The DMV may require a physical inspection of a vehicle (verification of vehicle) prior to completing a vehicle registration application.

When is a VIN Verification (Verification of Vehicle) required?

• Registration of a vehicle last registered out of state. (see exceptions on the next page).
• Reregistration of a previous “junk” or “salvage” vehicle, unless the application contains a CHP Certificate of Inspection (CHP 97C) form.
• Registration of a specially constructed (SPCNS) motor vehicle or trailer.
• A vehicle for which DMV does not have a record, except a new vehicle reported sold by a licensed California dealer on an Application for Registration of a New Vehicle (REG 397) form.
• Recording an engine change, motorcycle engine case change, or change from engine number to vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Assignment of an identifying VIN number by DMV.
• When the VIN shown on certificates is different from the VIN shown on record (including vehicles being junked).

When is a VIN Verification (Verification of Vehicle) not required?

• A new trailer purchased in another state and eligible for registration under the permanent trailer identification (PTI) program, provided:
  • The trailer has never been registered.
  • The trailer has not been modified, altered, or assembled from a kit.
  • A secure manufacturer’s certificate/statement of origin (MCO/MSO) is submitted for the complete trailer.
• A new commercial vehicle purchased in another state as a complete vehicle or as an incomplete vehicle to which a new body was added to make a complete vehicle, provided the vehicle:
  • Has never been registered or issued International Registration Plan (IRP) registration in California or was issued IRP registration within the last 60 days only.
  • Has not been modified, altered, or assembled from a kit.
  • Has an unladen weight of 6,001 pounds or more.
  • Meets California emission standards.

A verification of vehicle is required for a vehicle that does not meet California emission standards.

Who are Authorized Vehicle Verifiers in California?

• Persons licensed as vehicle verifiers by DMV.
  • Licensed vehicle verifiers cannot do VIN inspections for revived salvage, revived junk, SPCNS vehicles, or motorcycles with an unavailable California record (last registered in California but a record no longer appears on the DMV database).

What form does a Verifier Complete?

The verification of a vehicle is always completed on the Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form unless an Application for Assigned Vehicle Identification Number Plate (REG 124) form is required.

• Verifications of incomplete or unassembled vehicles (parts) are not acceptable. For an electric motorcycle, the serial number on the electric motor will be used as the engine number.
• Emission label verification for nonresident vehicles may be completed by an authorized vehicle verifier or peace officer.
• The federal safety label is used as a second source of public VIN verification. When missing or illegible, an alternate, accessible VIN must be located by a DMV employee.

Exception: Off-highway vehicles may not have a federal safety label but may be processed if the VIN has not been altered.

• All descriptive information requested on the form must be physically inspected and completed, except:
  • Axles–completed only for commercial vehicles and trailers other than camp
    trailers or trailer coaches.
  • Estimated weight–completed only for trailers other than camp trailers or trailer coaches.
  • Length/width–completed only for camp trailers, trailer coaches, and motor
    homes.