Title and Registration in TX today

[MV8]

I guess the 30 day permit was not for joy rides.

MSO and VTR-68A are not interchangeable. They serve two different purposes.

It is hard to believe any Texas DMV form says otherwise.

 

 

[hahuang65]

@MV8 no the 30 day permit was to go and get my ASE inspection and weight certification. 

 

There are no limits to where I can drive however. But I have not driven much beyond that. 

 

Here is the doc that says it can be either the VTR-68A or the MSO...unless I'm misunderstanding it. 

[CBuff]

Not sure about Texas. But in New York. I needed the mco but needed to get the state inspection for vin assignment. The mco doesn’t count as a vin. The car only comes with a chassis number. New York assigned a VIN. Again not sure about each state dmv differences.  But it seems like that’s the conflict. Caterham doesn’t assign VINs. 

[hahuang65]

@CBuffthat may be true.

 

I had originally planned to go get it...but when I went to the tax assessor's office (where I actually get my title and registration, as the DMV just provides me a letter to take to there saying it's okay to title) to get my temporary permit, I brought all my papers to ask about it. 

 

They were the ones who told me I wouldn't need the inspection. Unfortunately, this is the situation I'm in. I may try to go to the other DMV first as October 21 is still a while away. I have that appointment set up and will go there for inspection if this DMV also turns me away. 

[panamericano]

I also had to get that inspection form.  Appointment for inspection?  Any sworn peace officer can do it.  Find a cop.  Most like goofy cars.  That was much easier than trying to find one to do a finger print card.  

[hahuang65]

@panamericano any suggestions on finding one? We're new around here so I don't know anyone that knows an officer.

[hahuang65]

@panamericano is your VIN actually different than your chassis code from Caterham?

[MV8]

22 hours ago, hahuang65 said:

@MV8 no the 30 day permit was to go and get my ASE inspection and weight certification. 

 

There are no limits to where I can drive however. But I have not driven much beyond that. 

 

Here is the doc that says it can be either the VTR-68A or the MSO...unless I'm misunderstanding it. 

I can see how it might be interpreted that way, but their is a hierachy to regulation, and info added to a gov website is often wrong and near the bottom of the list next to intangible information shared by phone. I've had to point out that State Code has not changed yet when a DMV was trying to do "something new". I've needed a similar form to the VTR68A in Georgia for vehicles that were already titled but were last registered out of State, previously salvage, etc.

 

I call 911, state this is not an emergency, that I need a VIN verification (stating the form number), then they XFR me to a person who will come to my location when able. A LEO needs to check it out; not just a mechanic.

Edited September 30 by MV8

[panamericano]

@hahuang65, my car was a Birkin, previously registered in Ill.  Chassis # only, stamped under rollbar.  Unless things have changed, the 30 day tag lets you drive anywhere.  I got 3 in a year (the max) for the Birkin and never had an issue.  We had a police force at work, so I just had a friendly cop come out and verify it.  She was not assigned to any particular squad.  The form just required a sworn peace officer.

[hahuang65]

@MV8yeah I likely will just have to wait for my appointment. Over here we can only get 3 passes forr the lifetime of the car. I'll just have to get another one for that appointment, or a 1 trip permit. 

 

@panamericanoah lucky. I don't know anyone, but the forms here seem pretty strict. I can't go to the sherriff of a different county to do it, at least the forms say that Montgomery County will only service their residents, Harris county will only service their residents that don't live in Houston... And HPD will only service Houston residents. 

[toldfield]

Offer them donuts.

 

Sorry, I couldn't help myself...

 

MV8 is on the right track.  Just call the local non-emergency number and ask if someone can stop by.  Or find out where you go to have a cop sign off a mechanical or equipment violation and go there.  

[IamScotticus]

Notary Public?

[hahuang65]

I ended up just going to the Montgomery County Sheriff Auto Theft Division (the "only" way to do it for a resident of this county).

 

As far as I can tell, all the paperwork say that these inspections can only be done at the police or sheriff's office of the county/city where you reside..but when I got there they guy said I could have gone to another county.

 

I imagine the paperwork says that so they have a reason to refuse you if they want.

 

Anyways, it was quick and easy, just brought my application form, my driver's license, my bill of sale, and proof of insurance. They checked the VIN and 10 minutes later gave me the paperwork I needed for the DMV. @240 I didn't need customs paperwork. 

 

Next stop, DMV again. Will update after that visit.

[IamScotticus]

On 9/30/2025 at 4:35 PM, hahuang65 said:

@panamericano is your VIN actually different than your chassis code from Caterham?

This wasn't answered..

Generally, Arch manufactured frames for Caterham have Arch specific frame stamps.  The VIN is applied by Caterham.  My 96 Chassis is Arch made with the Arch production stamp near the RR roll hoop bar mount.  The VIN is stamped on the pedal box frame.  I don't know what later Cats have.  I don't know who made your chassis.  I thought Cat got away from Arch.  I think Arch remains in a Spares and repairs role.

Edited Wednesday at 04:13 AM by IamScotticus

[hahuang65]

@IamScotticus yeah they're using the chassis code assigned by Caterham as my VIN.

[IamScotticus]

8 hours ago, hahuang65 said:

@IamScotticus yeah they're using the chassis code assigned by Caterham as my VIN.

So, this is a Caterham manufactured chassis?

I'm still living in the 90s 

[hahuang65]

@IamScotticus believe so

[hahuang65]

@240 I've titled. Wrote up a full guide here

 

 

 

Lemme know if there are any other questions you need answered