Scrap Titles

A scrap title is issued to a vehicle that has one or more major component parts (such as bumpers, fenders, transmission, engine, hood, doors, frame, tailgate, body, etc.) that have been wrecked, destroyed, damaged, stolen, or missing to the extent that the total estimated cost of repair (parts and labor) for the vehicle is 91% or more of its pre-damaged value.  The owner's insurance company will determine the amount of damage to the vehicle.  A Michigan scrap title is red and has the wording "Scrap Title" at the top, while regular Michigan titles are green.  

After a scrap title is issued, the vehicle may be used only for parts or scrap metal.  It cannot be re-titled or returned to the road using the existing vehicle identification number.

Scrap Titles for Late-Model Vehicles

A late-model vehicle is defined as:

• A vehicle 8,000 pounds or less manufactured in one of the last six model years, or
• A vehicle 8,001 pounds or more manufactured in one of the last 16 model years. 

Dealers

When a vehicle dealer acquires a late-model distressed vehicle not yet titled as salvage, and the vehicle's estimated cost of repairs is 91% or more of its pre-damaged value, the dealer must apply for a resale scrap title within five days. 

The dealer must complete both an Application for Original Michigan Scrap Title (TR-12) form and an Application for Michigan Title - Statement of Vehicle Sale (RD-108)form in the name of the dealership. 

Insurance Companies

An insurance company acquiring ownership of a late-model scrap vehicle through payment of damages must apply for an original scrap title using an Application for Original Michigan Scrap Title (TR-12)form. 

• If the insurance company takes ownership of the vehicle, the insurance company applies for the scrap title in its name.
• The insurance company may allow the owner to keep the scrap vehicle if the owner wants it.  In this case the title is not transferred to the insurance company.  Instead, the insurance company applies for the scrap title in the vehicle owner's name.  The insurance company completes the application but the vehicle owner must sign the TR-12.  The owner's "regular" title should be submitted with the application for a scrap title.

Individual Owner

An individual owner can voluntarily title a vehicle with a scrap title, regardless of the amount of damage.  The law does not require that a damage estimate be provided with the scrap title application from an individual vehicle owner.  The vehicle owner must complete and sign an Application for Original Michigan Scrap Title (TR-12)form.

Scrap Titles for Older-Model Vehicles

An older-model vehicle is defined as:

• A vehicle 8,000 pounds or less over six model years old, or
• A vehicle 8,001 pounds or more over 16 model years old.

Dealers

An older-model distressed vehicle is not required to be titled as a salvage or scrap vehicle.  When scrapped by a dealer, the dealer uses the TR-9 form to transfer the vehicle to a scrap metal processor. 

Insurance Companies

When an insurance company acquires ownership of an older-model vehicle, a salvage or scrap title is not required.  The insurance company simply receives the title from the insured and reassigns the title upon resale of the vehicle.

Individuals

When an individual sells an older-model vehicle as scrap or junk and the owner does not want the vehicle back on the road, the owner should complete the seller's assignment on the title and write the word "scrap" or "junk" on the front of the title. 

Writing 'scrap" or "junk" on the face of the title guarantees the vehicle cannot be titled again.  If the individual turns the scrap title and vehicle over to a dealer, the dealer (other than a D, F, or G dealer) can reassign the title to another dealer for parts.  However, no title will be issued.  If the vehicle is being taken to a recycling center or junkyard, the owner should give the title marked "scrap" or "junk" to the junkyard operator. 

Individual owners who wish to junk or scrap a vehicle without turning the vehicle over to a recycling center or junkyard and wish to cancel the title should write "JUNK" on the face of the title and mail the title to:

Michigan Department of State
Document Services Division
Conversion Unit
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918

Scrap-Titled Vehicles Cannot be Re-Titled

Once a scrap title is issued, the vehicle may be used only for parts or scrap metal.  It cannot be titled again except as an assembled vehicle, when it will be issued a unique vehicle identification number. 

A scrap-titled vehicle must be first completely dismantled, with all major component parts removed from the frame or unitized body supporting structure, before the frame or unitized body structure may be used as part of an assembled vehicle.  To qualify for an assembled vehicle title, a vehicle assembled from scrap vehicle parts must be made up of major component parts from two or more vehicles.  An assembled vehicle may not include both the frame (or unitized body supporting structure) and any other major component part from the same scrap-titled vehicle. 

Applying For a Scrap Vehicle Title

An individual, business, or dealer may submit applications for scrap titles either at a local Secretary of State branch office or directly to Lansing, Michigan.  A check in the amount of $20.00 made payable to "State of Michigan" must accompany all applications.  When using the direct mail method, send all documents, fees, and the TR-12 application (and a RD-108 if a dealer) to:

Michigan Department of State
Out of State Resident Services Unit
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
Phone (517) 322-1473