Title and salvage paperwork for tow yards, salvage buyers and body shops
Salvage and revived salvage paperwork, title transfers, VIN verification at your yard or shop, and paperwork pick-up and drop-off. Checked before it is submitted, by appointment, Monday to Saturday until 9pm.
Salvage title $90 + DMV fees · Title transfer $65 + DMV fees · VIN verification $60 + DMV feesVIN verification is $80 + DMV fees for a commercial vehicle. Mobile service and ongoing account work are quoted before any work.See all prices
What we handle
Registration Leaders is a private business contracted through the California DMV Business Partner Automation program, not the DMV. Much of this work is processed at our Citrus Heights counter.
Salvage and revived salvage paperwork
Salvage certificates and the paperwork to get repaired vehicles registered again as revived salvage. About salvage titles
VIN verification at your yard or shop
We come to the vehicle, so it does not have to be moved. Some revived salvage inspections must be done by the DMV or CHP, and we'll tell you which. About VIN verification
Title transfers
Titles for auction buys and yard vehicles, checked for signatures, odometer entries and lien releases before they go in. About title transfers
Pick-up and drop-off
We collect paperwork and bring it back processed, and can move vehicles for smog, inspection or VIN work. About pick-up and drop-off
Records for vehicles through the yard
Salvage certificates, transfers and records kept organized for the vehicles that come through your business. About business accounts
Evenings and Saturdays
Open Monday to Saturday until 9pm, by appointment. DMV field offices are closed on weekends and generally close at 5pm on weekdays.
A rejected file means a vehicle that sits
Salvage vehicles have more steps than any other transaction, so small gaps cost the most time. Our work is audited weekly and held to a strict accuracy standard, so your paperwork is done right the first time.
Who this is for
Tow and salvage yards
Salvage certificates, transfers and VIN verifications for vehicles that come through the yard, without a staff trip to the DMV.
Auction and salvage buyers
Titles and transfers for vehicles bought at auction, checked before they reach the DMV, and a plan for any vehicle that needs to go through revived salvage.
Body and repair shops
Customers repairing a salvage vehicle need a safety systems inspection (VSSI) certificate, a VIN inspection and the right forms. Send them to us for the paperwork.
Independent dealers
Deal processing, titles and records for small lots. Dealer services
The path from salvage to revived salvage
In California, a vehicle declared a total loss gets a salvage certificate instead of a regular title. To go back on the road, it is repaired, inspected and registered as revived salvage. The usual steps:
- Salvage certificate. If it is missing or was never issued, an Application for Salvage Certificate or Nonrepairable Vehicle Certificate (REG 488C) is used.
- Repairs. Keep the receipts and bills of sale for the parts used, especially major parts.
- Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) from a BAR-licensed station (it replaced the old brake and lamp certificates), plus a smog or weight certificate for some vehicles.
- Vehicle verification by the DMV or the California Highway Patrol.
- Application and registration with an Application for Title or Registration (REG 343), the certificates, proof of ownership and fees.
We tell you which inspections each vehicle needs and in what order. Some steps have to be completed with the DMV or CHP directly, so we don't promise same-day plates for salvage vehicles. Full details are on our salvage title page.
What to send with each file
Send what you have. If something is missing, we'll tell you how to get it.
- The title or salvage certificate, or the insurance total-loss paperwork if the certificate hasn't been issued
- Proof of how the vehicle was acquired, such as a bill of sale or auction paperwork
- Receipts or bills of sale for parts used in repairs, especially major parts
- Any safety inspection (VSSI), smog or other inspection certificates already completed
- Any letters or forms the DMV or CHP has sent about the vehicle
How to get started
Call or book
Call (916) 595-8128, or book an appointment and choose Salvage title, or Dealership paperwork for ongoing account work.
Tell us what you move
How many titles you handle, how many vehicles need VIN verification and where they are parked.
Send the first file
Bring it to 6381 Auburn Blvd, Ste A, Citrus Heights, or ask about pick-up from your yard or shop.
Questions from yards and shops
Can you do VIN verifications at our yard or shop?
Yes. We do mobile VIN verification at yards, shops and lots in our service area, and you can schedule several vehicles in one visit. Some revived salvage inspections must be done by the DMV or the California Highway Patrol rather than a private verifier, so call first and we'll tell you who needs to inspect each vehicle.
Do you handle salvage and revived salvage paperwork?
Yes. We handle salvage certificate and revived salvage paperwork, tell you which inspections each vehicle needs and in what order, and check that everything is complete before it is submitted. Some steps have to be completed with the DMV or CHP directly, so we don't promise same-day plates for salvage vehicles. See salvage titles.
Can you pick up paperwork from our yard or shop?
Yes. We can pick up paperwork, process it at our counter and bring it back, and pick up and drop off vehicles for things like a smog check, inspection or VIN verification. Availability depends on location and schedule, so call to arrange.
We run a body shop. How can our customers reach you?
Give them our flyer or send them to registrationleaders.com. Customers repairing a salvage vehicle can book a salvage title appointment online or call (916) 595-8128. Call us if you would like printed flyers for your counter.
How much do you charge?
Our service fee is $90 + DMV fees for a salvage title, $65 + DMV fees for a title transfer, and $60 + DMV fees (auto) or $80 + DMV fees (commercial) for a VIN verification. Mobile service costs extra depending on distance and time of service, and ongoing account work is quoted before any work. DMV fees vary by vehicle and are paid in addition to our service fee. See our pricing page.
Are you the DMV?
No. Registration Leaders is a private business contracted through the California DMV Business Partner Automation program. We are not the DMV or any government agency, and our service fee is added to DMV fees.
Yards and shops we can visit
Our office is in Citrus Heights. Mobile VIN verification and pick-up are available in these areas:
Related pages
Salvage titles
The full salvage and revived salvage process, forms and common mistakes.
Ready to get it done?
Appointment only, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 9pm.