Verification of the Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Reading of Motor Vehicles Previously Titled in Another State

PURPOSE: This rule provides alternatives to the requirement for Missouri residents who are serving on active duty in the military and stationed outside Missouri; or residents who are located outside Missouri for an extended period of time; or residents who purchase nonoperable vehicles titled in another state to submit a Missouri motor vehicle inspection approval certificate with an application for Missouri title. (1) A Missouri motor vehicle inspection approval certificate (see 11 CSR 50-2.120) from an official inspection station authorized by the Missouri State Highway Patrol which verifies the manufacturer’s vehicle identification number and the vehicle’s odometer reading shall accompany every application for a Missouri certificate of title to a motor vehicle which was previously titled in a state other than Missouri. The following alternatives to this requirement shall be available: (A) A Missouri resident, on active duty in the military and stationed out-of-state, who purchases a vehicle previously titled in another state and is unable to transport it to Missouri for an inspection may submit a document signed by a commissioned officer of one of the United States Armed Forces verifying the manufacturer’s identification number and odometer reading of the vehicle at the time application for title is made. 1. Example: John Doe (a Missouri resident who is a sergeant in the Army) purchases a motor vehicle in South Carolina. The South Carolina title is assigned to John Doe. Although Sgt. Doe will be stationed in South Carolina for two (2) years, he wants to title and register his motor vehicle in Missouri, his official domicile. Sgt. Doe cannot readily transport the vehicle to an official Missouri inspection station for an inspection because the vehicle is located outside Missouri; therefore, Sgt. Doe may submit a signed document in the form described in subsection (1)(A) of this rule with his application for title; (B) A Missouri resident, located outside Missouri for an extended period of time due to employment, schooling, or others who purchases a vehicle previously titled in another state and is unable to transport it to Missouri for an inspection may present a notarized affidavit stating why the vehicle cannot be inspected in Missouri along with a notice of an inspection performed by an authorized inspection station or law enforcement officer in the state where the resident is located. The inspection shall verify the manufacturer’s identification number and odometer reading of the vehicle. 1. Example: John Doe (a Missouri resident who is employed in Washington for two (2) years) purchases a motor vehicle in Washington. The Washington title is assigned to John Doe. Although Mr. Doe is employed in Washington for two (2) years, he wants to title and register his motor vehicle in Missouri, his official domicile. Mr. Doe cannot readily transport the vehicle to an official Missouri inspection station for an inspection because the vehicle is outside Missouri; therefore with his title application, Mr. Doe may submit a notarized affidavit stating why the vehicle cannot be inspected in Missouri and a notice of inspection which verifies the manufacturer’s identification number of the vehicle and its odometer reading. The inspection shall be performed by either an authorized inspection station or law enforcement officer in Washington; or (C) A Missouri resident purchases a vehicle previously titled in another state. The motor vehicle is not operational and is towed to the owner’s legal address in Missouri. The resident may submit a document signed by an authorized Missouri law enforcement officer who has verified the manufacturer’s identification number and odometer reading of the vehicle. 1. Example: John Doe purchases a motor vehicle in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma title is assigned to John Doe. Since the motor vehicle is not operational, Mr. Doe has the vehicle towed to his legal address in Missouri. He wants to title his vehicle but cannot readily transport it to an official inspection station for an inspection. Mr. Doe may submit with his application for title a document signed by an authorized Missouri law enforcement officer who has verified the manufacturer’s identification number and odometer reading of the nonoperable vehicle. The inspecting officer’s report must clearly state that the vehicle is not operational. AUTHORITY: section 301.190, RSMo 1986.* Original rule filed May 11, 1987, effective Aug. 27, 1987. *Original authority: 301.190, RSMo 1939, amended 1947, 1965, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990.