The Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau has a brochure entitled Titling Rebuilt Vehicles that gives information on this subject.

Here in part it states that when you purchase a motor vehicle and a Salvage Certificate of Title has been assigned to you, you must have the rebuilt vehicle examined by authorized law enforcement. In some cases, the examination may reveal that your vehicle needs a new or replacement identification number plate. The requirements are outlined in this MO DOR brochure that you can read online.

You must submit the requirements in the brochure before you can title your rebuilt vehicle. The new certificate of title that issues in your name will be designated as “Prior Salvage” on the face of the title. If you have any questions regarding the information outlined in this brochure on how to title a car that has been rebuilt after being salvaged the MO DOR advises you to call (573) 751-4509 for consumer help.

While you should read the Missouri DOR brochure for information on the specific procedures for titling a car with a rebuilt title here are some of the highlights from the pamphlet and costs associated with doing so.

The titling requirements include:

1. A Salvage Certificate of Title assigned to you
2. A bill of sale indicating the purchase price of the vehicle;
3. An Application for Missouri Title and License (DOR-108) completed and signed;
4. A Vehicle Examination Certificate (DOR-551);

Note: The white copy must accompany your application. The applicant should complete the top half of the form and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Inspector or other authorized officer must complete the bottom portion.

You may purchase this form for $25.00 with a $2.50 processing fee applied from a license office, or from the Motor Vehicle Bureau, P.O. Box 2076, Jefferson City, MO 65105-2076. Upon receipt of the form, you must make an appointment with an authorized law enforcement agent to inspect the vehicle.

1. Notarized bills of sale in the applicant’s name for all major component parts listed in item 8 on the Vehicle Examination Certificate (DOR-551);Note: On the reverse side of the form are definitions of major component parts. Each descriptive bill of sale must also include the purchase price, year, make and vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle from which the parts were obtained.
2. A copy of the front and back of the Certificate of Title for the vehicle(s) from which the MAJOR COMPONENT PARTS were obtained that are listed in item 8 on the Vehicle Examination Certificate (DOR-551);
3. All invoices, receipts, and bills of sales for any parts listed in item 9 on the Vehicle Examination Certificate (DOR-551);
4. A $2.50 processing fee and either an $8.50 title fee, or a $13.50 quick title fee, and,
5. All state and local taxes on the purchase price of the vehicle and any parts that do not indicate that sales taxes were previously paid.

If the DOR-551 form inspection reveals that a replacement vehicle identification number plate is required you must submit an Application for Replacement of Vehicle/ Vessel/Trailer Identification Number Plate (DOR-5062) completed in full, a $7.50 replacement plate fee, and a $2.50 processing fee, in addition to items 1 through 9 as previously listed.

For more information on how to obtain the rebuilt title for the vehicle you have repaired and the costs involved contact the DOR Motor Vehicle Bureau directly. To insure the vehicle, since it will have a rebuilt title, shop around to find an insurance company that will provide the type of car insurance coverage you need. Some insurance providers do not want to cover a car with either a salvage or rebuilt title on it.