Replacement Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin

[duthehustle93]

Hello,

I'm looking into purchasing an unfinished kit (#5 SS/TC) and shipping it to CA, where I will finish it and register it for road use. Being the first batch, this chassis doesn't actually have a S/N tag, and the PO doesn't recall ever receiving an MCO. I tried emailing and calling DF, but haven't been able to reach anyone. Does anyone have any input or advice on the feasibility/process of getting a replacement MCO (in my name), along with a S/N tag? I would hate to go through will all of this and get stuck at the end where I try to register it.

Thanks,
Brandon

 

[Ark :D]

The MCO is issued at the end of the build. An unfinished kit would not have had a MCO ever issued, more than likely.

THIS is a sound alternative for anyone that has trouble registering in their home state.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

What time are you calling? Call before or after lunch - Dallas time - and not on weekends you should get someone to answer the phone. Keep trying. But @Ark :D is correct, the MCO is issued when you are ready to register, not when you purchase a kit. And DF will work with you to get what you need to help register in your state.

 

[Ross]

Phone Lonny or Adam at DF... There are rules around issuing the MCO. The MCO usually gets issued when the car is ready to get registered on the road, so you might be in luck, and it hasn't been issued yet. Some states require putting on a 17 digit VIN number, and builders have ordered lazer engraved plates for their goblins, so you can mount your own VIN number. The DF number is not 17 digits long... so is it a VIN or a production build number or a serial number???

 

[duthehustle93]

Thanks for the advice on persistence. I just got through to someone!

Looks like they can issue me a new chassis tag -- I'll need to clarify what I need on the tag, but DF seemed open to issuing whatever that may be. My understanding is the MCO will have chassis number 5 on it, and the tag on the chassis (in this case) will just be #5? In terms of CA's requirements... I'm completely inexperienced but I have a couple friends who have registered kit cars and can pick their brains.

Regarding the MCO, they also said they can issue it to me, BUT it will still be under the original purchasers' name. This may make it tricky.

 

[KSLunsfo]

Regarding the MCO, they also said they can issue it to me, BUT it will still be under the original purchasers' name. This may make it tricky.

In this case I would think you'll just need a notary to sign it over from the OP to you.

 

[Gtstorey]

This probably similar to what has to be done when registering a car through an LLC in Montana which required a transfer of the MCO. I think there was some particular steps that had to be done there so you might read through the Montana Registration discussion.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Bill of sale from the original owner (signed by him/her) and a notary acceptance on the MCO the car (kit) was sold to you per the bill of sale should suffice for traceability of ownership. The registration should all be in your name. But CA may do things differently, you need to ask them what is specifically needed to prove your ownership of the car.

 

[duthehustle93]

Thank you all for the advice.

Doing a bit more research, and primarily looking at post #22 here: https://dfkitcar.com/forum/index.php?threads/california-registration.439/page-2

I'm curious if I even need an MCO? I'm not seeing any mention of an MCO in any of these forms. Furthermore, CA allows you to register "home built" vehicles... worst comes to worst, I'm curious if I can just claim I built the chassis myself and register it as a home built vehicle.