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Chapter F
Ownership Documents
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
DMV requires a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) to be submitted with all title
applications for new vehicles. An MCO is also required for any reconstructed motor truck
built using a component (glider) kit, which has not previously been titled or registered in
Oregon or another jurisdiction. If a vehicle is built in more than one stage (for example,
most motor homes), DMV requires all MCOs to be submitted when initial title is applied for.
NOTE: An approved car rental company may submit an application to register a vehicle
through EVR without an MCO in order to be issued plates and stickers. The car rental
company must be an Oregon licensed dealer and must have communicated with DMV
concerning this process. All transactions submitted by a car rental company that are not
submitted through EVR must have the MCO with the transaction.
What MCO must include
• The year, model, make, and vehicle identification number of the vehicle,
• The manufacturer of the vehicle with the manufacturer’s signature, and
• An assignment of ownership from the manufacturer (notarization not required).
Low Emissions Vehicles (LEV)
Beginning with model year 2009, Oregon requires passenger vehicles registered under
ORS 803.420(1) with 7,500 miles or less on the odometer, to prove compliance with the
low emissions vehicle (LEV) requirement to obtain registration, unless they are otherwise
exempt. These are regular passenger vehicles, not government-exempt, electric, hybrid or
other vehicles registered under different sub-sections of ORS 803.420. Certain statements
on MCOs prove LEV compliance. Acceptable LEV language on the MCO includes any of
the statements listed below.
• This vehicle conforms to (or with) U.S. EPA and State of California regulations.
• This vehicle conforms to (or with) U.S. EPA regulations and is certified for sale in
California.
• This vehicle has a California emission system.
• This vehicle meets/satisfies California emission standards.
• This vehicle is certified/legal for sale in California.
• This vehicle is certified/legal for sale in all 50 states.
Also acceptable on the MCO is a similar statement that clearly indicates the vehicle
complies with California emission standards or Oregon LEV Program standards.
For other ways to prove LEV compliance, exemptions from LEV compliance, and related
information, see these Chapters:
• Chapter D, Miscellaneous Title Application Information
• Chapter K, Registration
• Chapter L, Vehicle Types
Who can issue an MCO
The manufacturer of the vehicle must issue the MCO, unless the manufacturer has
authorized someone else to issue it.
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Security interest holder shown on an MCO
Any security interest holder shown on the MCO must:
• Appear on the title application, or
• Sign a release of interest. If the security interest holder is a business, the release
must include the business name and a representative’s signature.
Lost or destroyed MCO
If the MCO has been lost, mutilated, or destroyed, DMV will accept:
1. A copy of the original MCO with a statement signed by the dealership owner or
office manager to the effect “I certify this is a true copy and no other title application
has been or will be made for this vehicle;” or
2. A certified copy of the manufacturer’s invoice to the dealer signed by the dealership
owner or office manager with a statement to the effect: “I certify the original MCO
was lost or destroyed and this is a true copy;” or
3. A duplicate MCO issued by the manufacturer. A duplicate MCO is the same as an
original, but in most cases has “duplicate” stamped on the face of the statement or
certificate.
When either of the documents covered in 1 or 2 above is provided, the dealership
owner or office manager must also certify that the original MCO was lost or
destroyed.
If an MCO is required but was not issued, DMV will accept:
1. A statement signed by the manufacturer indicating an MCO was never issued; and
2. A statement from the manufacturer indicating to whom they assigned their interest
in the vehicle; and
3. Connecting bills of sale or releases from subsequent purchasers.
Signatures and releases
A release of interest from a dealership is required when they sell a new vehicle. If the
party to whom the vehicle was assigned is a DBA, the releasing signature must be from
the person or parent company. For example, if the vehicle is owned by John Doe, DBA
Ajax Autos, then John Doe is the owner and a signature is required from John Doe.
When an MCO shows a flooring company, no release from that company is needed.
Vehicles are “floored” when they are financed so the dealer can obtain possession of the
vehicles to include in their inventory, and the loan is gradually reduced as the vehicles are
sold.
All owners (registered owners and security interest holders) listed on the MCO must be
shown on the application for title. If owners on the MCO are not listed on the application,
DMV requires a release of interest from them, or a new application for title must be
completed to show all owners.
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Below is an example of an MCO with a proper release and reassignment.
(Front) (Back)
Oregon titles
An Oregon Certificate of Title, Form 410, must be obtained or applied for before DMV can
issue registration.
The VIN on a certificate of title follows the frame of the vehicle and not the body or motor.
The frame is basic to a vehicle, but a motor and body are interchangeable. A certificate of
title does not need to accompany the sale of a motor.
DMV mails the Oregon title to the security interest holder, or lessor, if there is one, to keep
until the security interest or lease has been satisfied. If there is no security interest holder
or lessor, DMV mails the title to the primary registered owner.
An Oregon title is valid until:
• A later title is issued by Oregon DMV, or
• A later title is issued by another state or jurisdiction, or
• It is cancelled by Oregon DMV.
When a vehicle has been totaled, destroyed, dismantled, or substantially altered, the
Oregon title must be surrendered to DMV.
Current Oregon title form
The most current version of the Oregon Certificate of Title, Form 410, is dated 1-19. This
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is an update to the previous title date 5-08.
Front
Title brands
The title brand box has a bold red outline. DMV uses this box to indicate whether the
vehicle has been totaled, reconstructed, is a Lemon Law Buyback, or was previously
damaged in another state; or is a replica vehicle, or a glider kit. If the vehicle title has no
brand, the word “NONE” appears in the title brand box.
Middle section
The middle section can be used by the registered owner to apply for a new title, without
completing a separate application, when the only change is to remove a security interest
holder. Only one registered owner is required to sign this section and send the title to
DMV with the title fee. The title will be mailed to the address on the customer’s file. (See
section titled, “Customer Name, Number, and Address,” Chapter A.)
This section does not release interest in the vehicle. To release interest and disclose
odometer, the registered owner must use the reassignment area on the back of the title.
Bottom section
The name and address of security interest holders are printed in this section. The security
interest holder indicates their release in this section.
Back
Contains application instructions, odometer instructions, seller notice requirements,
survivorship information, and title brand information.
Reassignment
There is one reassignment area which must be completed by the owner(s) shown on the
title (seller) and the buyer of the vehicle. The seller must provide the buyer’s printed
name, address, and date of sale or transfer. If the vehicle is subject to odometer, the
seller must complete the odometer disclosure area. Not all owners are required to provide
their release on the title itself, but may sign a separate release or bill of sale. At least one
buyer must print and sign their name to indicate they are aware of and agree with the
odometer disclosure provided by the seller.
Lien
The security interest holder to be recorded and shown on the new title may be indicated in
this space and must also be listed on the Application for Title.
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Oregon title designs
Oregon Title, Revision Date 11/23
Size is 8 ½” X 8 ½”; color is blue and light red with a blue border. Title is issued on
standard 8 ½” X 11” paper perforated to take off the top portion of the page.
(Front)
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(Back)
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Oregon Title, Revision Date 5/08
Size is 7” X 8”; color is blue and light red with a blue border. This revision changed the
watermark design.
(Front)
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(Back)
Oregon titles issued previous to 05/08
Revision Date 5/07
Size is 7” X 8”; color is blue and light red with a blue border. This revision changed the
watermark design, includes information about survivorship on the back, and the term
“lienholder” was changed to “security interest holder.”
Revision Date 5/04
Size is 7” X 8”; and the color is blue and light red with a blue border. Includes addition of a
bold red outline area for title brands on the front, and only one reassignment area on the
back. The registration card is the first version to include a title brand area.
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Revision Date 11/01, 10/02
Size is 7” X 8”; color is blue and light red with a blue border.
Lavender color
Size is 7” X 8”. DMV discontinued issuance in January 1992. There are still valid titles of
this design in circulation.
Green border
Size is 7” X 8”. There are still valid titles of this design in circulation.
Green border, smaller size
Size 3” X 5”. There are still valid titles of this design in circulation.
Out-of-state titles
Oregon requires submission of the current out-of-state certificate of title, salvage title, or
salvage certificate with an application for Oregon title for a vehicle from another state.
The only exception is if the state does not issue certificates of title, salvage titles, or
salvage certificates. If the state does not issue these ownership documents, DMV requires
other acceptable proofs of ownership.
Security interest holders and releases
All titles list the registered owner. Most list liens or security interest holder information. All
titles provide a place for the registered owner(s) to release interest and most titles provide
a place for the security interest holder(s) to release interest.
Each state may differ in its ownership structure. Some of the ownership structures you
may see are as follows:
• John Doe and Mary Doe
• John Doe and/or Mary Doe
• John Doe or Mary Doe
• John Doe/Mary Doe
• John Doe and Mary Doe JTRS
• John Doe and Mary Doe JTWROS
(JTRS and JTWROS both mean Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship.)
In addition to these varied formats, the release of ownership varies from state to state.
Some states have an additional form for the security interest holder’s release.
Some states issue a non-negotiable title to the registered owner and a negotiable title to
the security interest holder. Oregon DMV requires submission of the negotiable title.
Certificates for vehicles that are junk or non-repairable, etc
Some states also issue “Non-Repairable Vehicle Certificates,” “Junk” certificates, and/or
titles that carry some other brand that indicates the vehicle is not to be retitled or that the
vehicle has no resale value except as a source of parts or scrap.
When an ownership document for a vehicle from another jurisdiction contains a word,
term, brand, or notation indicating the vehicle is not intended to be retitled, DMV will not
issue an Oregon title.
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The following are some terms that indicate that DMV cannot issue a title:
• Destroyed,
• Dismantled,
• Hulk,
• Junk,
• Non-rebuildable,
• Non-repairable,
• Parts only,
• Scrap,
• Wreck, or
• Wrecker only
NOTE: DMV will not title a vehicle if the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
(NMVTIS) shows a disposition of “SCRAP” or “CRUSHED” in the vehicle history unless the
vehicle was subsequently sold by the reporting party.
To purchase an NMVTIS report go to: https://www.vehiclehistory.gov/index.html.
Dismantler/Wrecker Bills of Sale
DMV will not accept a dismantler/wrecker bill of sale in lieu of a title. The customer may
title the vehicle in the state of origin and then apply for title in Oregon.
Bonded titles
When an applicant has possession of a vehicle but is unable to provide adequate
documentation to establish ownership, some states issue titles with a “Bonded” brand that
includes an expiration date. The state requires a bond, which will remain in effect for a
specific period. If, during that time, no claim is made to recover the bond, the brand can
be removed from the title.
Oregon DMV does not have authority to issue a branded title when receiving an
application for title for a vehicle with a bonded title. Oregon DMV accepts bonded titles as
valid ownership documents and issues an Oregon title with no brand or indication of a
bond. However, a Certification of Ownership Facts, DMV Form 550, must accompany an
application for Oregon title when a bonded title is submitted as the ownership document. If
additional evidence of ownership is available, it must be submitted with the application and
certification forms.
Other states’ requirements
Oregon DMV MAY follow the requirements specified by other states for their titles if
DMV can determine what those requirements are. You may contact DMV Customer
Assistance (see contact information in the Foreword), or the individual state that issued the
title for information regarding releases and forms required to process your documents.
See Chapter E, Releases of Interest, for California Certificate of Title or separate lien
release requirements. The laws followed must be from one state; for example, Oregon
DMV will not accept half of the transaction documents from California and half of them
from Oregon. If DMV cannot determine the other state’s requirements, the customer will
be asked to obtain a title in the other state first. Then they may apply for Oregon title. See
the “Reference Sources” section below for publications that provide information on title
requirements for various states.
Reference Sources – requirements in other states
There are publications that provide information on title requirements in various states.
Oregon DMV is aware of manuals published by R.L. Polk, Peck, and N.A.D.A. (there may
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be others). These manuals contain information for each state in the U.S. In addition to
driver license and miscellaneous information for each state, the manuals contain
information regarding:
• Titles and supporting documents
• Application for title and transfer of ownership
• Application for registration
• Registration fees and taxes
• Security interest and repossession
• Operation of law
All three of these manuals list addresses and telephone numbers for each state’s DMV.
Contact information for ordering the publications is below.
Formerly Polk’s Motor Vehicle Registration Manual
World Data Corporation
214 South Broadway, Suite 210
Lake Orion, MI 48362
(248) 693-3900
http://www.worlddatanow.com
Peck’s Title Book
Stephens-Peck, Inc.
Publishers of Peck’s Title Book
PO Box 1199
Kamus, UT 84036-1199
1-801-562-0843
http://www.peckstitlebook.us
N.A.D.A. Title and Registration Textbook
NADAguides.
PO Box 7800
Costa Mesa CA 92628
1-800-966-6232
https://www.nadaguides.com
AAA Digest of Motor Laws contains general information about motor vehicle laws and lists
the DMV addresses and telephone numbers for each state. You may buy the AAA Digest
of Motor Laws from your local AAA.
Imported vehicles
Imported vehicle transactions have the same basic requirements as other vehicles, plus a
few additional requirements.
Requirements to title a vehicle imported from out of country, including Canada, are:
• Ownership document
• VIN inspection
• Odometer disclosure (if applicable)
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• DEQ (if applicable)
• Releases from previous owners
• Fees
• Proof the vehicle meets federal standards
• Certification of Liens on an Imported vehicle, Form 6436
Ownership documents – imported used vehicles
Canada
Canadian provinces do not issue titles for vehicles. The ownership document for a vehicle
previously registered in Canada is usually a registration certificate. Some Canadian
provinces issue registration in two or three parts. The parts may be divided by
vehicle/owner information or by vehicle/plate information. If the registration indicates it
comes in sections, DMV requires all parts, unless otherwise indicated. Documents most
commonly seen in Oregon are from Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.
• Alberta issues a Registration Certificate with vehicle and plate information.
The certificate has a printed or stamped agent number and validated date. If you do
not have the Alberta registration, you must attempt to get a replacement registration.
If you cannot get a replacement registration, you must submit a written statement from
the Alberta Motor Vehicle Registry. The statement must identify the vehicle and state
the name(s) of the last owner according to their records. DMV must receive the
original written statement or letter. See Example A.
• British Columbia’s registration is in two parts and contains the ICBC (Insurance
Corporation of British Columbia) logo. The upper portion of this certificate is the
insurance portion and contains a space for a validated signature or stamp. The
Canadian owner may return this part to the province to get credit for the remaining
portion of insurance when the vehicle is exported. The lower portion, identified on the
left margin as the Vehicle Registration, is the ownership document and must be
submitted for title transfer. See Example B.
ICBC Salvage Invoice, Form CL98-L, may also be acceptable as an ownership
document. If the Salvage Invoice includes the remarks “Sold on condition that the
vehicle will not be re-registered or re-licensed and will be used for dismantling
purposes only,” or similar language, these vehicles are considered non-repairable and
cannot be issued an Oregon title or Salvage Title, Form 417. An Oregon title may be
issued based on an ICBC Salvage Invoice which has remarks such as “Prior Damage
Over …”
• Ontario uses a multi-part form. The bottom portion is divided in half. The left half, the
Vehicle Portion, is the ownership document. It can be identified by the print within the
black bar. The certificate must contain a printed office/bureau number and an effective
date. The right half, the Plate Portion, does not need to be submitted for transfer and
may have been retained by the previous owner. See Example C.
Military
Personnel stationed overseas may have had an ownership document issued to them by
the military, the country where they were stationed, or may have the original title from
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another state. It is possible for them to have more than one type of ownership document
at one time. If this is a trade-in vehicle, ask your customer if they (or their lien holder) have
additional ownership documents.
U.S. insular areas
An insular area is a jurisdiction that is not a part of one of the fifty states or District of
Columbia. U.S. insular areas include American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Marianas
Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, among others.
Puerto Rico is the only insular area currently considered part of the Customs and Border
Protection area. Vehicles in Puerto Rico are required to meet all U.S. federal vehicle
standards as are the other 50 states and the District of Columbia. Although DMV does not
require proof that a vehicle from Puerto Rico meets U.S. emissions and safety standards,
DMV still requires a completed Certification of Liens on an Imported Vehicle, Form 6436.
Transactions for vehicles from all other insular areas should include all the title
requirements listed earlier in this chapter, including proof of compliance with federal
vehicle standards.
Other countries
Ownership documents on used vehicles imported from different countries vary
substantially. An applicant must provide whatever evidence of ownership they may have
including any foreign registration or title documents, or import papers.
DMV may not be able to read enough of a foreign document to determine ownership. If
DMV cannot interpret the documents, the customer or dealer will be asked to provide an
interpretation. The interpretation must include a certification from the interpreter that it is a
true and accurate interpretation of the ownership document.
If the ownership documents are submitted but not all title requirements are met, DMV will
not accept the transaction unless there is a security interest holder on the application.
Ownership documents – imported new vehicles
New vehicles from out of country may have an MCO. If an MCO was not issued, DMV will
accept a statement signed by the manufacturer indicating an MCO was never issued. In
lieu of the MCO, DMV may accept:
1. A statement signed by the manufacturer indicating an MCO was never issued; and
2. A statement from the manufacturer indicating to whom they assigned their interest
in the vehicle; and
3. Connecting bills of sale or releases from subsequent purchasers.
New vehicles from Canada may have an MCO, or may have a New Vehicle Information
Statement (NVIS). DMV does not recognize the NVIS as an ownership document.
An NVIS is not a secure document and does not provide the complete ownership trail from
the manufacturer to the applicant as required by Oregon Administrative Rule.
If only an NVIS is provided to you as a dealer, and an MCO was not issued by the
manufacturer, DMV will accept a statement signed by the manufacturer as indicated
above. If the manufacturer will not provide a statement, DMV must have the Canadian
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registration. This means that dealers, brokers and/or individuals may have to register the
vehicle in Canada before applying for title in Oregon. If they are unable or unwilling to do
so, DMV will not issue an Oregon title.
Other requirements for out-of-country vehicles
VIN inspection
As with all vehicles new to Oregon, vehicles imported from out of country must have the
VIN inspected. The inspection done in Oregon can only be completed by Oregon DMV,
Oregon State Police, or a law enforcement agency under agreement with DMV. DMV will
not accept a VIN inspection done by a dealer for a vehicle imported from out of country.
A dealer may perform a VIN inspection on a government-titled vehicle when there is no
indication that the vehicle is from another country.
DMV will accept a VIN inspection from another state’s DMV or law enforcement agency.
If the applicant is in the military, DMV will accept the inspection from the Military Police,
Provost Marshall, or Commanding Officer. DMV will only accept VIN inspections done in
another country by the U.S. military personnel listed above.
DMV does not require a VIN inspection for a new vehicle (never titled or registered) that
has been manufactured to meet U.S. federal vehicle standards and is in compliance at the
time it is imported. If the new vehicle does not have an indication from the manufacturer
that it was manufactured to meet U.S. federal vehicle standards, DMV or law enforcement
must do a VIN inspection.
Odometer disclosure requirements
Odometer requirements for an out-of-country vehicle are the same as any vehicle.
Readings may be numbers that reflect either miles or kilometers. DMV will not convert
kilometers to miles or vice versa. The title will only reflect the reading and not indicate
miles or kilometers.
For new vehicles, the odometer disclosure may be made on the back of the MCO, if a
space is provided for one, or on a separate disclosure form that contains all the information
required under the federal rules. In the case of MCOs only, the disclosure does not have
to be made on a state issued form.
DEQ
Oregon DEQ requirements should not be confused with EPA requirements. Even if DMV
has received information that federal vehicle emission standards have been met, if the
vehicle is registered in a DEQ testing area, DMV must also have a current Oregon DEQ
Certificate of Compliance. New vehicles are exempt from DEQ requirements.
Releases from previous owners
As with any vehicle, DMV must have a release of interest from all previous owners. Since
a vehicle previously titled/registered in another country may only have been issued a
registration certificate as the ownership document, the release of interest will most likely be
on a separate bill of sale or odometer disclosure form. If the ownership document is an
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MCO, the release of interest must be from the party named on the front of the MCO, as
well as any interim owners listed on the back of the MCO.
Fees
The fees for a vehicle imported from out of country are the same as for any vehicle that is
new to Oregon.
Proof of compliance with federal vehicle standards
ORS 803.045 and OAR 735-022-0090 (1) give DMV authority to request proof of
compliance with federal vehicle standards when ownership documents submitted were
issued by a jurisdiction outside the U.S., issued by the U.S. military, or when an MCO is
issued by someone other than the authorized U.S. distributor. Proof may also be
requested if DMV is not satisfied, based on documentation provided, that the vehicle
complies with federal vehicle standards.
Federal vehicle standards are defined in OAR 735-022-0080 as:
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations specified under 49 CFR,
Part 571.
All vehicles with a year model less than 25 years old must conform to federal
safety standards. This includes trailers, as U.S. Department of Transportation
counts them as motor vehicles for purposes of safety requirements.
Motor Vehicle Emissions Standards specified by 40 CFR, Part 52.
All vehicles with a year model 20 years old or less must conform to federal
emission standards.
Acceptable forms of proof
Proof that the vehicle is in compliance with federal vehicle standards may be any one of
the following:
1. For vehicles imported by the U.S. military or U.S. military personnel, a written notice
or form issued by the U.S. military that states the vehicle complies with federal
vehicle standards.
2. For a motorcycle or moped, a Dealer Certification of Compliance with Federal
Emission and Safety Standards, Form 7290, completed by an Oregon licensed
dealer. By completing this form the dealer is certifying they have viewed the on-
road FSS and EPA labels affixed to the vehicle and the vehicle meets applicable
federal safety and emission standards in effect at the time of manufacture for on-
road use. Only meeting the federal EPA noise emissions standard does not qualify
the vehicle for on-road use.
3. An original letter from the manufacturer or authorized U.S. distributor that clearly
identifies the vehicle, including the vehicle identification number, and states that the
vehicle was manufactured to meet federal safety and emission standards.
4. An original letter from the manufacturer or authorized U.S. distributor that clearly
identifies the vehicle, including the vehicle identification number, and states that the
vehicle meets EPA standards and can be modified to meet federal safety standards.
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The letter must be accompanied with a certification that the vehicle has been
modified and complies with federal vehicle standards. A Certification of Compliance
with Federal Emission and Safety Standards, Form 7286, can be used for this
purpose.
5. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form CF7501 or CBP7501, Entry Summary,
that contains:
• A vehicle description that includes the year, model, make, and vehicle
identification number, and
• An approval stamp or signature of an authorized U.S. Customs and Border
Protection agent.
Forms CF7501 or CBP7501 are not required for imported vehicles that do not need
proof of compliance with federal safety and emissions standards.
The CF7501 or CBP7501 forms are not acceptable as proof of compliance if the
vehicle was imported on a temporary basis. A temporary import can be identified by
use of the term “Chapter 98,” “TIB,” or the number 23 as the entry type code in Box
2 or anywhere in the body of the document. These vehicles are only authorized to
remain in the U.S. for a period not to exceed 1 year and must be exported at the
end of the approval period. They are not eligible for an Oregon title or registration.
When proof of compliance not required
Proof of compliance with federal standards is not required when:
1. The vehicle has previously been titled or registered in the U.S. This applies even if
the vehicle has left the country and returned. Proof may include a title or
registration card from Oregon or another state.
2. The vehicle year model is:
a. 25 years or older; it is not subject to federal safety standards.
b. 21 years or older; it is not subject to federal emissions standards.
3. The vehicle is a snowmobile or other vehicle or equipment of this nature where
there are no federal standards.
4. The vehicle has been imported from Puerto Rico.
5. The MCO submitted indicates the motorcycle or moped was manufactured by a
major manufacturer.
Certification of Liens on an Imported Vehicle, Form 6436
Since liens are not shown on most foreign titles and Canadian registrations, transactions
for imported vehicles must include the Certification of Liens on an Imported Vehicle, Form
6436. The form must be signed by the owner listed on the foreign ownership document or
registration, not the new applicant, unless they are one and the same. If the owners
shown on the foreign title or registration cannot be reached to sign Form 6436, the
applicant may certify that the vehicle is free of liens.
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Contacts for information on importation and federal standards
For information regarding the import process or federal safety and emission requirements,
you may wish to contact the agencies listed below.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Address: 8337 NE Alderwood Road
Portland, OR 97220
Phone: (503) 326-3230
Internet: https://www.cbp.gov/
Other Oregon port offices and phone numbers include:
Astoria (503) 325-5541
Coos Bay (541) 756-2396
Newport (541) 265-6456
For additional port locations throughout the U.S., see the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection website listed above.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Address: Certification and Compliance Division, Imports Group
2000 Traverwood Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 214-4100
Internet: https://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/
U.S. Department of Transportation (NHTSA)
Address: Office of Vehicle Safety
Compliance Organization, Imports Division
NSA-32, NHTSA
400 7th St. S.W.
Washington D.C. 20590
Internet: https://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
Motorcycles/Mopeds
If an MCO for a motorcycle/moped contains a VIN beginning with a digit other than 1, 4, or
5, that is only an indicator that the vehicle was manufactured by a U.S. manufacturer and
proof of compliance with federal vehicle standards (both federal safety and federal
emissions standards) is still required, unless the transaction is accompanied by a dealer
certification form, a letter from the manufacturer, or an MCO from a major manufacturer.
DMV recognizes the following major manufacturers:
Aprilia, BMW, Bombardier, Buell, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki,
Moto Guzzi, Norton, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Victory, Yamaha.
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DMV will not issue registration for imported motorcycles or mopeds unless proof of
compliance with federal safety and emissions standards is submitted with the application
(unless recognized as a major manufacturer). If proof of compliance is not submitted,
DMV will only issue a title for these vehicles.
Note: If the MCO includes a statement that indicates the vehicle does not meet
federal standards or was manufactured for off-road use, DMV must receive an
original letter from the manufacturer indicating the motorcycle or moped can be
modified to meet federal safety and emission standards for on-road use. For more
information about proofs of compliance for motorcycles/mopeds, see section titled
“Acceptable forms of proof,” in this chapter.
Examples of CANADIAN REGISTRATION
Example A
ALBERTA REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
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Example B
BRITISH COLUMBIA REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
Example C
ONTARIO REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
LAST NAME FIRST
123 MAIN ST
COURTENAY BC
V9N9C5
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Example of CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL EMISSION AND
SAFETY STANDARDS, FORM 7286
Actual size 8½” x 5½”
Example of DEALER CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL
EMISSION AND SAFETY STANDARDS, FORM 7290
Actual size 8½” x 5½”
