MVD | Stolen & Recovered Vehicle with Cosmetic

**MVD Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday excluding state holidays **

What is needed to obtain a Georgia title for a stolen vehicle that has been recovered with only *cosmetic damage?

For vehicles requiring a Georgia title, apply a title for a stolen recovered vehicle with only *cosmetic damage by submitting the following to Georgia Motor Vehicle Division together. Click here to see if the vehicle is eligible for a Georgia title.

A completed MV-1 title application - Except for the signature, type, complete on-line and print or print legibly by-hand in blue or black ink in your full legal name. If jointly owned, each owner's full legal name and signature is required. A natural person's full legal name is his or her complete name as it appears on his or her valid Georgia driver's license or Georgia identification card. For natural persons, enter each owner's valid Georgia driver's license number or Georgia identification card number in the spaces provided on this application.
Original stolen un-recovered vehicle title assigned to the purchaser(s) using their full legal name(s) by an authorized agent of the insurance company when the insurance company is not titling the vehicle in their name.
The vehicle's Georgia license plate, if left on the vehicle, and a completed T-158 Report of and/or Surrender of a Georgia License Plate form. Except for the signature, type, complete on-line and print or print legibly by-hand in blue or black ink and sign.
A letter from the insurance company on their letterhead stationery signed by their authorized agent containing the following:
- A complete description of the vehicle: Year model, make of vehicle, model name &/or number, & the vehicle's identification number (VIN).
- When and where the vehicle was stolen;
- When and where the vehicle was recovered;
- The condition of the vehicle at the time of recovery including the damage to the vehicle, &,
- Whether or not the serial plate was left intact.
$18 title fee. Pay this fee with a check or money order payable to Georgia Motor Vehicle Divsion.

You must apply for a title for a stolen-recovered vehicle with the state (Georgia Motor Vehicle Division).

An inspection of the vehicle is required if the vehicle was recovered with any of the following parts stripped from the vehicle:

Substantially all interior parts
Engine
Transmission
All doors
Complete soft top assembly including roof mechanism
Front clip assembly - fenders, hood & bumper
Cab & bed of a pickup truck

If the repairs to the vehicle require the replacement of two (2) or more major component parts, as listed above, or if the vehicle was recovered stripped, the vehicle must pass an inspection by the Inspection Unit of Motor Vehicle Division. Click here for information regarding privately owned inspection stations approved by the state.

Definition:

*Cosmetic damage refers to non-structural damage that would not affect the safety or operation of the vehicle and it’s supporting systems. This includes the suspension, passenger compartment, drive trains, frame, sub-frame or uni-body.

Other safety areas affected by collision impact are hinges, locking mechanisms, door beams, seat belt mounting beams and braces, hood latches, safety latches, etc. If a vehicle sustaining minor damage to a door is being totaled, it would not be considered Salvage unless the inner support beam, locking mechanism, hinges or striker plate area are damaged to the extent that normal safe operation is hindered or questioned.