An assembled vehicle is defined as:
1. One built (assembled) from new or used materials and parts by someone not recognized
as a manufacturer (usually an individual). Example: a homemade vehicle.
2. One altered or modified to the extent that it no longer reflects its original manufacturer
configuration. Example: a Volkswagen made into a dune buggy.
3. One which has had its body unit (passenger body or pickup truck cab) replaced with a
different style body unit from another vehicle, altering the vehicle's original
configuration. Example: A Ford pickup truck has its cab replaced with a Chevrolet cab or
with a different-style Ford cab, altering its original manufacturer configuration.
A vehicle which has had its body unit (passenger body or pickup truck cab) replaced with
an identical style body unit that doesn’t alter the vehicle's original configuration is
retitled as a reconstructed vehicle. Example: A 2014 Ford pickup truck has its cab
replaced with an identical cab from a 2012 Ford pickup. A new state-assigned VIN is
issued. The original year and make are retained.
4. One assembled from a kit designed for on-road use (often called "kit cars"), even if a
Manufacturers Certificate of Origin is provided.
Note: Off-road vehicles (ORVs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-road dune buggies can be
titled as an assembled vehicle for on-road use.
Procedure to title an assembled vehicle:
1. You will need ownership documents for all vehicles or major component parts used in
assembling the vehicle. This includes:
• Titles
• Assigned ownership documents (Example: Release of Abandoned Vehicle notice from
police department)
• Original bills of sale
The following parts must be accounted for in the ownership documents presented:
• Motor vehicles
o Engine, transmission, body parts (doors, front and rear clips) and frame,
including axles
• Motorcycles
o Engine, frame, front end assembly including the fork, wheels and seat
• Titled trailers or trailer coaches
o Running gear (frame, axle and wheels)
2. A certification statement summarizing the vehicle’s assembly will be required. The
statement should include:
• A description of the vehicle and its parts
• The name of the person who assembled the vehicle
• When and where the vehicle was assembled or reconstructed
• Any special information about the vehicle to assist the Michigan Department of State
investigator
3. A Vehicle Number/On-Road Equipment Inspection (form TR-54) completed by a
Michigan police officer must be submitted. The inspection will verify the vehicle has all
equipment required for on-road registration. Note: Completion of the TR-54 form by law
enforcement doesn’t qualify the vehicle for a title or registration. Michigan Department
of State regulation agents conduct a final inspection of the vehicle before placement of
the assembled VIN sticker.
4. All assembled vehicles require a state-assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
There is a $10 fee for this.
5. When applying for your assembled vehicle title, tax is due on all parts, unless it was paid
at time of purchase.
6. Assembled vehicles aren’t eligible for temporary registrations. A Regulatory Monitoring
Division agent will contact you to schedule the final inspection appointment and vehicle
inspection location. Upon passing the final inspection, the agent will place the assigned
VIN sticker on the vehicle. The new title will be mailed.
7. Before a utility vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle can be used on public roads, it must pass
the full equipment and safety inspection as defined on the TR-54 form. Be aware that a
receipt is required confirming that the installed windshield is U.S. Department of
Transportation certified and is laminated glass. A polycarbonate or Plexi-glass
windshield isn’t acceptable. Also, the parking brake must be mechanical, and not
hydraulic. Mechanical brake calipers activated by a hand lever and cable assembly can
be bought from aftermarket vendors. The secretary of state doesn’t provide lists of
vendors.
Vehicle Restoration
Does your heart beat faster when you see a restored or modified '34 Ford or '57 Chevy? Are
you dreaming about restoring your own classic car? This information may be helpful if you
decide to pay someone to improve or restore the condition of your older or classic vehicle.
The Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Information Security, Regulatory Monitoring
Division, is responsible for administering the Motor Vehicle Service & Repair Act. This law
regulates the diagnosis, service and repair of motor vehicles. The Regulatory Monitoring
Division regulates motor vehicle repair shops, investigates complaints and informs consumers
of their rights.
Complaints investigated by the division involving restoration work are usually complex. This
makes them very difficult to resolve to the satisfaction of the customer or the restoration shop.
Use this information to avoid many of the pitfalls that may occur when restoration work is
being performed.
What You Should Know
• Only repair facilities registered with the Michigan Department of State can perform
restoration work for compensation. Ask to see the registration certificate before
contracting for repairs.
• Complaints involving restoration work usually arise because there is not a clear
understanding of the work desired and the costs involved.
• Restoration work typically falls into three categories: paint work, reconditioning, and
complete restoration.
Paint Work includes the preparation of the surfaces to be painted and the application of paint
to specific panels or to the entire vehicle. This may or may not include dent and rust removal
and/or panel repair.
Reconditioning involves improving certain portions of the vehicle. The work involved is usually
more than paint work but less than restoration. Example: replacing quarter panels, door skins
or floorboards without restoring the engine compartment or drive train.
Complete Restoration (also called "ground up" restoration) involves the disassembly and
reconditioning of the entire vehicle to like new or better condition.
Other Important Information
• There are various levels of quality within the three restoration categories.
• The better the understanding regarding the quality of work desired, the greater the
chance you will be satisfied with the work performed.
• Talking with others who have had restoration work done can help you identify a good
restoration shop.
• Have the prospective restoration shop provide you with a list of customers who have
had similar work performed. Check to see if they are satisfied with the work performed
and the price agreed upon.
• Obtain a detailed written estimate before work is begun. (Because it can be difficult to
accurately assess the cost of restoration work, it may be necessary for the repair facility
to disassemble or remove paint from your vehicle to determine the extent of work
needed. Obtain a written estimate for the cost of disassembly or paint removal).
• Discuss how long it will take to perform the work desired. Establish a project completion
date.
• Find out if the shop encourages periodic visits to check on the progress of the work.
• Ask for a revised estimate each time significant changes are made to the original
contract of if work is performed in stages.
• If the price quoted for the desired work is beyond your budget, it may be necessary to
modify the amount of work you want done or remove the vehicle from the restoration
shop.
• Obtain a final invoice that details the work performed. If, during the restoration process,
you are periodically billed for time and materials, have the restoration shop explain the
charges if they are unclear. Ask that photographs be provided.
• While the law does not prohibit a restoration shop from taking money in advance for
work being performed, it is not a practice recommended by the Regulatory Monitoring
Division. Advance payment can diminish your ability to work out a mutually agreeable
resolution if a dispute arises.
If You Have a Dispute
First, try to settle the dispute directly with the restoration shop. If you are unable to resolve the
matter, you may file a complaint with the Regulatory Monitoring Division at 1-888-SOS-MICH
(1-888-767-6424) or online.