Branded Titles contain important history issues noted in the red-bordered rectangle

WHAT IS A BRANDED TITLE?

A Branded Title is a title that has been flagged or branded by the DMV with an alert for an issue in its history.  If a vehicle has certain conditions or events in its history, the DMV requires the information to appear in a red-bordered rectangle in the upper right corner of the title.  It becomes a permanent flag, or brand, in the vehicle record and serves as a consumer disclosure.

WHAT CONDITIONS OR EVENTS REQUIRE A TITLE BE BRANDED?

  • Salvage vehicles

    • If the title shows SALVAGED in the vehicle history box, it means an insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle likely sustained severe damage from an accident, fire, flood, or theft, and repairing it would have cost more than the vehicle’s value.

  • Vehicles with Taxi or Police History

    • If the title shows ORIGINAL TAXI/PRIOR TAXI or ORIGINAL POLICE/PRIOR POLICE, it indicates that the vehicle served as a taxi or law enforcement vehicle. These vehicles typically have high mileage and significant wear and tear.

  • Non-USA (Grey Market)

    • If the title shows NON-USA, it indicates a Grey Market vehicle manufactured outside the United States. Importers brought these vehicles into the country through non-official channels, and they often fail to meet local safety, emissions, or regulatory standards. Many lack warranties and may require costly modifications to become road-legal.

  • Warranty Return (Lemon Law Buyback)

    • If the title shows WARRANTY RETURN, it means the manufacturer repurchased the vehicle under California’s Lemon Law. Repeated, unresolved defects led to the return, which may signal reliability concerns and limited warranty coverage.

  • Remanufactured Vehicles

    • If the title shows REMANUFACTURED VEHICLE, a licensed remanufacturer assembled the vehicle using reconditioned or used parts.

  • Park Trailers

    • If the title shows PARK TRAILER, it identifies the vehicle as designed for temporary recreational or seasonal use rather than permanent housing.

A Branded Title is a title that has been flagged with an alert by the DMV for an issue in its history.

Salvage titles, in particular, carry the highest risk. Buyers should think carefully before purchasing one. Improper repairs can lead to costly problems later. Insurance and financing may be difficult to obtain, and resale value is usually low. Although salvage vehicles often cost less upfront, buyers should carefully evaluate them before making a decision.

©2026 Totally Notary All Rights Reserved