Rebuilt Title in Michigan (2026): How a Salvage Car Becomes "Rebuilt Salvage", the TR-13A Inspection, the Fees, and What It Means for Buyers
October 4, 2026
Short answer: in Michigan, a rebuilt title is the title a salvage car gets after it is repaired, a licensed mechanic signs off on the work on form TR-13A, and a certified salvage vehicle inspector passes it. The new title carries the legend "REBUILT SALVAGE", and that brand stays on every future title. For a buyer, it means a car that was once totaled, repaired, inspected and legally back on the road, usually for thousands less than the same car with a clean title.
Think of it like a house that came back from a fire. It was gutted, rebuilt to code, and the inspector signed the occupancy permit. The record of the fire stays with the deed forever, and that is exactly why it sells for less than the house next door.
Key takeaways
- Michigan prints "REBUILT SALVAGE" on the new title, as published by the Secretary of State.
- A licensed mechanic completes the TR-13A, then a certified salvage vehicle inspector inspects the car. The inspection fee is up to $100, as published.
- Bring receipts for every major component part. Inspectors check them.
- Scrap titles (repair cost 91% or more of the car's value before the loss) can never go back on the road.
- Rebuilt title cars in Michigan are insurable and financeable, and you can shop them by history type and severity grade on ReVroom.
What does a rebuilt title mean in Michigan?
Short answer: the car was once declared a total loss, was repaired, and passed Michigan's salvage vehicle inspection.
In the Secretary of State's own words, after the inspection "you will be issued a new title with the legend 'REBUILT SALVAGE'. This will alert future owners that the vehicle was once classified as 'totaled' by an insurance company under a previous owner." Michigan also says rebuilt and flood brands "stay on all future titles" once entered.
| Michigan title | What it means, as published | Can it be driven on the road? |
|---|---|---|
| Clean | No brand | Yes |
| Salvage | A "distressed" vehicle: in the state's words, "the total estimated damage is from 75% to less than 91% of its pre-damaged cash value" | No. A salvage title lets the holder possess and transport the car, but not drive it on a highway |
| Rebuilt salvage | A salvage vehicle that was repaired and passed the salvage vehicle inspection | Yes, once titled, insured and registered |
| Scrap | Repair cost of 91% or more of the car's value before the loss; the title is red and reads "Scrap Title" | Never. Parts or scrap metal only, and the VIN is canceled |
How does a salvage car become a rebuilt title in Michigan?
Short answer: repair it, document it, have a mechanic certify it, pass the inspection, then retitle it at a Secretary of State office.
- Repair the car and keep every receipt. The TR-13A says to attach "all receipts for major component parts," and repair-facility invoices if a registered facility did the work.
- Complete form TR-13A with a licensed mechanic. The mechanic certifies the repairs were done in a workmanlike manner.
- Schedule the salvage vehicle inspection. Michigan describes the inspector as a specially trained law enforcement officer. Bring the TR-13A, the salvage title and the receipts.
- Pass the inspection. The inspector assigns the TR-13B Salvage Vehicle Recertification.
- Retitle at the Secretary of State. Bring the salvage title, the TR-13A and TR-13B, proof of Michigan no-fault insurance, your driver's license or state ID, and the $15 title application fee plus any registration fees.
What does the Michigan salvage vehicle inspector check?
Short answer: identity, ownership of the parts, the vehicle code, and the mechanic's certification. According to the Secretary of State's dealer manual, the inspector verifies:
| The inspector verifies | What to have ready |
|---|---|
| The VINs and parts identification numbers are correct | Every VIN location matching the salvage title |
| Proof of ownership of the repair parts used | Receipts, bills of sale or titles for major component parts |
| The vehicle complies with the vehicle standards of the Michigan Vehicle Code | Working lights, brakes and required equipment |
| Repairs were done in a workmanlike manner, as certified on the TR-13A by a properly licensed mechanic in the appropriate specialty | The completed, signed TR-13A |
Passing means the car met the state's requirements. Like every rebuilt title inspection in every state, it is table stakes, not a grade of the workmanship, so a buyer should still get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
How much does a rebuilt title cost in Michigan?
Short answer: the state's part is small: an inspection fee of up to $100 and a $15 title application fee, as published, plus registration. The parts and labor are the real cost.
| Cost | Amount, as published | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Salvage vehicle inspection | Up to $100 | Michigan TR-13A form |
| Title application | $15 | Michigan Secretary of State |
| Registration | By vehicle | Michigan Secretary of State |
| Repairs and parts | The real cost; keep every receipt | Required for the TR-13A |
For comparison, Utah charges $6.00 for the title with station-priced inspections, Florida $40 for a rebuilt inspection, and New York $200 or $205 for a salvage examination, as each state publishes. Our rebuilt title inspection guide covers more states.
Should you buy a rebuilt title car in Michigan?
Short answer: it can be a smart buy if the history is disclosed and the price reflects it.
Across 17,000+ rebuilt title sales in ReVroom's market snapshot (updated October 1, 2026), the median car sold for $17,499 and buyers saved a median of $4,590 versus clean title value, and 87% carried only minor or moderate documented history. The savings grow with the model year, from $2,034 on a 2015 to $7,159 on a 2025.
What makes the decision easier is seeing the history before you fall for the car. On ReVroom you can filter by history type, from hail to collision, and by in-house severity grade, so you can shop minor-only if that is your comfort zone. For any rebuilt car, a ReVroom Report shows the severity grade, a severity graphic, the estimated savings percentage, and where and when the car was auctioned. It is not a vehicle history report, so use it alongside one.
Can you insure and finance a rebuilt title car in Michigan?
Short answer: yes to both. Michigan requires no-fault insurance before it issues the rebuilt title, so the car is insured from day one. Most major insurers write rebuilt titles; get two or three quotes. For financing, ReVroom's lender network publishes minimums including a credit score of 600 or higher, a loan of $8,000 or more, and a vehicle 10 years or newer with under 125,000 miles; each lender makes its own decision. Check your offers. ReVroom is not a lender.
Where can you buy a rebuilt title car in Michigan?
Short answer: from Michigan rebuilt title dealers, private sellers, and ReVroom's nationwide inventory.
ReVroom's Michigan dealer page lists one verified rebuilt title dealer today, Black Sea Motors in Madison Heights, and the national directory reads "26 verified rebuilt title dealers in 14 states." Every listing shows the title status, the history type, the severity grade and what was repaired, with photos where they are available. Browse rebuilt title cars, or if you run a Michigan lot, list your inventory free.
Frequently asked questions
What is a rebuilt title in Michigan?
It is the title a former salvage vehicle gets after it is repaired and passes a salvage vehicle inspection. Michigan's Secretary of State issues a new title with the legend "REBUILT SALVAGE", which alerts future owners that an insurer once classified the car as totaled.
How do you get a rebuilt title in Michigan?
Repair the car and keep the receipts for every major component part. Complete the Application for Salvage Vehicle Inspection (TR-13A) with a licensed mechanic, pass an inspection by a certified salvage vehicle inspector, then bring the salvage title, the TR-13A and TR-13B, proof of Michigan no-fault insurance, your ID and the $15 title application fee to a Secretary of State office.
How much does a Michigan salvage vehicle inspection cost?
Up to $100, as published on Michigan's TR-13A form, plus the $15 title application fee and any registration fees. The repairs are the real cost.
Can a scrap title car be rebuilt in Michigan?
No. Michigan issues a scrap title when repair costs reach 91% or more of the car's value before the loss; the VIN is canceled and the vehicle can be used only for parts or scrap metal, as published by the Secretary of State.
Does the rebuilt brand ever come off a Michigan title?
No. Michigan says rebuilt and flood brands stay on all future titles once entered.
Can you insure and finance a rebuilt title car in Michigan?
Yes. Rebuilt title cars are insurable and financeable; Michigan requires no-fault insurance before the rebuilt title is issued. ReVroom's lender network publishes minimums including a 600+ credit score and a vehicle 10 years or newer with under 125,000 miles. ReVroom is not a lender.
Related reading
- Rebuilt title inspection: what inspectors check, by state
- Rebuilt title in Texas
- Rebuilt title in Florida
- Rebuilt title in Kentucky
- Rebuilt title cost in Utah
Sources, read October 4, 2026: Michigan Secretary of State titles page; Application for Salvage Vehicle Inspection (TR-13A, rev. 07/2023); Secretary of State Dealer Manual, Chapter 5, Distressed Vehicles; ReVroom market snapshot and dealer directory. Fees and forms change; confirm with the Secretary of State before you go.
