FORM 551
Any false statement in this application is a violation of the law and may be punished by fine or imprisonment or both.
This examination form (DOR-551) expires six months from date of inspection, and must be completed in the following situations:
1.When converting a salvage title into an original title; (branded)
2.When obtaining a new vehicle identification number on a motor vehicle;
3.When the motor vehicle qualifies as a rebuilt, reconstructed, specially constructed, motor change, kit, or NON-USA-STD motor vehicle as defined below;
4.When an out-of-state vehicle has a previous salvage title record in Missouri, if applicable; and
5.When applying for an original title on abandoned property and on any other vehicle as the director may require.
PLEASE REVIEW THE DEFINITIONS BELOW TO DETERMINE HOW YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE WILL BE CLASSIFIED AND TITLED.
REBUILT MOTOR VEHICLE — A motor vehicle which has been repaired or restored to its original appearance and design by means of repaired sheet metal and/or by replacement of new or used major parts such as the bumper, hood, fender, grille, trunk lid, and doors of the same vehicle make, model, or description. (see definition below). The title will be issued for a rebuilt motor vehicle which conforms to this definition. The title will be branded “PRIOR SALVAGE”.
RECONSTRUCTED MOTOR VEHICLE — A vehicle that is altered from its original construction by the addition or substitution of two or more new or used major component parts, excluding motor vehicles made from all new parts, and new multistage manufactured vehicles. The title will be branded “PRIOR SALVAGE” or “RECONSTRUCTED MOTOR VEHICLE”.
MOTOR CHANGE VEHICLE — A vehicle manufactured prior to August 1957, which receives a new, rebuilt, or used engine, and which used the number stamped on the original engine as the vehicle identification number. The title will be branded “MOTOR CHANGE VEHICLE”.
SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED MOTOR VEHICLE — A motor vehicle which has not been originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a manufacturer of motor vehicles (EXAMPLE — DUNE BUGGY). The term “specially constructed motor vehicle” includes glider kit vehicles. The Missouri Certificate of Title issued will be stamped “SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED MOTOR VEHICLE”.
REPLICA MOTOR VEHICLE — Effective January 1, 2005, the department will issue a certificate of title with a “replica” brand code to a motor vehicle that has been constructed/reconstructed to resemble a vehicle that is at least 25 years old. If the model year and make of the vehicle has not changed after the reconstruction, the title will not be branded as “replica.”.
NON-USA-STD MOTOR VEHICLE — A motor vehicle not originally manufactured in compliance with United States standards. The title will be branded “NON USA STD MOTOR VEHICLE.”
MAJOR COMPONENT PARTS — MOTOR VEHICLE
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING PARTS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE:
1.COWL — sheet metal formed by severing the vehicle across the floor in the vicinity of the front seat, severing the windshield posts (not including removing the parts forward of the firewall).
2.REAR CLIP — the complete rear sheet metal assembly formed by severing the vehicle across the floor and either through the windshield post or through the rear window post.
3.FRAME — the steel basic structure which runs the entire length of the vehicle onto which the suspension parts are bolted to the lower side and the body is bolted to the top side.
4.BODY — the shell, either of a unibody or frame-type passenger vehicle, which consists of a one-piece, integrated sheet metal construction extend- ing from the firewall back. The body includes a cowl but not a front-end assembly. It may or may not include an interior, doors, and deck lid.
5.CAB — the passenger compartment of a common truck. It is a one-piece sheet metal construction which may or may not include glass, instrumentation, steering column, and seat.
6.FRONT CLIP — all parts of the front end assembly plus complete cowl, and may include instrumentation and steering column. Requires cutting of floor and windshield post.
7.FRONT END ASSEMBLY — an entire unit consisting of that portion of the body from the firewall forward (i.e., hood, both fenders, inner skirt or fenders, radiator or core support, grille.)
MAJOR COMPONENT PARTS — MOTORCYCLE
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING PARTS OF A MOTORCYCLE:
1.FRAME — the basic skeletal structure onto which the major and/or essential* component parts are secured for the construction and completion of the vehicle.
2.MOTOR
3.TRANSMISSION
ESSENTIAL COMPONENT PARTS
MOTOR VEHICLE — May include (but are not limited to) bumper, doors, fender, grille, hood, trunk lid, motor or transmission. MOTORCYCLES — May include (but are not limited to) driveline, fenders, gas tank, front fork assembly, or suspension parts.
These definitions are subject to change. The Missouri Department of Revenue’s current Administrative Rule (12 CSR 10.23-345) on this subject shall control.
