Salvage Inspection Division

Salvage:
If the word “salvage” appears on the title, the vehicle has to be inspected.

Definitions:

“Branded Title” is a specific designation made on a vehicle’s title that will indicate a vehicle has sustained damage or might be potentially unsafe to operate.  Examples of branded titles include salvage, rebuilt, flood-damaged, and hail-damaged.

“Junked Certificate of Title” shall mean a document issued by the Department of Revenue for a vehicle which has been scrapped, dismantled or destroyed and the owner has surrendered the Mississippi Certificate of Title to the Department in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 63-21-39.

“Salvage vehicle” shall mean a motor vehicle, which an insurance company obtains from the owner as a result of paying a total loss claim resulting from collision, fire, flood, accident, hail damage, trespass, un-recovered theft, or another occurrence. 

“Salvage Certificate of Title” shall mean a document issued by the Department of Revenue for a salvage vehicle as defined in the previous paragraph.

Purpose of the Salvage Law:

• To ensure the vehicle is repaired to the original condition it was in prior to being wrecked. 
  • The agency will take an affidavit from an individual that they did not know pictures had to be taken; the word “rebuilt” will appear on the title.
  • The agency will accept copies, but the title will be branded “rebuilt”.

What Determines a Rebuilt Title:

• The repair or replacement of one (1) major part and four (4) minor parts as listed in Title 35.VII.6.05 (Chapter 05. Salvage Vehicles)  Title 35 Mississippi State Tax Commission (ms.gov) 
• To ensure the vehicle is repaired to the original condition it was in prior to being wrecked.

Salvage Inspection Procedures:

• Before either salvage or self-assembled inspections are conducted, all receipts and documents will be examined. The inspection will not be completed if any of the requested documents are incomplete, incorrect, or missing.
• The person presenting the vehicle for inspection will be permitted in the inspection area only when authorized by the inspecting officer.
• Any vehicle or component part bearing a VIN or VIN derivative determined to be stolen/missing or altered will result in the vehicle being impounded and held as evidence and/or seized for forfeiture.
• Failure to meet all the requirements as set forth above will necessitate rescheduling the inspection. 
• The State of Mississippi assumes no liability for any damage resulting from removing parts to permit examination or for any damage resulting from the replacement of these parts.
• No inspection is to be made on any vehicle that has not been completely restored which includes being painted.
• The inspection of the vehicle should be performed in the state in which the vehicle was rebuilt.

Salvage Inspection Required Documentation:

• Provide an original salvage title or retention letter from the Insurance Company.
• Complete an application for inspection of a Salvage/Rebuilt Form 78-021(1). 78021168LC (ms.gov)
• Provide all original invoices for all parts from where the repairer purchased the parts for the vehicle. Please provide the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle it came from if the parts are used.
• Provide a work order describing all work that is performed on the vehicle.
• Please provide four (4) color photos of all four (4) sides of the vehicle. These photos shall be taken before any repairs are made on the vehicle being inspected.
• Provide the original copy of all paperwork, plus two copies for the agency's file.
• Work Order (Notarized if work was performed by the individual)
• Color Photos
• The inspection fee is $75.00. (Certified Check or Money Order)
• Paperwork must be in the following order:

1. Application for inspection
2. Salvage Title
3. Parts receipts 
4. Work Order (Notarized if work was performed by the individual)
5. Color Photos

Each receipt must include the following items:

1. Description of the vehicle from which the parts were removed, including vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, and model.
2. Name, address, and signature of the company or person who sold the part.
3. The driver's license number (if private party) or the tax identification number (if a company).

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Verification Required Documents:

• Original title of the vehicle 
• Provide a valid driver license
• Provide the original copy and two (2) copies of all requested documents
• The inspection fee is $25.00. (Certified Check or Money Order)

Bonded Title Required Documents:

• Affidavit of ownership form  78013188.pdf (ms.gov)
• Provide the Bill of Sale (Signed and Notarized)
• Title Bond form JetForm:78016021.IFD (ms.gov)
• Provide a valid driver license
• Provide the original copy and two (2) copies of all requested documents
• The inspection fee is $25.00. (Certified Check or Money Order)

Flood Damaged Vehicle Required Documents:

• The Insurance Company applies for the flood title in their name.
• Complete an application for inspection of a Salvage/Rebuilt Form 78-021(1). 78021168LC (ms.gov)
• The inspection fee is $75.00. (Certified Check or Money Order)
• Provide a valid driver license
• The Insurance Company assigns to buyer.
• The Buyer can apply for a new title with the following:
  • Provide four (4) photos before repairs
  • Provide 78-021 application for inspection 78021168LC (ms.gov)
  • Inspection of the vehicle
  • Flood brand can never be removed from titles; it overrides all brands

Hail Damaged Vehicle Required Documents:

• The Insurance Company applies for the hail damaged title in their name.
• Complete an application for inspection of a Salvage/Rebuilt Form 78-021(1). 78021168LC (ms.gov)
• Provide a valid driver license
• The inspection fee is $75.00. (Certified Check or Money Order)
• The Buyer applies for a new title with the following:
  • Provide four (4) photos before repairs
  • Provide 78-021 application for inspection 78021168LC (ms.gov)
  • Inspection of the vehicle
  • Work Order (Notarized if work was performed by the individual)