Here's how to apply for your salvage title or branded title if your vehicle loses 75 percent of its retail value due to an accident or nature-related incident.

Wyoming Salvage Title Process

Go to your county clerk's office (the office that handles these DOT matters) and complete a title application. Bring your current title along with proof of the damage, such as a letter from your car insurer or a police accident report. You don't need the bill of sale. After you pay the $9 fee, you'll receive a branded title, as long as everything else is in order.

You don't need to apply for a salvage title if your vehicle is older than eight years old.

WY Rebuilt Auto Title Process

If your branded title has a "salvage" stamp on it, you can try to make the necessary repairs to qualify for a rebuilt auto title. If you're successful, you'll be eligible to register the vehicle.

You must complete Form MV-600, the Application for Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle Decal, and include the name of the repair shop or mechanic you fixed your vehicle. Then, send the form and your salvage/branded title to:

Motor Vehicle Services
5300 Bishop Blvd.
Cheyenne, WY 82007
Successful applicants will receive a rebuilt auto decal (to be placed on the vehicle) and certificate. Then, the vehicle must be inspected by a law enforcement officer, who will check the overall safety of the vehicle and conduct a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection.

If your car passes this exam, take the inspection certificate and original salvage/branded title to a county clerk's office. You'll need to complete another title application form and pay the $9 title fee again to obtain your rebuilt-from-salvage title. Then, you can register your car at the county treasurer's office.

Getting a Vehicle History Report

Titles aren’t always enough when it comes to understanding a vehicle’s past.

When buying used cars, you should consider having a vehicle history report (VHR) to guide you. This report contains a lot of helpful information about the vehicle history – such as its title and ownership history and major accident records – and can offer you a better idea about a car's true value and likelihood of future repairs.