A motor vehicle auction dealer licensed by the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board may make application for a certificate of title without obtaining a properly endorsed certificate of title from the owner if the auction dealer has taken possession of a salvage (possession due to a total loss settlement or purchase of a salvage vehicle) or donated vehicle (possession after donation to a non-profit organization).

The auction dealer must make at least two written attempts to obtain the properly endorsed certificate of title from the previous owner.  The second notice must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested to the last known address of the owner and lienholder (if applicable).  The notice shall contain a description of the property and a statement the title to the vehicle shall vest with the auction dealer thirty days after the date the notice was mailed.

Thirty (30) days after the second notice is mailed, the auction dealer may submit the following documentation for issuance of a certificate of title:

• an Application for Certificate of Title
• an Affidavit for Affirmation of Ownership of a Salvage or Donated Vehicle
• Receipt(s) from the certified letter(s) or the returned, unopened letter(s) and copies of the notices sent to the titled owner and lienholder, if applicable; and,
• $10.00 fee

Questions regarding an Auction Dealer Affidavit for Affirmation of Ownership of a Salvage or Donated Vehicle may be addressed by email or by phone at (402) 471-3918