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Yes, you can sell a salvage title car, so long as the buyer knows that the vehicle has a salvage title. The best way to sell a salvage vehicle is to list it online for private buyers to make an offer.

While you can't clear the salvage title, California allows you to earn a rebuilt title to prove your car is a “revived salvage vehicle.” While you might think you're in the clear when you have a rebuilt title, it can still be difficult to get insured.

Insurance and Salvage Titles in California A vehicle that's still titled as a salvaged vehicle cannot be insured, because it's not legally considered safe to drive.

California salvage title laws allow a salvage or junk car to be retitled once it has been restored or rebuilt to operational condition. Although the repairs needed to rebuild a salvage vehicle may be costly, once that has been done and a Revived Title is received, an owner can look around for insurance.

19.070 Revived Salvage—New or Nonresident (CVC §11519) A vehicle never registered in California (such as a new or nonresident) and reported as salvaged can be registered in California. The inspection fee for a revived junk or salvage vehicle application must be paid prior to the vehicle inspection/verification.

A salvage title cannot be legally driven and usually isn't in any condition to drive even if it could be, which means that by buying one you're signing up for a significant investment of time, money, and administrative tasks required to repair it and get it inspected to have its title restored.

California can require a smog check and brake-and-lamp inspection if a vehicle becomes titled salvaged.

How do I get a California DMV junk slip? To get a Non-Repairable Vehicle Certificate, you will need: A completed Application for Salvage Certificate or Non-repairable Vehicle Certificate (REG 488C) form. Proof of ownership, such as the Certificate of Title from California or another state.