Titling a Kit Car with a New VIN: Navigating Regulations Across All 50 States

The Expert Podcast

Topic Overview: How to title and register a custom-built vehicle, replica, or garage creation that has no prior VIN or chassis.

Building from Scratch:

• If you’re creating a custom car without an original base, the vehicle won’t have a VIN or chassis number.
• Many states, including California, have processes for registering such vehicles, often labeled as “kit cars” or “assembled vehicles.”

California’s SB100 Program:

• California offers a special program called SB100, specifically for registering specially constructed vehicles, often used in the movie industry.
• The SB100 program has a yearly limit of 500 registrations, with many slots reserved for custom vehicles in film production.
• Registration must go through the main DMV branch in Sacramento, as local offices might not be familiar with this process.

Registration Steps in California:

1. DMV Paperwork: Gather all necessary forms from the DMV and keep all invoices to prove how the car was built. Tax will be calculated based on these invoices.
2. Highway Patrol Inspection: California Highway Patrol (CHP) checks the vehicle for stolen parts and assigns a new, tamper-proof VIN.
3. Mechanical Inspection: A mandatory check for lights, brakes, and overall road safety.
4. BAR Exam: Ensures performance and safety standards, including emissions checks and fuel system integrity.
5. Resale Restrictions: SB100 is designed for personal use, not for commercial manufacturing and resale.

Additional Documentation:

• You must complete a "Statement of Construction" detailing how the vehicle was built.
• A “Statement of Facts” and a “Component Part Information” form are also required to certify the build’s authenticity.

Smog and Safety Compliance:

• The vehicle must meet California’s smog and safety standards before it’s road-ready.

Process in Other States:

• Many states have similar programs with varying names, allowing individuals to register custom-built or assembled vehicles.
• Check local DMV regulations for similar pathways if you are outside California.

Summary:

• For those building vehicles from scratch, the SB100 and similar programs across states provide an official route to have these creations titled and legally registered for the road.