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Registering Caterham Kit in Ohio


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Since the web is a little less than helpful on this topic, I've decided to record my process and any issues I encounter here so that future readers can find a better answer than Ohio's vague websites.

 

So far heres what I know:

To get your car titled/registered in Ohio, it will be titled as a "Salvage/Self-Assembled" vehicle. This is where the first problem comes up - the Ohio DMV site redirects you to the Highway Patrol website, which both lump salvage and self assembly as the same thing (which obviously, they are NOT).  I laugh every time I read this:
 

Quote

Before a self-assembled or a rebuilt salvage vehicle can be titled in Ohio, an inspection must be completed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The inspection is to:

  • Verify ownership of all parts
  • Review all required documentation
    1. Original prepaid inspection receipt purchased from any Ohio BMV Deputy Registrar location for $50.00 plus registrar’s fees.
    2. State issued I.D. or Passport (If driving the vehicle, a valid driver license is required).
    3. Ohio title with the current owner name on the front.
    4. All of the original receipts for any parts that were replaced on the vehicle.
    5. Used part receipts must provide the donor vehicle VIN.
    6. Receipts from a casual sale by an individual or business that is not a licensed parts dealer must be notarized.

 

"Before it can be titled" immediately followed with "3. Ohio title with current owner name".....how can I have an Ohio title, if its not able to be titled yet?!

 

Anyway, moving on....

 

Go to the DMV and ask to buy a "salvage/self assembly inspection".  They may not know what you mean, but someone eventually will (took 3 clerks on my visit).

 

This piece of paper will act as your Temporary tag to allow you to drive TO and FROM the inspection appointment...but not anywhere else.  So you'll have to do the initial test drives "illegally" without actual tags.

 

Once you have that, you can schedule an inspection at one of like 10 places around the state....and of course none are close to me.

 

What I've heard they are looking for at the inspection (My appointment is November 12th, so I'll update after it) is really just a NOTARIZED bill(s) of sale that includes motor, transmission, differential, and chassis information, and then your drivers license.

 

Edit: received a notarized manufacturer statement of origin, which is essentially a pre-title

 

They specifically say its NOT for safety, but i'm guessing if things were falling off they'd probably deny it...

 

Edit to add 

items checked

 

Headlights

High/low

Turn signal 

Wipers (thanks again @Mark IV)

Wiper fluid

Brake lights

Reverse lights 

Horn

 

 

Edited by hyper7
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With looking further into it than what you've posted, the title could be for a donor vehicles components. Typically, the HP wants to check and see if the serial numbers match the document and are not listed as stolen.

 

A vehicle new enough to require a title can be sold without a title and bonded. The details vary....

 

 

 

 

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Small update on the needed paperwork - I received the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin yesterday from my dealer (not sure why I didn't have that at delivery, but whatever) - THAT is the main thing you'll need.  It must be signed and notarized, but that should act as the "existing" title that the Highway Patrol will need to verify.

 

 

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When I  registered  my Caterham and Birkin in Ohio I had the advantage of an existing registration elsewhere as each was purchased used/titled/registered(New Jersey and Virginia).

 
What the "inspections" focused on were: windshield, working windshield wipers,  brake lights, turn signals, license plate fixture, seat belts, horn, headlights. 
 

Neither inspection lasted more than 5' and mostly consisted of the usual "what is it" questions rather than a careful car inspection.

 

 I got temporary plates in NJ where I bought my Caterham and I drove it home and later to the "inspection". I didn't do that with my Birkin so I trailered it to a parking lot near the inspection place, since I didn't want to drive it without plates.

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Thanks - my kit was shipped without a wiper switch, as they were backordered at the time of delivery.  I've been told one is on the way...but i'm guessing i'll have to reschedule if it doesnt get here before the appointment

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I'd ask them. Maybe stop at the inspection place, with a picture of a caterham, since they wont have any idea what you're talking about, and a copy of the back order?

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The closest inspection place is almost an hour away..not like I can just swing past.

 

I found another site that has them in stock for like $20, so I bit the bullet and ordered one anyway. Rain is possible for next Thursday anyway, so id actually rather have a switch regardless of requirements.

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When I had my new Superformance S1 inspected at the Ohio DMV in 2004 they only inspected the receipts and attached the assigned chassis number plates to the car. It was no problem at all, I even drove to and from the DMV with the car.

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That might be worth it. My tracking number says it left the UK yesterday,but not clue what that means for when it will show up.

 

 

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At the inspection currently, items checked

 

Headlights

High/low

Turn signal 

Wipers (thanks again @Mark IV)

Wiper fluid

Brake lights

Reverse lights 

Horn

 

Now he said he needs about 30 minutes to register it.

 

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Vin was assigned (matches the chassis number) and took inspection form and statement of origin, and receipts from dealer to the title bureau - they charged me tax (over $4,000 🫤) and gave me a title - now I'm next door getting plates to be totally legal.

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