How to title a hot rod
Crashfarmer (Talk | contribs) |
Crashfarmer (Talk | contribs) (→Iowa) |
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Having just been through this process, here's the procedure, how it went | Having just been through this process, here's the procedure, how it went | ||
| − | for me,and a few tips.I built a trike,however this | + | for me,and a few tips.I built a trike,however this procedure is the same |
for street rods and motorcycles etc,that are built from scratch. | for street rods and motorcycles etc,that are built from scratch. | ||
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engine in your garage that has been sitting there for years and you have no | engine in your garage that has been sitting there for years and you have no | ||
documentation for it you have a couple choices. 1, don't use it, 2. get a buddy | documentation for it you have a couple choices. 1, don't use it, 2. get a buddy | ||
| − | to write you a | + | to write you a receipt for it. 3. Be able to show a title to a vehicle that |
you got the parts from. The trail doesn't have to be real long, just somebody | you got the parts from. The trail doesn't have to be real long, just somebody | ||
they can contact to verify you purchased it from somebody and have rightful | they can contact to verify you purchased it from somebody and have rightful | ||
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| − | 3rd, Build away. Follow the rules, make it look decent, document it well, and you should fly through. Do something | + | 3rd, Build away. Follow the rules, make it look decent, document it well, and you should fly through. Do something weird and you'd better expect to answer for it, depending on who the inspector is. Just do it right and you'll have no problems. |
If you have any questions, either consult with somebody who's been through the process before, or go straight to your local DMV investigator. The investigators are listed in the link above. | If you have any questions, either consult with somebody who's been through the process before, or go straight to your local DMV investigator. The investigators are listed in the link above. | ||
| − | 4th, Once you're done, or think you're done, contact your local DMV investigator and make an appointment for your inspection. BTW, the vehicle does not have to be completed to the point of being pained and show ready. It has to be assembled and road worthy, that's it. So if you want to get the | + | 4th, Once you're done, or think you're done, contact your local DMV investigator and make an appointment for your inspection. BTW, the vehicle does not have to be completed to the point of being pained and show ready. It has to be assembled and road worthy, that's it. So if you want to get the documentation done/road tested and then tear it back down for paint etc that's your choice, it does not have to be fully complete for inspection. |
Here's how it goes: | Here's how it goes: | ||
a: You will either have to transport your vehicle(No driving it) to the DMV office, or the investigator will come to you. My person acted like it could be done either way, and she came to me, but some have said they had to go to the office. Depends on the investigator I think. | a: You will either have to transport your vehicle(No driving it) to the DMV office, or the investigator will come to you. My person acted like it could be done either way, and she came to me, but some have said they had to go to the office. Depends on the investigator I think. | ||
| − | Let them know that you have the above list of | + | Let them know that you have the above list of requirements and believe that you've met all of them. Have a printout in hand when they show up, they'll ask for it. |
| − | (As hard as it may be for some, remember you are in kiss-*** mode if you want your | + | (As hard as it may be for some, remember you are in kiss-*** mode if you want your inspection to be successful) |
| − | b: The actual physical inspection. All investigators are different. Some will only give your project a cursory once-over, some will nit pick it all the way. Mine only looked to see that I had lights,horn etc, didn't even ask to see that they worked. When she started down the list of requirements and I was able to show her each of the first 3 or 4 she pretty much gave up, she knew it was a waste to check each one. I think what it comes down to is if your vehicle looks like you knew what your doing, it's safely constructed, and you won't kill somebody else the first trip around the block, the | + | b: The actual physical inspection. All investigators are different. Some will only give your project a cursory once-over, some will nit pick it all the way. Mine only looked to see that I had lights,horn etc, didn't even ask to see that they worked. When she started down the list of requirements and I was able to show her each of the first 3 or 4 she pretty much gave up, she knew it was a waste to check each one. I think what it comes down to is if your vehicle looks like you knew what your doing, it's safely constructed, and you won't kill somebody else the first trip around the block, the inspector isn't gonna have a problem with it. Put together something questionable and you'll be in for a battle. |
| − | c: Review of documentation. Again, better to show them you're on the up and up than try to hide something. If you have a 2" thick pile of documentation your gonna be better off than if you have 2 Walmart receipts. Also, they will want copies of all | + | c: Review of documentation. Again, better to show them you're on the up and up than try to hide something. If you have a 2" thick pile of documentation your gonna be better off than if you have 2 Walmart receipts. Also, they will want copies of all receipts, it's probably in your best interest to have 2 copies ready for them. Mine took them back to the office for copying and delivered them back to me the next day. Having a set of copies will save them the trip, and get you registered one day sooner. |
Also, your receipts will determine the taxable value of your vehicle, which determines the amount of Iowa road use tax that you will pay. You will be taxed at the state sales tax rate(5% as of 2007) on all parts you have not paid tax on. See hints below. | Also, your receipts will determine the taxable value of your vehicle, which determines the amount of Iowa road use tax that you will pay. You will be taxed at the state sales tax rate(5% as of 2007) on all parts you have not paid tax on. See hints below. | ||
| − | d: VIN assignment. Seems to be standard | + | d: VIN assignment. Seems to be standard procedure that the inspector will bring the assigned VIN sticker with them and will attach it once the inspection is complete. They will also ask to stamp the new VIN somewhere in the frame. You will want a bare metal spot masked off for the stamping, or you will have to grind off a spot for it. It has to be stamped on bare steel. You can paint or clear coat the spot after. |
| − | e: Actual registration. Once your | + | e: Actual registration. Once your inspection is complete, your investigator will notify your county treasurer's office with the information from your vehicle. In my case she Emailed both me and the treasurer's office right from her car before leaving my house. They will include your vehicle description, assigned VIN and the amount you owe tax on. You go to the license plate office, fill out the application for title, pay your taxes and your done. Even though it took 3 people and a review of a couple procedure manuals, it was probably the shortest trip I've had there in a long time. |
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