Here is Rick S's detailed notes registering his Exocet in Fulton County, Georgia.
Major Steps
- Collect paperwork (Receipts, Donor VIN, Exomotive Invoice)
- Complete Build
- Have the Exocet inspected by a (private) salvage inspector
- Obtain “Assigned Serial Number” from state DMV
- Get insurance
- Get title release from State DMV
- Pay county for TVAT, get final title release and license plate
- Wait for title to be mailed
Collecting paperwork
Sooner or later someone is going to ask for a complete accounting of the parts used in your build. Major components like the donor car, engine & trans, roller skate, frame, etc must have a receipt/invoice/bill of sale. If at all possible, make sure these include correct VIN numbers for chassis, engine and trans. Minor items like seats, steering wheel, mirrors, etc can be considered “part of the kit”.
While not strictly required, it’s good to have a title and bill of sale for a valid VIN on the donor car. Salvage title is ok as this will be surrendered later in the process.
Preparing ahead of time by familiarizing yourself with the GA code for titling salvage vehicles will also help. There are a number of forms available on the DMV’s website that will come in handy. https://dor.georgia.gov/titles-rebuilt-or-restored-vehicles
Completing the build & get it inspected
The car must be complete to the point of meeting state (and federal) motor vehicle code. This means you can’t simply title and register the frame and “build it later”. A complete build (in Georgia) must be able to pass inspection by a state credentialed salvage vehicle inspector.
The entire Georgia motor vehicle safety code is available online by searching “Georgia Title 40, Section 8” (https://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode/). This is the law that governs motor vehicle safety. There are definitely some grey areas regarding compliance and some people have passed state inspection with minor differences (no windshield wipers or fenders for example). It’s suggested you contact a salvage vehicle inspector (like http://glennsutl.com, https://dor.georgia.gov/state-approved-inspection-stations) for details on your specific build. Suffice to say that the build must be road worthy and complete. No loose wires, completed lighting, exhaust, etc.
The actual inspection is likely to take a few weeks to schedule and cost ~$100. The extra $100 for a private vehicle inspector is well worth the expense. The inspection itself can take 30-90 minutes depending on the quality of your build. Several of the private vehicle inspectors are willing to travel to your location. Ask the inspector questions ahead of time so you are not surprised.
The inspector will provide you with a completed set of paperwork, including the MV-1, T-22R and T-129 paperwork needed to obtain an Assigned Serial Number.
Obtaining Assigned Serial Number
In Georgia, the serial number on the MSO from Exomotive (and the included serial number plate) are not used by the state. Prior to insuring the car you must obtain a State of GA Assigned Serial Number. This is a VIN style number that begins with “GA” and has 6 numerical digits. The number and official VIN plate are obtained from the Ga DMV office. You can mail in your paperwork provided by the salvage inspector, along with receipts and other documentation, but you will have a much faster turnaround time (and not have to relinquish your original copies) if you appear before the DMV in person. Because the DMV does not process many kit cars, expect to spend 2-4 hours at the DMV for your first visit.
Depending on how your visit goes, you should walk out with a title number assigned, a VIN plate and one more form to process. You may also walk out with a surprisingly high tax bill depending on how the state values your vehicle. Don’t worry this can be later appealed with your local county board of tax assessors.
Insurance & Police Inspection
With a GA Assigned Serial Number you can now obtain insurance. There are a number of kit car, antique and specialty insurers. Most likely you’ll end up with a “declared value” policy. Some research on the MevOwners message board may help you chose an insurer.
In addition to insurance you’ll also need to have a police officer sign a form indicating that the VIN has been attached to the vehicle “in a professional manner”. Left over rivets from the kit are usually acceptable.
Title release to county
Similar to before, the T-22 form certifying VIN to frame attachment needs to go back to the state DMV. It can be mailed, but a 2nd trip in person is recommended. This time the only wait is for your number to be called and 5 minutes to turn in the form. Once your provide the T-22 form, the DMV will “release” the title electronically to the state and provide a print out showing the only remaining title hold is for the payment of TVAT to the county.
Pay the Tax man
The printout provided by the DMV is all you need when you appear before the county tag office. Utilizing the title number on the form, the local county office will collect TVAT, release the title in their system and give you a license plate. Like any vehicle, this step requires that you have current & valid insurance (which you do, because you didn’t skip that step…right?).
Once you walk out of the county tax office you’ll be 100% street legal. They will mail your title to you in 2-4 weeks. Congratulations. Drive and enjoy your new toy!
Note on emissions
More good news for GA residents. You can report a successful, documented exemption through the clean air force. No OBDII testing and a very lax tail pipe test / cat check. Technical approver happens to have a supercharged NB and was great to deal with.
Dear Motorist:
Thank you for contacting Georgia’s Clean Air Force (GCAF).
We have made arrangements for your vehicle to be tested with a non-conforming status. You may have your vehicle tested at any station that displays “All Vehicles Welcome.” Please show the attached document to the emission inspector when you arrive for inspection. The vehicle must be tested as “non-conforming” and the inspector must follow the prompted instructions carefully; noting the information on the attached document.
If you have additional questions or concerns please contact us at 800.449.2471 or email us at waivers@cleanairforce.com. When corresponding with GCAF, please provide your name, phone number, e-mail address and VIN or license plate/tag number so that we may provide you with prompt and accurate information.
Thank you for helping Georgia breathe a little easier.
Regards,
Georgia’s Clean Air Force Service Center
www.cleanairforce.com
