'73 Bronco VIN Verification Question

[jamesroney]

Seems from some Googling that the REG-31 is for confirming identity for standard registration or re-registration (out-of-state, junk/salvage), while the REG-124 is to get a new, assigned VIN because its original identity is lost or it's a kit/specially constructed vehicle, which this is not. Seems like I need the REG-31. As in:
REG-31: "Is this car what it claims to be?" (Verification).
REG-124: "This car needs a new identity; let's assign one!"

Correct. REG-31 is the form you need. Any bonded Vin verifier, or LEO can fill it out. I've used peace officers, community service officers, and even a Game Warden. Any sworn LEO can do it...but they are often reluctant.

You don't want anything to do with a Reg-124. Your VIN is good.

No, you can't show them that it was previously here, or there, or anywhere. They don't care. You CAN use your expired reg paperwork to re-assign your old license plates if you still have them. As soon as the vehicle leaves the state, you need to get it verified to bring it back.

It's easy peasy. You just got started down the wrong path. Start over.

 

[jamesroney]

Thanks for the advice - very helpful. I did locate the frame VIN. I just ordered the door jamb sticker. Oddly enough, the guy at AAA did not fill out a form REG-31. He filled out something called a REG-124. Perhaps because the vehicle is a salvage title? I don't know anything about this process, other than that it's a complete pain in the ass. No one mentioned anything about the emissions cert at AAA, perhaps that was an oversight?

Are you asking me what I think might have happened by the same guy at AAA that gave you the worst possible advice?

Go LOOK at the form. READ it. Out loud. Pretend that you have to fill it out. What EXACTLY will you put into Section number 9? Keep in mind what it says. I'll post it here for you. again...what goes in section 9? ...waiting. ...waiting.

That's right. You put the information from the "Emissions Decal" What if you don't have an emissions decal?
A. PASS. Ask the vin verifier will just make up something and click the box that you like.
B. FAIL. Determine that the emissions status is not present, and in the Remarks section, "remand to CHP"

or...(wait for it) Do what I told you to do...and install the emissions sticker under the hood that has the year model, engine type, and EPA or CA compliance. Then:
C. Pass.

 

[ntsqd]

If the only way that KA would know if it had gone out of State would be because you tell them so, then I would not tell them unless asked. If they don't ask, then they don't need to know.

There's a quote attributed to Hunter S. Thompson that goes "I don't tell the cops anything. It saves them a bunch of trouble."
Extrapolate that.

 

[El Kabong]

No, you can't show them that it was previously here, or there, or anywhere. They don't care. You CAN use your expired reg paperwork to re-assign your old license plates if you still have them. As soon as the vehicle leaves the state, you need to get it verified to bring it back.

That doesn't match up with my personal experience. With my 69 F250, if it was previously registered in CA, & I could prove it, then it didn't have to go through all of the out of state stuff. I proved it, & they titled it here.

My 73 was from out of state, & I needed the VIN check, but they didn't look under the hood for any emissions info.

But it's been awhile on both of those. The rules are probably different today.

install the emissions sticker under the hood that has the year model, engine type, and EPA or CA compliance.

That makes a lot of sense. For the price of a sticker, it seems best to get one in place & be ready for them to check it. The form sounds like they just check the box showing the sticker is there.

Next trip to get it verified I wouldn't bring up past failures. Just have your stuff ready, & let them do their check.

I've been getting ready to deal with my 79. Which, being 76 or newer, requires all the original emissions equipment in CA. Gathering that stuff has been tough. Along the way I bookmarked several sticker sources (Turns out that 79 has 2 stickers above on the inside of the hood & I wasn't looking up there. Mine were still attached, hidden under paint, & I didn't need new ones after all).

These 2 show what looks like 73 federal 302 stickers. I don't see any 73 CA stickers among the sources I saved. Another source might have one if you need it, but these are the ones I'm aware of.

JBG
https://shop.broncograveyard.com/mobile/1973-75-302-Valve-Cover-Emission-Decal/productinfo/29860/

Perogie
https://perogie.com/index_113.htm

 

[jamesroney]

That doesn't match up with my personal experience. With my 69 F250, if it was previously registered in CA, & I could prove it, then it didn't have to go through all of the out of state stuff. I proved it, & they titled it here.

I should be more careful in my words. When I say "left the state..." I meant Previously titled, and subsequently re-titled out of state.

The only way to avoid the "out of state stuff" is to surrender your title. OR you can apply for a replacement title with form REG 227. Of course in Section 3 you need to sign that you lost, or never received the title. So if you titled it out of state, you are on the hook for perjury.

Also, if previously registered, and never titled elsewhere...then you should have your CA title.

I submit that your 69 F250 was always titled in CA...and you just didn't have the paper. That's different than his example.

 

[El Kabong]

I submit that your 69 F250 was always titled in CA...and you just didn't have the paper. That's different than his example.

No. It was titled out of state. It had out of state plates. And wasn't owned by me. It was no longer in the CA records. It got new CA plates & title when I bought it & brought here.

But it's been some years. I'm guessing that things are just different today. Or maybe the person at the desk didn't know what they were doing.

Whatever the reason, it doesn't sound like it would work for @jettwein today. I think he should follow your recommendations.

 

[jamesroney]

No. It was titled out of state. It had out of state plates. And wasn't owned by me. It was no longer in the CA records. It got new CA plates & title when I bought it & brought here.

But it's been some years. I'm guessing that things are just different today. Or maybe the person at the desk didn't know what they were doing.

Whatever the reason, it doesn't sound like it would work for @jettwein today. I think he should follow your recommendations.

Gotcha. It timed out of the database. I think as long as the CA DMV records request result is "no record found" AND the VIN is not in the 17 character Federal format...I'm going to say that it would still work today.

Thanks.