The Expert Podcast

A lot of times, our sales department receives calls regarding a specific type of title known as an "export only title." These titles often appear at auctions like Copart or IAA, and many buyers become confused when they see a designation of "clean title export only" instead of "junk" or "salvage." Some assume that because it's labeled as a clean title, it must be good. However, that's not the case. The reason it's labeled as "export only" is straightforward: it can only be used for export.

Many vehicles classified as salvage or junk cannot be exported because customs regulations prohibit the export of vehicles labeled as junk or parts only if they are intact. When attempting to export such a vehicle as one unit, customs inspectors will reject it, insisting it be exported in parts. To facilitate the export of vehicles that insurance companies don't want sold domestically, they use the designation "export only,"  even though the title is clean. This means the vehicle can be exported as a whole unit without disassembly, but it cannot be titled or registered in the US.

It's crucial not to be deceived by a record indicating "clean title export only,"  as you won't be able to title it in the US. All 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC, will have it in their systems that the vehicle cannot be titled or registered domestically. Despite what the DMV may say initially, once they enter the vehicle's information into their system and it's flagged by the NMVTIS, the title application will be rejected.

For exporters outside the US, purchasing such vehicles is fine. However, if you're an exporter, exercise caution when dealing with vehicles labeled as "parts only" or "junk,"  as it's often challenging or impossible to export them intact. Sometimes, even vehicles labeled as salvage may ultimately be classified as parts only in the federal government's records. Therefore, exporting salvage titles may also present difficulties in getting them through customs without disassembly.