The Salvage Vehicle Examination

If a salvage vehicle is rebuilt for use on roadways, the DMV must examine it before issuing a new title certificate or registration. The required examination is part of the NY State Auto Theft Prevention Program. The program includes vehicles that were issued a NY State Salvage Certificate (MV-907A) and rebuilt salvage vehicles from most other states.

A NY State Title Certificate issued after the date of May 18, 1999 for a rebuilt salvage vehicle displays the brand, 'REBUILT SALVAGE'. Some title certificates issued before May 19, 1999 also show this brand.

The salvage vehicle examination is not a safety inspection, an emissions inspection, or an insurance examination.

New York State law requires the DMV to determine if a rebuilt salvage vehicle is stolen or includes stolen parts. The purpose is to

• protect consumers
• find stolen items
• prevent the theft of vehicles and vehicle parts

You can only apply for a salvage vehicle examination by mail. Download the Salvage Examination/Title Application (PDF) (MV-83SAL). Read the directions carefully and provide all requested information. 

If you plan to drive the salvage vehicle to your exam, you must apply for a Temporary Transit Permit. 

Before applying for the salvage vehicle examination, you need to have the vehicle inspected for safety. Use a legal method to transport the vehicle to an inspection station. The inspection station completes the inspection information on Salvage Examination/Title Application (PDF) (MV-83SAL).

Get insurance coverage for the vehicle and a New York State Insurance Identification Card (see a sample insurance card).

For questions about temporary transport permits, contact the DFI Salvage Unit at 1-518-486-6560, 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

You can only apply for a salvage vehicle examination by mail. Download the Salvage Examination/Title Application (PDF) (MV-83SAL). Read the directions carefully and provide all requested information. 

Send with your application

• a check or money order with the correct fee payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles”
  • $200 - if you have a NY State Salvage Certificate (MV-907A) as proof of ownership
  • $205 - if your proof of ownership is not a NY State Salvage Certificate (MV-907A)
• Original Proof of Ownership
• Original Bill of Sale and/ or Dealer Reassignment (if applicable)
• Proof of Sales Tax paid
• Original Lien or Lien Release (if applicable)
• Proof of identity

If you are applying for a Temporary Transport Permit you must also include

• the New York State Insurance Identification Card
• the receipt for the safety inspection

Send the form, required documents, and payment to the address printed on the form. 

Next Steps

The DMV will mail you a letter with the date and time of your examination appointment, the location, and directions to the examination facility. 

If you applied for a temporary transport permit, the letter will be endorsed with the transport permit information. Attach the permit to the left-hand side of your rear window. For a trailer or motorcycle, carry the permit with you. 

• Make sure you have the required forms, documents and proofs
• Check the condition of your vehicle, and make sure it is safe for use on the road (if the DMV investigator determines that your vehicle is not safe, the DMV will not examine the vehicle)
• Make sure that you complete all repairs and install all replacement parts
• You must install a new (vehicle and model specific) inflatable restraint system to replace an activated inflatable restraint system or one that was removed from the salvage vehicle. You cannot install used (removed from another vehicle) inflatable restraint systems as the replacement/s.
• Display the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

You can change or cancel your appointment by telephone or email. You can change or cancel your scheduled examination one time per application. You must notify the DMV at least two business days before the examination date.

Your cancellation request must include

• the name of the person on the letter from the DMV
• the date of the scheduled appointment
• the location of the appointment
• the case number
• the last five digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• a daytime telephone number

By Phone

Call the DMV at 1-518-474-0955. Only use this number to cancel or change a salvage vehicle examination appointment.

By Email

Email the DMV Division of Field Investigations at [email protected]. Only use this address to change or cancel a salvage vehicle examination appointment. The DMV will not reply to other messages sent to this email address.

Arrive on time. If you arrive more than 30 minutes after the scheduled time of the examination, the DMV will not examine your vehicle. You must pay another examination fee of $150 and schedule another examination. The examination takes about 30 minutes.

Transporting a Vehicle to a Salvage Exam

You can use the following methods to transport your vehicle to the exam: 

• Tow the vehicle.
• Transport the vehicle on a flatbed truck.
• Apply for a ‘Temporary Transport Permit’ from the DMV Division of Field Investigation.
  • The person who drives the vehicle to the examination facility must have a valid driver license and must be able to present it upon request.
• Use a valid dealer or transporter plate if you are a NYS licensed automotive facility.

At the Exam Facility

Make sure your vehicle does not block any driveways or roadways at the facility.

You or your authorized representative must

• Open all the doors, the hood, and the deck lid of the vehicle
• Describe the repair work and the parts that were replaced
• Provide the original receipts for the replacement parts (provide any additional photocopies if they are available; the receipts are returned to you)

Any vehicle identification number that appears damaged or altered can cause a delay in the examination. The DMV can require you to return for another examination on another date. If your vehicle arrives at the examination facility with illegal vehicle plates or vehicle registration, you can receive a ticket, and the DMV will hold the vehicle until you can transport it legally.

If your vehicle passes the examination, the DMV mails your title certificate in approximately 3 to 5 weeks, depending on volume. The volume of applications for salvage examinations can vary greatly throughout the year. Even though your vehicle passed the salvage examination, there may still be issues that delay your title being issued. We do our best to process applications, schedule exams, and issue titles as quickly as possible. 

• by law, the DMV must send the title certificate by mail
• you can check to see if your title has been issued online

Once you receive your title certificate, before you drive the vehicle, you must apply with the DMV for a registration.

If you have a physical disability and you require special accommodations, contact the examination facility. The telephone number is provided on your appointment letter and in the list of salvage vehicle examination facilities.