Register a Salvage Vehicle in California
Salvage cars, or vehicles that were totalled at one point but were fixed to return to the road, must be inspected by the state of California before you can apply for a registration. The California Highway Patrol or the California Department of Motor Vehicles is authorized to inspect the salvage vehicle to determine if it is safe to return to the road. Expect to pay fees for the vehicle's inspection along with standard registration fees at CHP.
Instructions
1. Call your local CHP or DMV office to make an appointment for your vehicle's inspection--an appointment is required. Bring your title, license and proof of repairs. You must prove proof of ownership and provide the repair receipts for the inspector's review.
2. Receive your CHP inspection certificate once the vehicle has passed the inspection. Call a certified brake and light inspection station to obtain a Brake and Light Inspection certificate, which is proof that the vehicle's lights and brakes are in acceptable working order. Certified stations are listed on the California CHP website.
3. Fill out the "Application for Title or Register" form. You can print this form from the California CHP website or obtain at a local office. Fill out sections "one" and "four".
4. Go to your local CHP office with your title, the Application for Title or Registration form, the CHP Inspection Certificate, Brake and Light Inspection Certificate and your California state driver's license. Pay all CHP fees to complete the registration of your vehicle.
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