Revised February 26, 2008

“Title Only” for stolen and unrecovered vehicles

The Motor Vehicle Division may issue a “Title Only” to an insurance company for a stolen and unrecovered vehicle. The insurance company pays only the title fee, and the title is branded “Salvage.” If, subsequent to the recovery of a stolen vehicle, it is determined that it meets the definition of a salvage or nonrepairable motor vehicle, the owner must follow the procedures for obtaining a salvage title or nonrepairable certificate.

For issuance of title only to an insurance company for a stolen and unrecovered vehicle, the following documents are required:

1. Certificate of Title – current title with the assignment properly filled out

2. Release of Lien – as needed

3. Police Report – a copy of the stolen vehicle report from law enforcement agency

4. Written Statement – from the insurance company that the vehicle is unrecovered

5. Title Only – process transaction as “Title Only”; only title fee assessed

6. SALVAGE Brand – enter “Salvage” in brand block; stamp “Salvage” on Title and Application

To justify title only issuance, make a notation in "Remarks" that the “Vehicle is a stolen and unrecovered vehicle."

Salvage-titled stolen vehicles later recovered

If a stolen vehicle for which a “Salvage” title was issued is recovered at a later date, and the insurance company wants MVD to issue a title without the "Salvage" brand, the following documents are required:

1. Certificate of Title – applicant must surrender the Salvage-branded title

2. Statement from a licensed auto repair mechanic - that the vehicle has minimal damage, or does not have chassis damage, undercarriage damage, or damage to the running gear

3. Statement from the insurance company - that the vehicle was "Stolen and Unrecovered" and that there was no damage, or that damage did not exceed the vehicle's retail value

4. Police report – indicating that the stolen vehicle has been recovered.

Fees – Process as a “Title Change.”