot of paperwork involved.

Selling Your Salvage Car for Parts

Selling your salvage car for parts is a process known as “parting out” your car. This is one salvage car selling option that can potentially get you the most bang for your buck. A mechanic can look at your car and determine which of your car’s parts are usable and valuable. This process can take a long time because the car has to be looked at to determine its valuable parts, and then the parts must be removed. When you take this route to sell your car, you may have to play the waiting game for someone to need the parts you are selling.

Selling Your Salvage Car As-Is

Another option you have is selling your salvage car as-is. Most people who choose this car-selling option don’t want to put the time and money into repairing the car and no longer want it, so they’re selling the car as-is to try to get rid of it quickly. This option is also great if you’re not interested in rebuilding the car, passing vehicle inspection, and applying for a rebuilt car title. When you sell your salvage car as-is, the new car owner will be responsible for making repairs and everything else associated with the car.

The Importance of Disclosing Salvage Information

It’s illegal to sell a car that has a salvage title without letting potential buyers know. You can sell a salvage car, but you’re required by law to disclose information about the car, including the car’s salvage title. Tell the buyer as much as possible about the car. This is the perfect time to present potential buyers with a report of the car’s damages, such as a CarFax.

If you’ve rebuilt the car and want to sell it, make sure you have documents that show the repairs that were made and information about the parts that were used to repair the car. Having these documents can help you establish trust with the buyer and sell your car quicker. Being upfront and honest about your car’s current condition is the only way you can avoid unnecessary penalties and fees.

How Do You Apply for a Rebuilt Car Title in Rhode Island?

Applying for a rebuilt Rhode Island car title can be complicated, but we’ve listed the steps you need to take to obtain one.

What is a Rebuilt Car Title?

Rhode Island rebuilt car titles are issued to cars that were previously declared a salvage or a total loss, but have since been repaired and currently meet Rhode Island’s legal operating standards.

Does my car need a rebuilt title?

If you choose to do something other than sell the car for parts or sell it to a dismantler, you will need a rebuilt car title. Having a rebuilt car title doesn’t automatically make your car brand-new. As we previously stated, with a rebuilt car title, your car can legally be driven, however, a rebuilt car title is not the traditional/standard Rhode Island car title.

Applying for a Rhode Island Salvage Car Title

If the vehicle doesn’t already have one, you must apply for an RI salvage car title within 10 days of the car being declared a total loss or a salvage. To apply for an RI salvage title, you need to have the following:

  • A completed Application for Title (Form TR-2/TR-9)
  • The car’s original RI title – title must include the following:
    • Proper assignment of vehicle ownership
    • Disclosure of mileage
    • Release of all liens on the vehicle (if applicable)
  • Statement from your auto insurance provider indicating the following:
    • The vehicle is a total loss and you’re maintaining ownership
    • Whether the vehicle will be sold for parts or repaired
  • Damage appraisal from your auto insurance provider
  • The $52.50 Rhode Island salvage title fee

You will submit the above documents in person or by mail to the following address:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Research/Title Office
600 New London Ave.
Cranston, RI 02920

Once you have the car’s salvage title, you can start repairing and retitling the car. After the repairs are made, and your vehicle passes the inspection, you will be given the paperwork that is required to apply for your rebuilt car title.

Essential Documents for a Rhode Island Rebuilt Car Title

Rebuilt car titles are also known as reconstructed salvage titles. To apply for an RI rebuilt car title, you will need to submit the following in person or by mail to the Rhode Island DMV:

  • A completed Application for Title (Form TR-2/TR-9)
  • The VIN Verification (Form TR-5) – you received this form after the VIN check was performed
  • The paperwork you received from the inspector after your car passed the salvage inspection
  • Your Rhode Island driver’s license or identification card
  • Payment for all applicable title and registration fees

Once you submit the above-listed documents, you will receive your Rhode Island rebuilt car title. You’re ready to hit the road!

How Long Does it Take to Receive a Rebuilt Title in Rhode Island?

After submitting the rebuilt title application, you will have to wait to receive the title in the mail. The RI DMV doesn’t put a timeframe on how long you will have to wait. Most states take up to 90 days to review, verify, and process rebuilt titles. On the bright side, the sooner you repair your car and submit the required paperwork, the sooner you can receive your RI rebuilt car title.

You’re awesome! You just learned the different ways to sell your salvage car or rebuilt your salvage car in Rhode Island.