Registering Out of State Locost in Ohio

[Rhodes]

I am looking into buying a Locost that is registered in another state and registering it in Ohio. Has anyone else been through this? Should I expect to need to do the full Ohio inspection including receipts and safety inspection?

[Miatav8,MstrASE,A&P,F]

The purpose of that is for titling.
If it is registered in another State, a title has been issued or it is still titled under the donor and just extensively modified.

It might be an issue if still under the original title since it would look nothing like the original, triggering an inspection to determine if or how it should be titled.

If it is titled as what it appears to be (after the inspection, receipt, etc as/if required in the loosing State), then it should be no issue and will be titled the same or equivalent in your State. The problem may be when you attempt to register for road use if the year model is too new to be exempt from emission inspections (if required in your county).

Clear as mud?

They should tell you how it is titled and the year model. Read your State Code.

Worst case you could use it as parts for your own build but get the title or at least a bill of sale if it is so old that a title is not required for xfr.

[rx7locost]

I am in Illinois. My car was built and registered here as a 1960 Lotus "Custom". I sold it to a guy in Ohio and he registered it there. This was about 6 years ago. If the rules are still the same, it should be a walk in the park. But things change. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. The only info that would be current would be by calling your DMV or whichever dept in your state that registers vehicles.

[Rhodes]

Thanks for the explanation. It is titled as the donor, an '85 Corolla. Thankfully there aren't any emissions inspections in my county.

Should I expect when I go to get the title transferred that they will not transfer the title until I get the inspection?

Do I also understand correctly that having the transferred title from the donor should cover me for proof that the major components belong to me?

[JackMcCornack]

Do I also understand correctly that having the transferred title from the donor should cover me for proof that the major components belong to me?

That should do for the MAJOR components, but your state might want evidence for some of the bodywork, since it doesn't look much like a Corolla any more. If the seller can't give that to you, contact me and I'll probably be able to help you out (chances are it has a Kinetic nose and scuttle etc).

[Miatav8,MstrASE,A&P,F]

I'd try the transfer as-is. This may trigger the title classification change inspection. Try to get the year model to be the same as the donor vehicle if not older.

I don't think you will be back to square one of a builders inspection. I also don't think you will need receipts for fenders and steel if you have the listing pictures, title, and bill of sale.

[Rhodes]

Thanks for the solid advice. No issues transferring the title and the car is now registered in Ohio!