Set of instructions for registering custom vehicle

Just like other motor vehicles, custom vehicles also need to be properly registered and titled in California. Auto registration services for a custom- built vehicle differ from the normal vehicles. If you are owner of custom-built or antique vehicle you should know the procedure of registering the special motor vehicles.

WHAT ARE CUSTOM-BUILT MOTOR VEHICLES?

Antique vehicles are those motor vehicles that were manufactured thirty nine years ago or before. According to state, custom built vehicles are those motor vehicles that have been assembled or have undergone complete reconstruction by using either new or used parts.

The owner of custom-built car or antique car will have to go to the office of state DMV to avail DMV services for registration. When a person goes for registration of custom-built car he is supposed to carry the following items to the DMV office.

1. Carry proof of vehicle verification completed by the CHP (California Highway Patrol). For obtaining this, you must start with the auto registration process before contacting CHP for vehicle verification. Vehicles more than 6000 pounds will be verified by CHP, lighter vehicles can directly be verified by the DMV.
2. Carry documents that indicate proof of ownership of the vehicle such as manufacturer’s certificate of origin, invoices (or bill of sale) for major motor parts such as the engine, transmission, chassis etc. Parts those cost more than $ 5000, motor vehicle bond will be compulsorily required.
3. Take along a completed statement of construction.
4. Duly filled application form for title or registration.
5. If your vehicle is less than 10,000 pounds in weight you need to present weight certificate too.
6. You will have to arrange an emissions inspection unless your vehicle was manufactured in 1975 or even before.
7. Carry official certificates for brake and light adjustment. If there are no official inspection stations in close vicinity, mechanic’s approval for effective performance of brakes and lights will be accepted.
8. Fees for registration of custom-built or antique vehicle will depend on certain factors like type and age of the vehicle and residence of the owner. The fees can be calculated only by using the registration fee calculator. Owners are not only supposed to pay the registration fees only but the registration related fees too. DMV offices generally accept fee through all the major channels like cash, credit card, debit card and money orders.

While the registration process for custom-built vehicles was differing from general vehicles. Renewal process remains the same as that of normal motor vehicles. Expiry of registration will be mentioned on the registration itself.

ABA auto registration sorts out most of the DMV problems. It is a licensed DMV service company since 2000 and provides services such as DMV registration, renewal, title transfer, violation resolution services and many more.