Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspections

Stage I VIN Inspections

Stage I VIN inspections are required if the identity of the vehicle is in question or when a Canadian registration or a bonded application is submitted. Proof of ownership is not required for Stage I VIN inspections.

Local law enforcement officials, driver license exam station staff, and participating local County Treasurer’s office staff are authorized to perform Stage I VIN inspections. The VIN inspector must complete the appropriate sections of the Vehicle/OHV Identification Number Inspection (MV20) during the inspection.

To schedule an appointment for a Stage I VIN inspection please call your local law enforcement agency or one of the regional contacts listed below.

Stage III VIN Inspections

Stage III VIN inspections are required on all vehicles with an out-of-state or Montana salvage certificate.

Note: Stage III VIN inspections are not required on non-motorized trailers.

Commercial Vehicle Operator Licensing (CVOL) examiners, driver licensing regional managers and motor vehicle compliance specialists are authorized to perform Stage III VIN inspections. The VIN inspector must complete the appropriate sections of the Vehicle Inspection Report (MV208) during the inspection.

For a Stage III VIN inspection, the customer is required to:

• schedule a Stage III VIN inspection appointment by telephone with the appropriate regional contact (listed below).
• provide required titling documentation (e.g., salvage certificates, bills of sale, purchase receipts to prove acquisition of all component parts used in the rebuilding process)
• determine the age of the vehicle by subtracting the vehicle model year from the current calendar year
• pay the associated fee