Title Salvage Title Owner Retained / Owner Repaired in Texas

If your vehicle was declared a total loss by the insurance company - but you decided to keep it ("owner retained") and repaired it - you need to complete a special process with Texas to make the car legal again. At Tejano Multiservices we help you get the title rebuilt so you can get back on the road without any problems.

What is an Owner Retained or Owner Repaired vehicle?

This type of case applies when:

  • It was your own vehicle

  • The insurance company declared it a total loss

  • You decided to keep it

  • Did you repair it yourself or did you hire someone to repair it?

In Texas, a vehicle marked as salvage cannot be driven until the rebuilt salvage process is completed.

Necessary Documents

  • Salvage Title ~ We can help you get it if you don't have it.

  • Receipts for parts used in the repair of the vehicle.

    • If you hired someone else to repair the vehicle, you will also need a receipt for the repair.

  • Valid identification (ID / Driver's license / Passport)

    • * Proof of legal status or citizenship is required when applying for title and registration.

    • Effective March 5, 2026, the TXDMV has updated the list of acceptable forms of identification for the initial registration of a vehicle in the owner’s name. See the complete list of accepted forms of identification below.

  • Emissions Inspection

    • Certain vehicles do not require this inspection, contact us for more information.

  • Auto Insurance ~ Valid Texas Auto Insurance

  • Proof of Address*

    • *Necessary if your address is different from your ID or Insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Once a vehicle has been classified as salvage, it cannot be legally driven until it has been repaired, inspected, and issued a rebuilt title.

  • No. There is no deadline for getting it repaired, but you won't be able to register it or drive it until it has been repaired and approved.

  • Yes. If you decide to keep your vehicle after the insurance company has declared it a total loss, you must apply for a salvage title in your name.

    This means that the blue (regular) title will no longer be valid and must be replaced with a salvage title.

  • To apply for a salvage title, you must submit an application along with the following documents:

    • The original title (blue title). If you don't have it or have lost it, no problem—there's just a small additional fee.

    • Completed application

    • Valid identification

    Once the paperwork is processed, the state will issue a new title marked "salvage" in your name.

    We can help you prepare and send everything correctly to avoid delays.

  • Yes, but you must indicate that it's a salvage vehicle. If you haven't had it repaired yet, you must provide the salvage title—not the clean one.

  • You can get liability insurance, but comprehensive coverage is usually limited or unavailable until you have a "rebuilt" title.

  • The timing may vary, but we make sure everything is in order to avoid delays.

  • Yes! We can help you with:

    • Application for a salvage title

    • Document review

    • Title renewal process

    • Vehicle registration

Ready to quote your transfer?

Bring your documents and we will guide you step by step to get your repaired vehicle legal and back on Texas roads.

📍 Tejano Multiservices

Address: 111 E Canino Rd, Houston, TX 77037
Phone: (346) 202-4328 or (832) 957-9507
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 AM–6 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–3 PM