1.115 Registration by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (VC §671)

Vehicles are primarily registered by the manufacturer-assigned VIN which is die-stamped into the vehicle frame or stamped on a plate attached to the vehicle body. The certificate of title and registration card contain the VIN.

Second Stage Manufactured Vehicles

When a vehicle is completed by adding a structure/equipment (second stage) to an incomplete vehicle (first stage), the VIN of the first stage is used for registration purposes; however, the year model, make, and body type are determined by the second stage.

Example: A 2009 Ford chassis has a 2010 Fleetwood motorhome body attached. The registration would correctly show 2010 Fleetwood motorhome with the 2009 Ford VIN.