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In the state of Maine, the integrity of vehicle identification numbers (VIN) holds paramount importance, especially for vehicles that cross international borders or might raise concerns regarding their identification. This underscores the significance of the Maine MVT 10 form, a critical document mandated by the Maine Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act (29A MRSA Chapter 7) for all vehicles of the 1995 model year and newer previously registered or titled in another country. It's also essential when the authenticity of a vehicle's VIN is in question. The purpose of this form is to ensure a thorough inspection by authorized individuals, including but not limited to selected employees and agents of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement officers, licensed dealers in Maine and New Hampshire (under specific conditions), official inspection stations in Maine, and military provost officers. Notably, this form is not applicable for correcting VINs on registrations but is instead a preemptive measure against theft and fraud, requiring detailed information such as the vehicle's make, model, year, and the odometer reading across two distinct locations on the vehicle itself. This form emphasizes the state's effort to maintain vehicle identification integrity, safeguarding against alterations or tampering. In essence, it's a testament to the rigorous standards maintained in Maine to protect its citizens and uphold the law, intertwining public safety with administrative diligence.

Maine Mvt 10 Sample

SECRETARY OF STATE

BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES

INSPECTION OF (VIN) VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

BY AUTHORIZED PERSON

An inspection of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is required by the Maine Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act (29A MRSA Chapter 7) for all vehicles that are 1995 model year and newer which were previously registered/titled in another country. An inspection of a VIN is also required whenever the Vehicle Identification Number of a vehicle is questionable.

This form is NOT to be used to correct the VIN on a registration.

Arrangements for inspection of a VIN must be made by the owner of a vehicle at no cost to the State of Maine.

ONLY THE FOLLOWING ARE AUTHORIZED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO INSPECT VINS:

Selected employees and agents of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Law enforcement officers employed full-time

Maine and New Hampshire licensed dealers (only if seller of vehicle)

Maine official inspection stations (station number must be given)

Military provost officers

For abandoned vehicle applications, only law enforcement officers employed full-time are authorized to inspect the VIN.

Under penalties of false statement, the undersigned authorized person certifies to the following facts:

I certify that on _________________ I personally viewed the vehicle described below at _____________________________.

 

 

Date

 

 

Location

Year

Make

Model

Style

State & Plate # Where Last Registered

CTA #

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIN must be copied from 2 places on the vehicle; if motorcycle, need frame VIN.

Public Vehicle Identification Number

Vehicle Identification Number on the Federal Sticker

 

 

Owner’s Name

Address

 

 

Odometer Reading (no tenths)

Actual In Excess I further certify that:

Check One:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

miles

 

kilometers hours

Not Actual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Vehicle Identification Number shows no sign of alteration or having been tampered with.

OR

The Vehicle Identification Number appears altered or tampered with.

________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Signature of Authorized Person

Date

Signature of Current Owner

Date

________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Please clearly print name of person signing above

 

Please clearly print name of person signing above

 

__________________________________________________________

 

 

Name of Law Enforcement Agency or Inspection Station

 

 

 

__________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Law Enforcement Officer Badge # or Inspection Station #

 

Law Enforcement Agency or Inspection Station Work phone #

 

101 Hospital Street, #29 State House Station, Augusta, ME. 04333-0029 Tel. (207) 624-9000 Ext. 52138

Fax: (207) 624-9254 TTY Users call Maine Relay 711

MVT-10 Rev. 1-2013

Form Data

Fact Detail
Governing Law Maine Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act (29A MRSA Chapter 7)
Vehicles Affected Vehicles that are 1995 model year and newer previously registered/titled in another country
When is VIN Inspection Required? Whenever the Vehicle Identification Number of a vehicle is questionable
Use of Form MVT-10 Not to correct the VIN on a registration
Cost for Inspection No cost to the State of Maine
Authorized Inspectors Selected BMV employees and agents, full-time law enforcement officers, licensed dealers in Maine and New Hampshire (if selling the vehicle), official inspection stations in Maine, military provost officers
Abandoned Vehicle Applications Only full-time law enforcement officers are authorized to inspect the VIN
Inspection Details VIN must be copied from 2 places on the vehicle; for motorcycles, frame VIN is needed
Signature Requirements Authorized person and current vehicle owner must sign the form

Instructions on Filling in Maine Mvt 10

Filling out the Maine MVT-10 form is a necessary step for getting your vehicle properly registered under specific circumstances, such as when a vehicle is newly registered in Maine and coming from another country, or when there are questions about the vehicle's identification number (VIN). This form ensures that the VIN has been inspected and verified by an authorized person, which is crucial for preventing fraud and theft. Here’s how you can correctly fill out the form:

  1. Identify an authorized inspector. This can be selected employees and agents of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement officers employed full-time, Maine and New Hampshire licensed dealers (if they are the seller of the vehicle), official inspection stations in Maine, military provost officers, or, in the case of abandoned vehicles, only full-time law enforcement officers.
  2. Arrange for the vehicle inspection. Remember, the state of Maine does not cover any costs associated with this inspection.
  3. In the section titled "I certify that on", enter the date on which the inspection took place.
  4. Fill in the "Location" field with the address where the vehicle was inspected.
  5. Complete the vehicle details section with the year, make, model, style, and the state & plate number where the vehicle was last registered.
  6. Enter the CTA number if applicable.
  7. Under "VIN must be copied from 2 places on the vehicle", enter the Public Vehicle Identification Number and the Vehicle Identification Number found on the Federal Sticker, ensuring that at least two different VIN locations are recorded. For motorcycles, include the frame VIN.
  8. Fill in the owner’s name and address in the designated spaces.
  9. Enter the odometer reading, selecting either Actual, In Excess (miles, kilometers, or hours), or Not Actual to indicate the accuracy of the odometer reading.
  10. Indicate whether the Vehicle Identification Number shows no sign of alteration or tampering or whether it appears altered or tampered with by checking the appropriate box.
  11. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided for "Signature of Authorized Person" and "Signature of Current Owner". Make sure to print the names clearly below each signature.
  12. Complete the section with the Name of Law Enforcement Agency or Inspection Station, including the badge number or inspection station number and the work phone number.
  13. Finally, ensure the form is submitted to the correct address listed at the bottom of the form: 101 Hospital Street, #29 State House Station, Augusta, ME. 04333-0029. Consider contacting the Bureau of Motor Vehicles directly if you have any questions.

Following these steps will ensure your MVT-10 form is completed accurately, helping to facilitate a smooth registration process for your vehicle.

FAQ

What is the Maine MVT-10 Form and why is it required?

The Maine MVT-10 Form, officially known as the Inspection of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) by Authorized Person form, is a crucial document required by the Maine Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act (29A MRSA Chapter 7). This requirement applies to all vehicles that are model year 1995 and newer and were previously registered or titled in another country. Additionally, this inspection is mandatory whenever a vehicle's VIN is questionable. Its primary purpose is to verify the authenticity and integrity of a vehicle's identification number, ensuring it has not been altered or tampered with, which is essential for preventing vehicle theft and fraud.

Who is authorized to inspect the VIN on a vehicle in Maine?

In Maine, not everyone is permitted to conduct a VIN inspection. The Secretary of State specifies that only the following individuals are authorized:

  • Selected employees and agents of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles
  • Law enforcement officers employed full-time
  • Maine and New Hampshire licensed dealers (only if they are the seller of the vehicle)
  • Maine official inspection stations (a station number must be provided)
  • Military provost officers
  • For abandoned vehicle applications, only full-time employed law enforcement officers are authorized

How should the VIN be inspected?

When inspecting a Vehicle Identification Number, it is necessary to copy the VIN from two distinct places on the vehicle. If the vehicle is a motorcycle, the frame's VIN must be noted. This process is designed to ensure that the VIN matches the official records and has not been improperly altered. The inspection must include a check to confirm whether the VIN shows any signs of alteration or tampering. Based on the inspection, the authorized person will certify whether the VIN appears to be authentic and unaltered or if it seems to have been tampered with.

What happens if the VIN appears altered or tampered with?

If, during the inspection, the Vehicle Identification Number appears to be altered or tampered with, the authorized person conducting the inspection must indicate this on the MVT-10 Form. This notation is critical, as it may impact the vehicle's legal status, its registration process, and potentially involve further investigation by law enforcement authorities. Vehicles with tampered VINs are subject to a more thorough review to determine their origins, whether they are stolen, and if they are eligible for registration. Owners may need to provide additional documentation or evidence to clear any discrepancies and verify the vehicle's legality.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Maine MVT-10 form, which is necessary for the inspection of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) by an authorized person, can be a complex process. It's crucial for vehicle owners to fill this form accurately for successful completion of the VIN inspection process. Here are several common mistakes to avoid:

  1. Not having the VIN inspected by an authorized inspector. Only certain individuals, such as selected employees of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement officers, licensed dealers in Maine and New Hampshire, Maine official inspection stations, and military provost officers, are authorized by the Secretary of State to conduct VIN inspections.
  2. Forgetting to copy the VIN from two different locations on the vehicle. This is a requirement to ensure the VIN has not been tampered with, and it's particularly important for motorcycles, which require the frame VIN.
  3. Incorrect odometer reading. The form requires the odometer reading without the tenths and it's crucial to mark whether the reading is actual, in excess, or not actual.
  4. Overlooking the signature requirement. Both the authorized person conducting the inspection and the current owner of the vehicle must sign the form. It's essential to also clearly print the names of the individuals signing the form.
  5. Failure to specify if the VIN appears altered or tampered with. The person inspecting the vehicle must certify whether the VIN shows signs of alteration or tampering, or to the best of their knowledge, appears intact and unaltered.
  6. Not providing complete information about the vehicle. It's important to accurately fill out the vehicle's year, make, model, style, and the state and plate number where it was last registered.
  7. Not correctly identifying the inspection authority. The form requires the name of the law enforcement agency or inspection station, as well as the badge number or station number and contact information. Skipping or incorrectly filling out this section can lead to validation issues.

By avoiding these common mistakes, vehicle owners can ensure a smoother process in the VIN inspection, which is required for vehicles that were previously registered or titled in another country, as well as in cases where the VIN is in question.

Documents used along the form

When proceeding with the Maine MVT-10 form, which is essential for the inspection of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in certain cases, individuals may need to gather additional documents to ensure a smooth process. These documents support various aspects of vehicle ownership and registration, ensuring compliance with state laws. The following list highlights documents commonly needed alongside the Maine MVT-10 form, each playing a pivotal role in different scenarios.

  1. Maine Motor Vehicle Registration Application: Required for registering a vehicle in Maine, this application formalizes the process of recording your vehicle with the state.
  2. Proof of Insurance: This document verifies that the vehicle meets Maine’s minimum insurance coverage requirements, which is compulsory for vehicle registration.
  3. Bill of Sale: Acts as a record of the transaction between the buyer and seller, detailing the vehicle's purchase price and transfer of ownership.
  4. Odometer Disclosure Statement: Needed for vehicles less than 10 years old, this statement provides an official record of a vehicle's mileage at the time of sale or transfer.
  5. Maine Title Application (Form MV-7): Required for vehicles that need a new or replacement title, indicating the ownership rights of said vehicle.
  6. Vehicle Excise Tax Receipt: Shows that the required municipal excise tax has been paid. This tax must be settled before registration can be completed.
  7. Power of Attorney (if applicable): Authorizes another person to act on your behalf in matters related to the vehicle, such as registration or inspection, if you cannot be present.
  8. Driver's License: A valid Maine driver's license is often required to confirm the identity of the individual registering the vehicle or requesting other services.
  9. Lien Release (if applicable): If there was a lien on the vehicle, this document proves that the lien has been satisfied and the vehicle is now clear of any financial encumbrances.

Gathering these documents in advance can streamline the process of registering or titling a vehicle in Maine, especially when a VIN inspection is necessary. Each document serves to verify different aspects of your vehicle's legal standing, your identity, and your eligibility to own and operate the vehicle in question. By preparing these documents, individuals can navigate the state’s requirements more efficiently and with greater peace of mind. Working together, these forms ensure that vehicle ownership is transparent, lawful, and properly recorded.

Similar forms

The Maine MVT-10 form, used for the inspection of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), shares similarities to other state-specific vehicle inspection documents across the United States. One such example is the Texas Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), required for vehicle registration or renewal. Like the MVT-10, the VIR ensures that vehicles meet a specific state's safety, emissions, and anti-theft regulations by verifying vital information, including the VIN. Both forms are integral to maintaining the safety and legality of vehicle ownership and operation within their respective states.

Another document akin to the Maine MVT-10 form is the California Vehicle Verification form. This form is used by authorized personnel to verify a vehicle's VIN when registering a vehicle from out of state or when the VIN is in question, similar to the circumstances outlined for the MVT-10. The California form, like Maine's, aims to prevent the illegal sale, use, or importation of vehicles by ensuring the VIN's authenticity and accuracy.

The Florida Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification form also shares a purpose with Maine's MVT-10. It requires inspection and verification of the VIN and odometer reading for vehicles being registered in Florida, especially those coming from another state or country, ensuring the vehicle’s history and condition are accurately represented. Both forms serve as crucial tools in the fight against vehicle fraud and theft.

In New York, the Vehicle Identification Number Inspection form plays a role similar to that of the Maine MVT-10, focusing on verifying the vehicle's VIN, especially in cases where ownership is transferred or when the vehicle is from out of state. By confirming that the VIN matches the vehicle's documentation, New York and Maine both uphold the integrity of their motor vehicle registration processes.

The Illinois VSD-190 form, used for vehicle title and registration, requires a VIN inspection similar to the MVT-10's process. The Illinois approach ensures that all vehicles, particularly those entering from another state or country, have their VINs thoroughly inspected and documented to prevent theft and fraud. It emphasizes the nationwide importance of VIN verification in maintaining a legal and transparent vehicle registration system.

The Nevada VIN Inspection Certificate (VP 015) is another form with a purpose that mirrors that of Maine's MVT-10. It is essential for those registering an out-of-state vehicle in Nevada, with the goal of confirming the vehicle's identity and preventing the registration of stolen or tampered vehicles. Both Nevada’s and Maine’s forms are vital components of their state’s efforts to ensure the safety and legality of vehicles on their roads.

Analogous to Maine's MVT-10, the Arizona Vehicle Identification Number Inspection form (used within multiple procedural contexts) is crucial for verifying the authenticity of a vehicle's VIN, especially upon first-time registration or title transfer in Arizona. Like the aforementioned documents, the Arizona form safeguards against vehicle identity theft and fraud, underscoring the common goal of accurate vehicle identification and registration across different states.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Maine MVT 10 form, which is crucial for inspecting the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for compliance with the Maine Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act, there are several important guidelines to follow. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do to ensure the process goes smoothly.

  • Do make sure that the vehicle inspection is carried out by an authorized person, as specified: selected Bureau of Motor Vehicles employees and agents, full-time law enforcement officers, licensed dealers in Maine and New Hampshire (if they are the seller of the vehicle), official inspection stations in Maine, military provost officers, and for abandoned vehicles, only full-time law enforcement officers can perform the inspection.
  • Do not use the form to correct a VIN on a vehicle registration. This form is specifically for inspection purposes.
  • Do arrange the inspection at no cost to the State of Maine, as per the form's instructions.
  • Do not fill out the form without personally inspecting the VIN at the specified location on the given date, as both need to be accurately reported on the form.
  • Do ensure that the VIN is copied accurately from two places on the vehicle. If it’s a motorcycle, the frame VIN is also necessary.
  • Do not forget to indicate the correct odometer reading and check the appropriate box to specify if it is actual, in excess, or not actual. This provides essential information about the vehicle's usage.
  • Do check the appropriate box to certify whether the VIN shows no sign of alteration or tampering, or if it appears altered or tampered with, according to your best knowledge, information, and belief.
  • Do not sign the form without ensuring all the information provided is complete and accurate. Remember, providing false information can result in penalties.

By following these guidelines, you help maintain the integrity of vehicle registrations and titles in Maine and protect against the tampering and altering of vehicle identification numbers.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Maine MVT-10 form can sometimes be confusing. Here are five common misconceptions about the form and what you need to know:

  • The form is used to correct VINs on registrations: This is not true. The MVT-10 form cannot be used to correct the VIN on a vehicle's registration. Its primary use is for the inspection of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as required by the Maine Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act for certain vehicles.
  • Any law enforcement officer can inspect the VIN: In reality, only full-time employed law enforcement officers, selected Bureau of Motor Vehicles employees and agents, Maine and New Hampshire licensed dealers (if they are the seller of the vehicle), Maine official inspection stations, and military provost officers have the authority to inspect a VIN under the conditions specified on the form.
  • There is a fee charged by the State of Maine for VIN inspection: The State of Maine does not charge a fee for VIN inspections conducted under the circumstances required by the form. It is the responsibility of the vehicle's owner to arrange for the inspection at no cost to the state.
  • The MVT-10 form is only for vehicles registered in foreign countries: While the form is indeed required for all vehicles of the 1995 model year and newer that were previously registered or titled in another country, it is also necessary when the Vehicle Identification Number of a vehicle is questionable, regardless of its prior registration location.
  • The odometer reading must include tenths of miles: The form specifically requests the odometer reading without the tenths, contrary to what some might believe. It aims to document the whole number of miles or kilometers only.

Clarifying these misconceptions helps vehicle owners understand the purpose of the Maine MVT-10 form and ensures compliance with state regulations regarding vehicle identification number inspections.

Key takeaways

  • The Maine MVT-10 form is crucial for the inspection of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for vehicles that are model year 1995 and newer, previously registered or titled in another country, as required by the Maine Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act (29A MRSA Chapter 7).
  • This form is not applicable for correcting VINs on registrations, stressing its specific use for inspection purposes only.
  • Vehicle owners are responsible for arranging the inspection of the VIN without imposing any cost on the State of Maine.
  • Authorized personnel to conduct VIN inspections include selected Bureau of Motor Vehicles employees and agents, full-time law enforcement officers, Maine and New Hampshire licensed dealers (if they are the sellers of the vehicle), official inspection stations in Maine (requiring station number), and military provost officers.
  • For applications concerning abandoned vehicles, only full-time law enforcement officers are permitted to inspect the vehicle identification numbers.
  • The form mandates that the VIN should be copied from two distinct locations on the vehicle, and for motorcycles, the frame VIN is necessary.
  • It requires a certification by the authorized person that the VIN has either shown no sign of alteration or tampering, or appears altered or tampered with, ensuring a layer of security and authenticity to the process.
  • Both the authorized person conducting the inspection and the current owner of the vehicle must sign the form, providing accountability and traceability.
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