Inspections and Salvage Vehicles

Any law-enforcement officer or authorized third-party provider can provide an inspection on a vehicle abandoned on private property.

Arizona law, ARS 28-2091-O, requires that any person who sells a vehicle for which a salvage title has been issued, must disclose to the buyer, before the completion of the sale, that it is a salvage vehicle.

Yes. However, the seller must tell the buyer that they are purchasing a salvage vehicle. Make sure that when you do buy a salvage vehicle that you get to keep the proof of ownership of replacement component parts used in the repair or restoration.

Each receipt must include these items:

• Description of the vehicle from which the parts were removed, including vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make and model.
• Name, address and signature of the company or person who sold the part.
• Driver license number of the seller (if private party) or the tax identification number (if a company).
• Title Number for the Certificate of Title.

In addition to the title (if issued) or registration (if issued) you must show receipts, invoices, bills of sale or other ownership documents for component parts used in the vehicle repair process.

• Proof of ownership; vehicle title (if issued); registration (if issued); or bill of sale.  
• Valid driver license
• Receipts or invoices for all component parts that have been repaired or replaced.  

All equipment required for highway use must be in good working order.

To help reduce auto theft, restored salvage vehicles require the more comprehensive Level III inspection conducted by peace officers. A Level III is necessary to verify all major component parts (front end assembly, engine, transmission, rear end assembly) and the vehicle is equipped for highway use.

Complete a title application, make an appointment to have a Level III inspection conducted, obtain an emissions compliance certificate (if applicable), surrender the salvage title with the application and pay a $4.00 title fee – plus registration fees (if applicable).

A Restored Salvage Certificate of Title is issued to a vehicle that has been rebuilt or restored for highway use.

Restored salvage is a vehicle that was previously issued a certificate of title branded as salvage, but has now been repaired/restored, then inspected for roadworthiness and issued a title branded as restored salvage.

A Salvage Certificate of Title is issued to a vehicle that was stolen, wrecked, destroyed, water damaged or otherwise damaged to the extent that the owner, leasing company, financial institution or insurance company considers it to be uneconomical to repair.

A salvage vehicle is a vehicle to be titled and registered that had been stolen, wrecked, destroyed by water or otherwise damaged to the extent that the insurance company considered it to be uneconomical to repair and was therefore issued a certificate of title branded/marked as salvage.

Yes, but only if they have a valid driver license.

No Cash Accepted. We take all major credit / debit cards, except for American Express.

The cost of the inspection depends on the level of detail required.

• Level II: $20
• Level III: $50
• AZ VIN: $5

In some cases where a Level II inspection is conducted, a review at a later date may determine that a Level III inspection is required. You will then be required to pay an additional $30.

Level I inspections can be done at any MVD or authorized third-party provider. Level II/III inspections are conducted at specific vehicle inspection locations.

Level I

Basic inspection to match the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the vehicle ownership documents to determine the identity of the vehicle. Required only for certain vehicles. Most vehicles are successfully inspected and verified at this level. Level I inspections are conducted at MVD and authorized third-party offices, or by designated law enforcement officers. There is no fee for a Level I inspection conducted at an MVD office. Third-party providers may charge a fee.