Declaration by Owner
If you own a vehicle titled in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you may declare the vehicle to be a salvage vehicle by following these steps:
- Submit
- a completed Salvage Certificate Application (VSA 56)
- the vehicle's title
- the $15 titling fee
- Pay the sales and use tax (if applicable)
NOTE: Customer service centers are unable to process salvage certificate applications. All documents must be mailed to the Vehicle Branding work center. Vehicle Branding does not issue registrations.
Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Branding Work Center
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, Virginia 23269-0001
Every owner of an uninsured or self-insured late model vehicle that sustains damage and the estimated cost of repair is more than 75% of the actual cash value must apply to DMV for a salvage certificate. The certificate will be noted "BRANDED IF REBUILT". Owners must pay the titling fee.
Declaration by Insurance Company
Insurance companies that take possession of a late model vehicle that has been damaged and pay the owner or lienholder for the value of the vehicle, must apply to DMV for a salvage certificate.
Insurance companies may also apply for salvage certificates for vehicles not defined as late model. Insurance companies must submit the Salvage Certificate Application (VSA 56) within 15 days of paying the owner or lienholder.
Insurance companies must notify DMV by filing Notification of Owner Retained Late Model Vehicle (VSA 58) on all late model vehicles that have:
- a paid claim for damages
- an estimated cost of repair that's more than 75% of the actual cash value IF the vehicle
- is titled in the Commonwealth
- is to be retained by the owner
Any vehicle less than 75% damage can still be turned into DMV at the discretion of the insurance company.
Whenever an insurance company applies for a salvage certificate and is unable to present a certificate of title, the insurance company must submit the following:
- Completed Salvage Certificate Application (VSA 56)
- Completed Affidavit in Lieu of Title Certificate (VSA 12) indicating:
- the vehicle was acquired as the result of the claims process
- a description of the efforts made by the insurance company or its agent to obtain a certificate of title from the previous owner. The affidavit must be signed and notarized.
- Proof that a claim payout was made through the claims process
- Appropriate fees
An insurance company or agent applying for a salvage certificate using a VSA 12 MUST mail their application, documents and fees to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Branding Work Center
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, Virginia 23269-0001
DMV Customer Service Centers are NOT authorized to process applications for a Salvage Certificate.
Restrictions on Salvage Vehicles
A vehicle that is declared salvage cannot be operated on the highways of the Commonwealth and may not be registered as long as there is an active salvage certificate.
A salvage certificate may be used for reassignment to a licensed rebuilder if the vehicle is to be rebuilt.
Nonnegotiable "Junk" Title
DMV will issue a nonnegotiable “junk” title for a vehicle has been rebuilt, titled and registered out of state. The vehicle must have NMVTIS brands or documentation equivalent to Virginia’s nonrepairable brands (“Junk”, “for destruction”, “for parts only”, “not to be repaired”, etc.).
To obtain a nonnegotiable “junk” title, you must submit
- a Nonnegotiable Junk Title Application (VSA 140)
- Certificate of Title and registration application (VSA 17A)
- out of state title
- proof of registration
- documentation indicating repairs have been completed.
After the vehicle has been titled, applicants may obtain full registration. The nonnegotiable “junk” title will display the brand “Junk Nonnegotiable- Not for Resale” on the face of the title and registration card. The vehicle cannot be sold, and the title document cannot be used to transfer ownership except as provided in Va. Code §6.2-633, §46.2-633.2, or §46.2-634.
DMV will NOT issue a nonnegotiable “junk” title if the vehicle has been issued a nonrepairable certificate in Virginia.
Applicable titling fees and taxes will apply.
Additional Information
Declaring a Vehicle Nonrepairable
Rebuilt Vehicle Examinations
Salvage General Licensing Information
Virginia Salvage Code Sections
Filing a Salvage Dealer Complaint