Department of Motor Vehicles
How to Register a Vehicle that is Homemade or Unique

Instructions

Use these instructions to register a vehicle that is homemade or unique. (You must use other instructions to register a homemade or custom trailer.)

• Get the application package.
• If the vehicle does not have an acceptable vehicle identification number (VIN), make sure that the DMV assigns one.
• Send the required documents to the DMV.
• If the vehicle is approved, the DMV issues form VS-103 (Notice of Registration Acceptability) to you.
• Get the vehicle inspected.
• Use the instructions on form VS-103 to apply for a vehicle registration and a title certificate.

Application Package

Contact the Technical Services Bureau to request an application package that includes:

• information about homemade vehicles and a checklist of instructions,
• a list of required vehicle equipment, and
• form MV-272.1 (if required).

Use this mailing address or telephone number:

NYSDMV Technical Services Bureau
Vehicle Safety Services
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany NY 12228
(518) 474-5282

Note: Ask questions about the requirements when you request the application package to prevent a delay in the process. Not all vehicles are approved for a registration.

Vehicle Examinations

Before a vehicle that is homemade or unique is approved for a registration, the DMV can require an examination of the vehicle. A vehicle examination is also required if the DMV assigns a VIN to the vehicle.

The DMV notifies you by mail of the date, the time and the location of the examination. Make sure that you bring the following documents to the examination:

• all original proofs of purchase, sales receipts or tax receipts,
• the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) or any other statement from the manufacturer,
• the title certificate, and other proofs of ownership, and
• other documents that identify the source of the vehicle or major parts used to make the vehicle.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

If your vehicle needs an acceptable Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the DMV Division of Field Investigations can assign one. Complete form MV-272.1 (Application for Vehicle Identification Number). Write a personal check or money order payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles" for the non-refundable fee of $25.  Send the completed form and payment to:

VIN Assignment
Division of Field Investigation
Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY  12228

If you apply for a vehicle approval from the Technical Services Bureau at the same time that you request a VIN from the Division of Field Investigations, make sure that you explain and include a note in the applications to both offices.

Before you pay the non-refundable VIN fee, make sure that you can register the vehicle. Send the application to the Technical Services Bureau to request a vehicle approval. If the vehicle is approved, you receive a notification to send form MV-272.1 and your fee payment to the Division of Field Investigations. This procedure takes more time, but you do not pay the non-refundable fee for a VIN if the registration is refused.

The Division of Field Investigations must examine your vehicle before a VIN is assigned. When your VIN is assigned, you receive a validated form MV-272.1 from Division of Field Investigations that displays the VIN. Send a photocopy of this form to the Technical Services Bureau.

Safety Inspection

If your vehicle is approved for a registration, the Technical Services Bureau sends you form VS-103 (Notice of Registration Acceptability). You must get the vehicle inspected at an official motor vehicle inspection station. Take form VS-103 with you. If the vehicle passes the inspection, make sure that the inspector completes the form for you.

Note: Your vehicle is not registered at the time of inspection. You must tow or transport the vehicle on a trailer to the inspection station.

Vehicle Registration

If the vehicle has a VIN and has passed the safety inspection, you can register the vehicle at any local DMV office. You must have the following items to register your vehicle:

• A completed form MV-82.
• Proof of ownership.
• A NYS Insurance Identification Card that describes the same vehicle and displays the same name as the vehicle registration.
• Proof of sales tax payment, sales tax exemption or purchase price. If you do not have this proof, you must pay the sales tax. Get information about sales tax.
• A weight certificate or proof of ownership that indicates the vehicle weight (completed vehicle weight).
• The completed form VS-103. If you do not provide a completed form VS-103, you cannot register the vehicle or receive a title certificate.
• The original, validated copy of form MV-272.1 (if necessary).
• Proofs of identity and date of birth.
• If you register the vehicle in the name of a corporation, provide proof of incorporation. The instructions are included on form MV-82.1.
• Payment for the correct fees (sales tax, registration documents, vehicle plates and title certificate).

If You Need Additional Help

If you have questions about the equipment that is required on your custom-built or homemade vehicle, contact the Technical Services Bureau at the mailing address and telephone number shown on this page. Call the Division of Field Investigations at (518) 474-2019 if you have questions about VIN assignment.