In which situation does a recovered theft vehicle not require the owner to apply for a new title?

The scenario where a recovered theft vehicle does not require the owner to apply for a new title occurs if the owners do not receive payment for the replacement value. This situation implies that the vehicle has not been declared a total loss nor replaced, therefore maintaining its original title status. When a vehicle is stolen and the owner is compensated for the loss, it typically leads to a change in title status, such as issuing a salvage title. However, if the owner does not receive payment, it indicates that they still retain ownership and the legal title to the vehicle since it has not been officially deemed a total loss.

In contexts such as owning a vehicle with a salvage certificate, a fully repaired vehicle, or one with a history of theft, these situations either involve changes to the vehicle's title or additional processes for managing the vehicle’s legal documentation. Thus, the key factor in determining whether a new title is required hinges on the owner's payment status for the vehicle.