Ohio Rebuilt Title - Inspection
In Ohio, every rebuilt vehicle (car, motorcycle, truck, RV) must be inspected by the Ohio State Highway Patrol before being issued a Rebuilt Salvage title and be recognized operable. However, please note that the sole purpose of the mandatory inspection run by Highway Patrol is to verify that the parts used in repairs are not stolen and were obtained legally. On the official website of Ohio BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) you can read the following statement: "The purpose of this inspection is to verify the ownership of all parts and to review all required documentation. The inspection is not intended to certify the vehicle's safety, road worthiness, or the quality of workmanship." (http://bmv.ohio.gov/salvage_inspection.stm). One can title not just a salvage vehicle but also a self-assembled vehicle in Ohio. For example, airbags may be not installed properly or even be missing. What the officer will check is the origin of the airbag, not it's proper functioning of even presence. Even that way, the car will be titled and if you buy such a car you cannot sue the builder for that. However, if you are a victim of a sour deal, you could make use of the Deceptive Acts or Trade Practices in Connection with Consumer Transactions Statute to find grounds for filing a lawsuit. If the state law has specific requirements for a car of that specific year and make, which include the functioning airbag or any other part, you can also file a lawsuit.
Getting ready for the inspection
- Get an application for the inspection (obtained at any Deputy Registrar location)
- Don't forget to pay a $50 fee at the deputy registrar's branch (list of addresses here http://bmv.ohio.gov/county_lst.stm) before you take your car to the inspection facility and keep the receipt, the list of inspection facilities can be found here: http://bmv.ohio.gov/salvage_inspection.stm
- Call to your local inspection facility and schedule inspection
- Be ready to present a compete documentation pack. The officer will inspect the vehicle only AFTER thoroughly checking all the documentation.
Documentation to present
- The inspection receipt.
- Originals of titles, receipts, and other documentation regarding the source major component parts used is repair, which includes VIN of the source vehicle. Receipts for parts bought from individuals must be notarized. Photocopies will not be accepted, only originals.
- The manufacturer's certificate of origin if "kits" are used to rebuild the vehicle.
For which parts will I have to provide receipts?
- Air Bag(s)
- Bumper
- Dash
- Deck Lid
- Doors
- Engine
- Frame
- Front Fenders
- Hatchback
- Hood
- Rear Door
- Rear Quarters
- Transmission
- Tailgate
- Be ready to provide receipts for any parts with fair market value over $100
- Please not that if the inspection officer doubts the origin of any part, you may be required to provide documentation for that part.
Avoiding problems with rebuilt title inspections in Ohio
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Presenting incorrect, incomplete or missing documentation will result in rescheduling of the inspection
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Failure to provide the documentation with the VIN for the source vehicle is grounds for seizure of the part.
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Bearing a VIN or VIN derivative belonging to a stolen vehicle or altered or missing VIN is grounds for impounding and, possibly, seizure of the vehicle.
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You may be asked to remove certain parts before the inspection, for example, to give access to the VIN. The State of Ohio in not liable for any damage resulting from parts removal to make for examination or for any damage resulting from replacement of parts.
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You will be allowed to the inspection area only with the officer's permission.
We hope this information helps you pass the inspection fast and without pitfalls and get Ohio Rebuilt Salvage title.
