Titling a Reconstructed, Specially Constructed, or Replica Vehicle
Every person who owns a reconstructed vehicle, specially constructed vehicle, or replica vehicle
must obtain a certificate of title and registration for the vehicle before it is operated on any
highway. All liens held against the vehicle must be shown on the Virginia title.
Definitions
Reconstructed Vehicle
Any vehicle that has been materially altered from its original construction by the removal,
addition, or substitution of new or used essential parts. (VA Code § 46.2-100)
Specially Constructed Vehicle
Any vehicle that was not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type
by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles and which would not be otherwise defined
as a reconstructed vehicle. (VA Code § 46.2-100) For example, a vehicle constructed using a
Mercury frame and a Chevrolet body.
Replica Vehicle
Any vehicle not fully constructed by a licensed manufacturer, but either constructed or
assembled from components. Such components may be from a single vehicle, multiple vehicles,
a kit, parts, or fabricated components. The kit may be made up of major components, a full
body, or a full chassis, or a combination of these parts. The vehicle must resemble a vehicle of
distinctive name, line-make, model, or type as produced by a licensed manufacturer or
manufacturer no longer in business and is not a reconstructed or specially constructed vehicle.
(VA Code § 46.2-100)
Major Components
Any one of the following subassemblies of a motor vehicle: (i) front clip assembly, consisting of
the fenders, grille, hood, bumper, and related parts; (ii) engine; (iii) transmission; (iv) rear clip
assembly, consisting of the quarter panels, floor panels, trunk lid, bumper, and related parts; (v)
frame; (vi) air bags; and (vii) any door that displays a vehicle identification number. (VA Code §
46.2-1600)
How to Apply
Follow these steps when applying for a title for a reconstructed, specially constructed or replica
vehicle.
Step 1: Submit the following completed forms:
• Application for Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VSA 22), if required NOTE:
Vehicles such as reconstructed or specially constructed motor vehicles may have
existing vehicle identification numbers (VINs) that are no longer appropriate because
the vehicle has been fundamentally altered to be an entirely different vehicle for titling
purposes. In order to title these types of vehicles, DMV will assign vehicle identification
numbers. If the vehicle is a replica built on a manufactured chassis or a chassis from
another vehicle, a VIN usually will not have to be assigned by DMV because the
Manufacturer's Certificate (or Statement) of Origin (MCO or MSO) will provide an
acceptable VIN for the vehicle. A replica vehicle built on the chassis from another
vehicle may use the VIN from the existing chassis, as long as the new vehicle is a replica
of the vehicle from which the chassis came. However, DMV must assign a VIN to any
replica vehicle that otherwise does not have one, or if the replica does not appear to be
the vehicle from which the chassis came. Any vehicle owner seeking an assignment of
VIN from DMV must establish ownership of the vehicle by submitting all titles or other
ownership documents for any parts acquired for use in constructing the vehicle. Each
type of vehicle has certain components that must be accounted for with a bill of sale,
title, certificate of origin and/or a notarized affidavit. These documents must show any
identification numbers, sale price, and be properly assigned to the applicant. Any
vehicle, for which an application for a VIN has been made, will be subject to inspection
by DMV ("VIN inspection"). In addition, all reconstructed, specially constructed, and
replica vehicles must be inspected by DMV's Law Enforcement Services prior to titling,
even if the vehicle has an existing, useable VIN. DMV charges a fee for the inspection,
verification, or identification of the serial number or VIN of any vehicle.
• Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (VSA 17A)
• Vehicle Services Payment Authorization (VSA 153), if applicable
Step 2: Submit proof of address
Refer to Acceptable Documents for Titling a Vehicle in Virginia (DMV 177) for a list of proof of
address documents.
Step 3: Submit properly assigned ownership documents or bills of sale for:
• Frame
• Body
• Engine and Drive Train (component parts consisting of engine, transmission and rear
axle)
• MCO or MSO for cab/glider kit, if applicable (A glider kit is a new cab and front axle used
to replace a wrecked or retired cab and front axle. Motor vehicle sales and use tax is not
required; however, you must provide proof that you paid retail tax.)
• For replica vehicle, MCO or MSO of the chassis, if specially manufactured or the title for
the chassis if it came from another vehicle
NOTE: For motorcycles, submit properly assigned ownership documents or bills of sale for the
following:
• Frame
• Body
• Engine
• Transmission, if applicable
• Front-end assembly
Step 4: Submit the following documents:
• A detailed notarized statement stating how the vehicle was constructed
• Multiple pictures of the completed vehicle (You must show at least the front and side of
the vehicle.)
Step 5: Submit the following fees:
• $5 VIN Plate Fee, if applicable
• $125 Inspection Fee
• $15 Title Fee
• Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax NOTE: If the vehicle weighs 26,001 pounds or more,
you are exempt from paying sales and use tax. If you paid retail sales tax on any parts at
the time of purchase and you are providing proof of payment, no motor vehicle sales
and use tax is required.
• Registration Fee, if applicable NOTE: In order to operate your vehicle on Virginia
highways, the vehicle must pass a state motor vehicle safety inspection. You must pay
the local vehicle registration fee to the locality and display the local sticker or decal on
the windshield, if applicable.
Step 6: Submit all documents and fees to:
• Mailing Address
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Vehicle Branding Work Center
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269
• Physical Address
2300 W. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23269
NOTE: The estimated turnaround time for this process is 3 weeks, if you submit all required
documentation. You must completely assemble the vehicle prior to submitting your original
paperwork to DMV for processing. A DMV Investigator will contact you to schedule an
appointment to inspect the vehicle and install the VIN plate, if applicable.
Additional Information
Please note the following:
• Replica vehicles may not be driven more than 5,000 miles each year (VA Code § 46.2-
602.1).
• A state inspection must be performed on the vehicle and the state inspection sticker
must be displayed on the windshield, if applicable.
• The locality sticker/decal must be displayed on the windshield, if applicable. NOTE:
Some localities do not require the display of a sticker/decal on a vehicle; however,
payment of the local registration fee is still required. Check with the appropriate locality
for requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Antique License Plate Applicant Certification (VSA
10B)
GENERAL APPLICANT INFORMATION
1. Who pays the $50 antique license plate fee? Anyone applying for an antique plate on or after
July 1, 2007 pays the $50 one-time registration fee.
2. What happens if I received my antique plate before July 1, 2007, but I have not submitted my
VSA 10B? If you received your antique plate before July 1, 2007, but have not submitted the
VSA 10B, you will have to reapply for antique plates, pay the $50 fee and submit the VSA 10B.
3. Does the VSA 10B have to be notarized? No. As of July 1, 2008, Virginia no longer requires
the VSA 10B to be notarized.
4. Can I mail my antique vehicle registration application to DMV headquarters for processing?
Yes. You will need to mail your application (either the VSA 14 or VSA 10) and your VSA 10B,
along with the $50 registration fee to: DMV, Special Plates P.O. Box 26668 Richmond, VA
23261-6668 After DMV processes your application, you will receive your plates and a new
registration card in the mail.
USE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE OR MOTORCYCLE
5. Can I use a leased vehicle as my general use vehicle? Yes.
6. If I have multiple antique vehicles, can I submit one VSA 10B for all vehicles? No. The form
must be completed for each vehicle.
7. If I have multiple antique vehicles, can I use the same general use vehicle for all of my VSA
10B forms? Yes.
8. I have purchased a new vehicle within the past 30 days and intend to list it as my general use
vehicle on my VSA 10B, but I have not received a title, registration card, or license plates from
DMV. What information do I need to provide in order to be able to use my new vehicle on
myform? You will need to provide a copy of your Temporary Certificate of Registration (VSA-
01), which you should have received when you purchased the new vehicle. The Temporary
Certificate of Registration will provide DMV with enough information to process your VSA 10B
before the title work for your new vehicle is complete.
VEHICLE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION
9. Do I have to get the vehicle inspected or show tangible proof of the safety equipment
requirements for the model year in which it was manufactured and that it is capable of being
safely operated on Virginia highways? No. This is a self-certification and you are required to
certify based on your knowledge regarding the vehicle’s safe operation. However, you should
not certify to it if you know it is not true. As of July 1,2008, you are no longer required to certify
that the vehicle meets the safety equipment requirements for the model year in which it was
manufactured, only that the vehicle is capable of being safely operated on the highways of
Virginia.
10. If I want vintage plates on my antique vehicle, do I have to submit the VSA 10B? Yes.
Vintage plates and antique plates are treated the same.
Are antique vehicles exempt from inspection and what are the restrictions?
For a vehicle to be defined as "antique," it must be 25 years old or older. If the vehicle is
registered as an antique through the Department of Motor Vehicles, it is exempt from state
inspection.
Restrictions: Antique motor vehicles shall not be used for general transportation purposes,
including, but not limited to, daily travel to and from the owner’s place of employment. Such
vehicle may be operated on the highway for participation in club activities, exhibits, tours,
parades, and similar events or for the purpose of testing their operation, obtaining repairs or
maintenance, transportation to and from the events earlier described, and for occasional
pleasure drives, not to exceed 250 miles from the residence of the owner.