If you find out that your VIN plate is damaged, missing, or destroyed, how do you get a new one? There are several steps you need to take. Each state may issue the VIN plate differently and have different processes for issuing a replacement.
A VIN (vehicle identification number) is a specific 17-character string of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies a specific vehicle. Every car has its own VIN, no two cars are exactly alike.
A VIN is readable through the windshield of the vehicle. It is also located on the driver’s side dashboard and door jamb on most vehicles. The vehicle title may also hold a VIN or it can be found on the insurance policy for the vehicle.
The purpose of a VIN is to provide an accurate description of a motor vehicle for use in official government operations such as registrations, renewals, and record keeping. The VIN is designed to identify a motor vehicle with various important characteristics including make, model, model year, body style, engine size, weight, and manufacturing plant designation.
The process to apply for a new VIN is very similar across all 50 states. Vehicle identification numbers are regulated by the federal government, so the processes across each state will be very similar. Here is how to apply for a replacement VIN plate in Ohio:
In Ohio, a vehicle owner can apply for a new VIN assignment if the original VIN is damaged, destroyed, or missing. To request a new VIN, you must submit an Application For Replacement Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) To A Motor Vehicle (BMV 3713). However, prior to submitting this application, you must complete the following tasks:
After the inspection is completed, the state highway patrol will complete and present a Salvage Inspection form (HP 106) to you.
Once you’ve obtained the salvage receipt, had the vehicle inspected, and obtained the Salvage Inspection form (HP 106), submit your application to the BMV with the following documents:
Upon receipt of your application, the BMV will submit forms BMV 3717, HP 106, and a copy of the original title to the state highway patrol. Additionally, the BMV will send the original certificate of title to the Clerk of Courts in the county where the application was filed.
If your application for a replacement VIN is approved, the state highway patrol will manufacture your new VIN plate. They will receive the new VIN plate in the mail and contact you to schedule an appointment for installation. Typically, the state highway patrol or other law enforcement agency will physically install the VIN plate for you to ensure it goes on the correct vehicle.
To obtain a new certificate of title with the replacement VIN plate, the state highway patrol will submit form HP 106 to the Clerk of Courts and instruct them to issue you a new certificate of title. The Clerk of Courts in the county where the application was filed will issue a new replacement title notated “replacement vehicle identification number plate installed”.
The VIN is an essential part of your vehicle. If you are looking to get a new certificate of title in your name, but your VIN plate is damaged, missing, or destroyed, your state will likely have a procedure for issuing a replacement VIN.
Check out JunkTitle.com for step-by-step assistance.
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A VIN verification is necessary for certain methods of title recovery. However, this can be a tedious task and many people try to skip over the VIN verification, only to end up in trouble with the DMV because of it.
A VIN verification is an official inspection of the VIN by an officer or DMV agent to confirm that the VIN matches all parts of the vehicle and that it is valid.
Many title recovery methods that are not the traditional title method will require that you obtain a VIN verification, especially for rebuilt, bonded, and out-of-state title applications.
There are many purposes for a VIN verification, all of the reasons add up to making sure you’re titling an eligible vehicle. The VIN verification process ensures that the vehicle was not previously stolen and the VIN replaced. These are called clone cars. Auto thieves will try to improperly reassign the VIN for a vehicle by replacing the VIN plate or scratching it out. A VIN verification looks for these changes and ensures that the VIN is the same throughout the vehicle. A vehicle with an invalid VIN, salvage brand, junk brand, non-repairable brand, lien title, or other clouds over the title due to the VIN will not be eligible for a title.
No, a VIN check and VIN verification are two separate activities. A VIN verification is an official process that involves a government official or representative inspecting the VIN of your vehicle for accuracy. If your application requires a VIN verification, this is not something that can be done online. It must be done in person with an authorized state agent.
A VIN check is an informal process that lets you check your vehicle identification number (VIN) against the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) database. You can use a VIN check to find out whether your vehicle has had any title brands on it, such as salvage or junk. A VIN verification is a more involved and formal process in which you contact an agent from the state motor vehicle department.
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is a database that contains information about salvage, junk, and other damage-titled vehicles. Vehicles in this database are not eligible for a title because they have received a title brand such as salvage or junk which deems them inoperable. The database is designed to protect consumers by allowing them to check the history of the vehicle they are intending to purchase or have already purchased.
Even if your title method doesn’t require a VIN verification, it may be a good idea to get one anyway. Luckily for you, if it’s not an official requirement for your title method, you can do this process yourself. Simply check all areas where the VIN is present in your vehicle and verify that all characters are exactly the same throughout. If you find any discrepancies, contact the DMV and the seller of your vehicle right away.
Are you looking for advice on how to sell a car with no title? You’re not alone if you have questions about how to sell a car with no title. However, before you proceed with the sale, you’ll want to learn about the legalities and restrictions of selling a car without a title.
If you’re trying to sell a car that does not have a title, the process is going to be more complicated. It’s illegal for anyone in most states to sell a vehicle without a title, but there are exceptions. In some cases, you might be able to sell it as parts-only. The best way to get around this issue is to get your hands on a replacement title before you attempt to sell your vehicle.
Were you the last titled owner of the vehicle? If so, filing for a duplicate title is the easiest way to get a new car title. Simply visit the DMV in the state where you were the last titled owner, provide the necessary documentation and identification, then they’ll reissue you a title. If you’re applying for a duplicate title, please note that you cannot apply for a duplicate title in a state other than the last titled state. For example, if your car was last titled in Florida, but you now live in Colorado, you must contact the Florida DMV to obtain your duplicate title. Similarly, if you were not the last titled owner of this vehicle, this title recovery method will not work.
A bonded title can be obtained if you have a car with no title and limited documentation. The bonded title process requires the vehicle owner to purchase a surety bond for the vehicle which typically is under $100. The surety bond allows for protection for the lender if someone else were to prove ownership of the vehicle or otherwise invalidate the bonded title. Once you have your bonded title, you can register the vehicle at your local DMV. Be sure to check your state laws as not all states accept bonded titles.
The Vermont title loophole has been used for years as a way for vehicle owners to get a title for a vehicle over 15 years old. Vermont is a non-titling jurisdiction, meaning they do not produce titles for vehicles over a certain year. The loophole is that just about anyone, not just residents of Vermont can use this method if they have a bill of sale and a car over 15 years old. By registering your 15+-year-old car in Vermont, the registration itself is the state’s version of a car title for that age of vehicle. After you register your car in Vermont, you can then transfer the registration to a title in your home state.
If all else fails, your county court may be able to help. A court-ordered title is a very valuable method to get a title. It may take some extra steps, but once you have a court order from a judge that declares you the owner of the vehicle, the DMV is required by law to issue you a new title in your name. Use this method as a last resort as the courts will likely require you to attempt to get a title using other methods first.
All in all, if you’re trying to sell your vehicle, make sure you have a valid certificate of title to give to your buyer. Not only because it’s the right and legally correct thing to do, but also because it relieves you of liability over the vehicle. Until you receive your new title and sign it over to the buyer’s name and they transfer it, you are responsible for the taxes, fees, fines, and anything else that happens to the vehicle. Play it safe, get a replacement title to sign over to your buyer before selling your car.
If you find yourself in a state that allows bonded titles, consider yourself fortunate. The bonded title process provides a legitimate avenue for obtaining a title for a vehicle when you lack the proper documentation. However, before you can embark on this journey to secure a bonded title, there’s a crucial step that might seem inconvenient but plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your interests – the VIN inspection.
Before delving into the importance of VIN inspections, let’s briefly outline how the bonded title process works. To initiate the process, you’ll need to sign affidavits detailing how you acquired the vehicle, fill out necessary forms, and obtain a surety bond certificate. This surety bond essentially acts as a financial guarantee to the state that you are the rightful owner of the vehicle.
However, one integral step in this process involves the inspection of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This inspection is typically conducted by a law enforcement agent – someone sworn and authorized by the state. While some states may allow a DMV agent or a notary to perform the inspection, in most cases, it requires the presence of a law enforcement official.
Why is a VIN inspection a non-negotiable part of the bonded title process? The primary reason is to combat the creation of “clone cars.” These are vehicles that criminals alter by changing the VIN to hide the fact that they are stolen. The VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is akin to a car’s social security number, uniquely identifying each vehicle.
Without a VIN inspection, there’s a risk of titling a vehicle that has a fake VIN, concealing its stolen status. Thieves often steal the VIN and affix it to a stolen car, creating a situation where the license plate corresponds to a car with no criminal record. This scenario can lead unsuspecting buyers or title holders into legal complications and potential safety risks.
Consider the case of a woman who purchased a vehicle only to discover that the title was registered to someone else when she attempted to complete the process. This discrepancy arose due to the absence of a VIN inspection. The vehicle, unbeknownst to the buyer, turned out to be stolen, putting her at risk of legal repercussions.
While preventing vehicle theft is a critical aspect of VIN inspections, these inspections also serve to verify the accuracy of the VIN number on your title. Typos and errors in VIN numbers on titles are more common than you might think. The inconvenience of a VIN inspection ensures that the correct VIN is associated with your title, preventing future complications.
While it might be inconvenient to coordinate a VIN inspection with law enforcement – involving either bringing the car to them or having them come to you – consider it an investment in the long-term assurance of your vehicle ownership. This inconvenience is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your paperwork is accurate, your vehicle is legitimate, and you’ve taken steps to protect your interests.
Have you encountered challenges or surprises during the VIN inspection process? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Let’s navigate the intricacies of the bonded title journey together, ensuring that every step is a step towards a secure and legitimate vehicle ownership.
In the midst of the ongoing supply chain crisis in the U.S., where everything from electric vehicle batteries to lumber faces delays, a new and unexpected challenge emerges – a shortage of paper. Yes, you read that right. Even mundane items like paper are not immune to the far-reaching impacts of disrupted supply chains.
Government agencies, particularly the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), are grappling with delayed vehicle title issuances due to an unforeseen shortage of special tamper-proof paper. This unique paper, akin to the kind used for printing currency or official documents, is not your everyday stationery. Stored securely in vaults and safes at the DMV, it comes equipped with watermarks and security features to prevent unauthorized duplication.
In a case highlighting the severity of the issue, Oklahoma and several other states are experiencing delays of eight to 12 weeks in processing vehicle titles. The cause? The producer of this specialized paper, faced with challenges like labor shortages and scarcity of raw materials, is unable to keep up with the demand.
The need for such high-security paper for vehicle titles is not arbitrary. These documents serve as legal certificates of ownership, and authorities take measures to ensure they are not easily replicable. The scarcity of this unique paper adds an unforeseen layer of complexity to an already strained supply chain.
To underscore the importance of using specialized paper for titles, a cautionary tale emerges. Instances of individuals creating counterfeit vehicle titles have been reported. In one case, a perpetrator sold cars on platforms like Facebook using fake titles printed on ordinary paper. The victims handed over cash, only to realize they had been duped when the fraudster disappeared.
In a stroke of poetic justice, detectives tracked down the criminal after spotting the same car listed for sale on Facebook again. Setting up a buy, they apprehended the perpetrator who had attempted to exploit the trust placed in legitimate vehicle titles.
If you’re facing delays at the DMV in receiving your vehicle title, it might not just be a bureaucratic backlog. The paper shortage is a real issue, stretching the waiting times to an unexpected three months or more. As a vehicle owner or buyer, it’s crucial to be aware of these challenges.
Verifying the authenticity of your title becomes paramount. Legitimate titles are printed on the specialized paper, complete with watermarks and security features. Awareness and diligence can shield you from falling victim to schemes involving fake titles.
Have you encountered delays at your local DMV? Have you ever come across attempts to pass off fake titles? We’d love to hear your experiences. Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s navigate this unexpected twist in the supply chain together. After all, knowledge is the best tool for overcoming challenges in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
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