Mass title

[John Dol]

Has anyone brought a kit car that was previously titled in another state to Massachussetts?
What happened when it had to get registered? Was it easier then from scratch or does it not matter?
I've heard Mass can be a drag with emissions. If it makes a diff I would register it else where first.

Thank you,

John

[oldguy668]

An out of state registration and title does not guarantee a Mass. title. I bought a MK4 from Florida that had full documentation and I got nowhere at RMV because they recognized that the VIN was issued by Florida. They told me to get a Mass VIN before I could register or title here.

[John Dol]

No emissions issues?

Thanks,

John

[oldguy668]

Haven't gotten that far. When the car is painted I'll get the new VIN from the Sate Police and go from there. I don't expect any issues because I'm using a 1967 block.

[John Dol]

Aah, that does make a difference as I have an '87 block. Hope they won't hold me responsible for emissions for that year, although I do have Fast EZ EFI so that may help.

Thanks and good luck with your registration etc.

John

[Duke]

I just did a lot of research around this last month. In short, call the MAC (Mass Motorist Assistance Center) and schedule an appointment to talk to a level 1 tech.

Long story short: Ma will require you to issue a new VIN for the state of MA and start the process over again (edit, some people have been able to keep the same VIN from other states but most RMV people don't know how to do this). Regardless, it will need to be registered in the year it was completed, not the year it represents. You'll need documentation for the motor/trans that is used in the car (including VINs) to ensure it's not stolen.

You'll then need to go through the safety inspection with state police, followed by an emissions inspection at an MAC (after you fail emissions at an inspection station). MAC will check to make sure it has all emissions equipment for the motor/trans model year that it's using in it (i.e if it's a 87 motor/trans then the emissions equipment from that year must be present.) If passed then you can go back and pass at the inspection station (this includes safety and emissions check).

Two notes:
1. If the motor/trans are out of a pre 73 vehicle and it's documented then it's exempt from emissions (but not safety check).
2. You can do the EPA exception and paperwork to purchase an older car/truck pre '73 with similar size motor that was registered and on the road within the last 5 years, have it crushed, and do an exception transfer. If this was already done in another state it should be transferable. MAC should be able to help with paperwork.

[oldguy668]

One correction here is that if the car was registered and titled in another state, the State Police won't force you to produce documentation for the donor vehicle or parts. The presumption is that the original titling state already did that.

[John Dol]

Thanks Duke and old guy that helps a lot.

John