Reference · 20 terms · Plain English
VIN Verification Glossary
Every California VIN verification term defined — REG 31, BTM, IRP, SVIP, MSO, and more.
- REG 31(Verification of Vehicle)
- California DMV form completed by an authorized verifier documenting a physical inspection of a vehicle. Records the VIN, body type, fuel, odometer, axles, and classification. Required for out-of-state registration, title corrections, and several other registration scenarios. Full REG 31 reference →
- REG 343(Application for Title or Registration)
- California DMV form completed by the vehicle owner requesting California title and registration issuance. Includes ownership, lienholder, and address info. Submitted ALONGSIDE the REG 31 in the registration packet — not instead of it.
- REG 256(Statement of Facts)
- California DMV form for documenting specific scenarios — common uses include BTM (body-type-model) changes, name corrections, and explanations of unusual circumstances during a vehicle history.
- VIN(Vehicle Identification Number)
- The unique 17-character (since 1981) identifier assigned to each vehicle by the manufacturer. Stamped on the dashboard (primary), door frame or engine block (secondary), and embedded in the federal certification label.
- BTM(Body Type Model)
- A coded classification on the title that describes a vehicle's configuration (e.g., sedan, coupe, dump truck, flatbed, coach trailer). Changing the configuration triggers a BTM change requiring a fresh REG 31.
- IRP(International Registration Plan)
- A reciprocal apportioning agreement for commercial vehicles operating across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Commercial trucks registered through IRP use REG 31 verifications for mileage confirmation when re-apportioning across states.
- VLT(Vehicle Lien Title)
- A California DMV designation marking a vehicle with an unresolved lien from the lien-sale unit. The REG 31 verification is used to confirm physical possession before lifting the lien.
- SVIP(Specialized VIN Inspection Program)
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) program for VIN inspections of salvage, revived-junk, gray-market import, motorcycles missing supporting documents, and armored vehicles. CHP-only — private verifiers, AAA, and DMV staff cannot perform SVIP inspections. See the SVIP process →
- MSO(Manufacturer's Statement of Origin)
- The document issued by a vehicle manufacturer to the first dealer that received the vehicle. Used in place of a title for new vehicles being registered for the first time. Sometimes called MCO (Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin).
- CARB EO(California Air Resources Board Executive Order)
- A certification number assigned to an aftermarket vehicle part confirming it has been tested and approved for use on California-registered vehicles without affecting smog compliance. Common Bay Area scene mods (cold-air intakes, exhausts) need a CARB EO number to pass California smog.
- Smog Certificate
- A California smog station certificate confirming a vehicle passed the state's emissions inspection. Required for most gas vehicles 1976+ and most diesel vehicles 1998+. Valid for 90 days. Required in the registration packet alongside the REG 31.
- Weight-Master Certificate
- A document issued by a state-licensed Weight-Master showing a commercial vehicle or pickup truck's unladen weight. Required for commercial vehicles and most pickup truck registrations in California.
- 20-Day Rule
- California's requirement that new residents register out-of-state vehicles within 20 days of establishing residency. Residency triggers include accepting employment, enrolling children in school, registering to vote, filing for homeowner exemption, or paying resident tuition. Penalties scale with days late. Full 20-day rule guide →
- Use Tax
- A tax assessed by California at registration for vehicles purchased less than 12 months before establishing California residency. Calculated against the depreciated purchase price at the California tax rate.
- VLF(Vehicle License Fee)
- California's annual vehicle registration fee based on the depreciated value of the vehicle. Separate from the registration application fee and the title transfer fee.
- Federal Safety Label
- The manufacturer's label affixed to most 1980+ vehicles certifying that the vehicle meets federal motor-vehicle safety standards. Required on most vehicles for VIN verification; vehicles missing the label cannot be verified by private verifiers (CHP-only).
- Federal Certification Label
- The manufacturer's label (often on the driver-side door jamb) showing the vehicle's GVWR, tire pressure specifications, and federal certifications. Required for VIN verification and recorded on the REG 31.
- Public VIN
- The primary VIN visible from outside the vehicle, typically stamped on a plate at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. Used by police, insurance, and verifiers as the canonical VIN reference.
- Secondary VIN
- A second VIN location on the vehicle — door frame, engine block, or other manufacturer-designated location depending on year/make. Verifiers check this against the public VIN to detect tampering.
- Title Brand
- A permanent designation on a vehicle title indicating its history — common brands are "Salvage", "Revived Salvage", "Junk", "Flood", "Lemon Law Buyback", "Police Use", "Taxi". Brands stay with the vehicle for life and must be disclosed in sales.