How to Register a Salvage Title Vehicle in Texas

If you need to register a salvage vehicle, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has an online form you may print and fill out. You will need to return the form with a check or money order for $8 (as of June 2010) and documents proving your ownership of the vehicle. Once your request has been processed, you will receive your salvage vehicle title through the mail.

Things You'll Need

  • Printer
  • Visit the "Salvage Vehicle Forms" page on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website, linked in the Resources section.

  • Click on either the "PDF" or "Word" button to the right of the "Application for Non-repairable Vehicle Title or Salvage Vehicle Title" option. If you wish to download the "PDF" file, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you desire to download the "Word" file, you will need Microsoft Word installed on your computer. If you have neither of these programs, download Adobe Acrobat Reader, as it is free of charge to use.

  • Print the application form. If you do not have access to a printer in your home, visit your local library. You will be able to print the form for a small fee at your local library.

  • Fill out the form completely with truthful information.

  • Prepare a check or money order for $8. Make it payable to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

  • Make a copy of "supporting documents." The outline for supporting documents is listed on the "Application for Non-repairable Vehicle Title or Salvage Vehicle Title" file. The documents you need are the negotiable title document and an odometer disclosure statement. You will only need the odometer disclosure statement if your vehicle is less than 10 years old.

  • Mail the completed form, payment and identification to the following address:

    Salvage Vehicle Title Issuance
    Vehicle Titles and Registration Division
    Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
    P.O. Box 26450
    Austin, TX 78755-0450