Per the Department of Revenue, a motor vehicle is considered a "salvage vehicle" if it meets any of the following conditions:

It is damaged to the extent that its restoration to an operable condition would require the replacement of two or more component parts
An insurance company has paid a total loss claim and the vehicle has not been repaired, regardless of the extent of damage or the number of major parts damaged.
Imported, damaged in shipment, and disclaimed by the manufacturer as a result of the damage and:
- Has never subject of a retail sale
- Has never been issued a title
Is titled in another state and branded as “total loss,” “salvage,” “fire,” “flood,” or “water.”

Salvage vehicles cannot be operated legally on public roads in Georgia.

Section 2: Surplus Program Eligibility, Applicability, and Responsibilities