Title Check: what a Arizona car title really says
No brand, salvage, rebuilt, flood and the other brands this state uses. Each word changes what the car is worth and what you can do with it.
The title is the document that says who owns the car and what serious things have happened to it. Brands and disclosures depend on the issuing jurisdiction’s rules; also review available records from previous states. A branded car can be the right buy at the right price; the problem is paying a no-brand price for one that has a brand.
Title brands and disclosure information in Arizona
| Brand or condition | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No brand | An unbranded title does not establish that there were no accidents, flooding or repairs. Review available records and the car’s condition. | Check odometer and listing history, and get a pre-purchase inspection. |
| Salvage | Stolen, wrecked, destroyed, flood or water damaged, or damaged to the point that the owner, lessor, lender or insurer "considers it uneconomical to repair" (§ 28-2091(T)(3)). Arizona uses no damage percentage. It cannot be registered; it moves only on a 3-day permit to the inspection. | Not a car to drive; a project. Only at a project price, and knowing you will need receipts for every major part for the level II or level III inspection. |
| Restored Salvage | It was salvage, was repaired and passed an ADOT level II ($20) or level III ($50) inspection, which checks the VIN and, if the inspector asks, the parts against their receipts (§ 28-2095(B)). The owner may not transfer it until the restored salvage title is issued (§ 28-2095(A)), and a salvage seller must tell you that this parts documentation will be needed at the inspection (§ 28-2095(C)). A seller who knows must tell you in writing before closing (§ 28-2095(H)). | Can be a good buy if the repair was serious. Ask for the parts receipts the rebuilder filed at the inspection (§ 28-2095(D) accepts invoices, notarized bills of sale or other proof of ownership) and photos of the original damage. |
| Nonrepairable | Worth only parts or scrap: stripped after a theft, burned with nothing salvageable, or so designated by the owner or insurer. The title is branded "nonrepairable", registration is cancelled and MVD will not issue or transfer a title again (§ 28-2091(F)). | Never as a road car. If someone offers it with a plate, it is illegal. |
| Stolen vehicle · Recovered theft | Title issued for a theft not recovered. If the car turns up, the insurer swears whether airbags deployed or were removed; hiding that from a buyer is a class 1 misdemeanor (§ 28-2091(I)–(M)). | Ask for the insurer's airbag affidavit and have a shop confirm the airbags are installed and working. |
| Manufacturer buyback (lemon) | The maker bought it back or replaced it under Arizona's or another state's lemon law. It must carry a written notice attached and the dealer must hand it to you before the sale closes (A.R.S. § 44-1266). | Ask what the defect was and whether it was corrected. Ask for the maker's written notice. |
| Reconstructed | Assembled largely from essential parts, new or used, from vehicles of various makes, models or types (A.R.S. § 28-101). It is not the catalog car. | Different value and insurance. Confirm with your insurer first. |
The law protects you, if you use it
Anyone selling a car with a salvage title who knows it must tell you "clearly and conspicuously", in writing or electronically, before the sale closes (§ 28-2091(O)); the same for a restored salvage title (§ 28-2095(H)). Intentionally hiding that airbags deployed or were removed is a class 1 misdemeanor (§ 28-2091(M)); other violations, class 2. A dealer must hand you the maker's buyback notice (§ 44-1266) and a bold written statement of whether there is a warranty or the car is "as is" (§ 28-4412).
How to review the title and available history
- AZ MVD Now — Check Vehicle Title Status (liens and record issues, by VIN): check the service coverage, costs and access requirements; not every service displays title-brand history.
- NMVTIS: the federal title-history system. Consumer access is through approved providers; report prices and limitations depend on the service.
- NICB VINCheck: thefts and total losses reported by insurers.
- The paper: ask to see the physical title (or the printed electronic one) before handing over money. The VIN on the title must be the car's, and the name the seller's.
Odometer: the other brand
Where an odometer disclosure is required, review the mileage and any notation of unknown mileage or counter limits. Exemptions exist; check current requirements and compare the odometer with maintenance and inspection records.
How much it changes the price
This guide sets no fixed discount and recommends no individual vehicle price. Consider condition, documented repairs, insurance terms and market context, supported by an independent inspection.
From a guide to the individual vehicle
Sources
- A.R.S. § 28-2091 — Salvage, stolen vehicle and nonrepairable titles; definitions
- A.R.S. § 28-2095 — Restored salvage certificate of title; inspections
- A.R.S. § 28-101 — Definitions (reconstructed vehicle)
- A.R.S. § 44-1266 — Notice to dealers and prospective purchasers (buyback)
- A.R.S. § 28-4412 — Guaranty disclosure; used motor vehicles
- ADOT MVD — Salvage vehicles
- ADOT MVD — AZ MVD Now — Check Vehicle Title Status (liens and record issues, by VIN)
- NMVTIS — National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
- NICB — VINCheck
- NHTSA — Odometer Fraud
- FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.