ES MOTORS
Salvage is not rebuilt
A salvage title marks the vehicle as salvage. You cannot treat it like a clean or rebuilt Texas title until TxDMV issues the rebuilt title.
Houston salvage & rebuilt titles
How to convert a salvage title to rebuilt in Texas.
In Texas, a salvage title is not the same as a rebuilt title. After the vehicle is repaired, you apply so the state can issue a rebuilt title. In the Houston area that filing goes through the Harris County Tax Office with TxDMV. Once the department approves the rebuilt title—about two weeks in a typical clean file—you can finish registration and get plates.
Fee amounts are set by TxDMV and the county tax office. This guide does not quote them.
What we gather for the file
Bring these for a salvage-to-rebuilt title in Houston.
- The salvage title
- The original title (when it is still part of the ownership chain)
- Your driver's license or government-issued photo ID
- Proof of current insurance
- A current state inspection, when the county or registration path requires it
- Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration)
- Form VTR-61 (Rebuilt Vehicle Statement), with ownership evidence for replaced major parts when required
Tenemos el título de salvamento, la identificación, el seguro y la inspección. Llámenos al (832) 665-7966.
Harris County / Houston
A rebuilt title is filed at the county tax office.
A rebuilt title application is filed in person at the county tax assessor-collector. For most Houston customers that is the Harris County Tax Office. We prepare the packet so you are not guessing which form goes with which document. Salvage to rebuilt→
ES MOTORS
Repair first, then file
Make the repairs, then apply with the salvage title, ID, insurance, inspection when required, Form 130-U, and Form VTR-61.
ES MOTORS
About two weeks, then plates
After a complete file is accepted, DMV approval of the rebuilt title is typically about two weeks. Registration and plates follow that approval.
ES MOTORS
Do not invent signatures or erase the title
Keep the salvage title intact. We review the paper before you file so a missing form does not send you back to the tax office.
Simple process
From salvage title to plates.
01Confirm the salvage title
Make sure you hold the salvage title and any original title documents that still support ownership.
02Finish repairs and inspection
Complete the work and obtain a state inspection when required for your registration path.
03File the rebuilt packet
Submit the salvage title, driver's license, insurance, inspection when required, Form 130-U, and Form VTR-61 at the Harris County Tax Office (or your county tax office).
04Wait for approval, then plates
After about two weeks of DMV approval on a typical file, finish registration and get plates.
Visit ES MOTORS
5020 FM 1960 W Ste A8, Houston, TX 77069
Call or text (832) 665-7966 or email esmotorspro@gmail.com.