Salvage yards in Pennsylvania are required to turn vehicle titles over to the state after an owner has signed the title over to the salvage company. Rules governing the dispensation of a title are part of the state's vehicle code.
First the vehicle owner needs to sign the title over to the salvage dealer. No notary is required. In lieu of a title a salvage certificate that meets state requirements will suffice.
The salvage dealer is required to immediately send the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles or an authorized agent of the department either the certificate of title attached to a form issued by the state designating the vehicle "nonrepairable," or the title attached to a form requesting a certificate of salvage.
For flattened or crushed vehicles, the salvage company or the company which crushed the vehicle for salvage must send the title, certificate of salvage or nonrepairable certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles immediately.
