Important Issue for ALL MA Replica Owners - Please Read!

[Jon A]

There is an important issue that ALL MA replica vehicle owners need to be aware of (even if you think you are already all set under the new law). I re-registered my Roadster last May, after the new law went into effect. I had the RMV clerk speak directly to the Motorist Assistance Center (MAC) person that was versed in the new law on my cell phone while I was at the counter to ensure that my car was completely compliant with the new law. The car was re-registered as a “2010 REPLI COBRA”. “CONVT” was in the body style field and “1965” was in the Model # field. I thought I was all set. I went to the MAC and was cleared in the inspection system and went back to my local garage for my annual inspection (safety only) and left with a passing sticker. If it was not for forum member and friend (KGS365), I would have not given my registration and title a second thought.

It turns out that I also needed “REPLICA VEHICLE” to appear in the Special Message box on the Registration. This causes the Certificate of Title to receive a brand in the Title Type and Brand field. If I had not gone back to the RMV today (or prior to the 4/30/12 deadline), my car would have been emissions exempt while I own it but if I tried to sell it to another MA resident, they would have had to comply with the post-4/30/12 rules (which would essentially mean that my car would need to have all of the emissions components and related gear that my 1990 Mustang donor had, etc).

So, even if you went through this process last year or earlier this year, please check your Registration and Certificate of Title to make sure that you have “Replica Vehicle” in the appropriate places. When I went back to the RMV today, I asked to see the manager (as I was instructed to do by the person at the RMV title division in Boston). I did not even have to wait in line with a number. I spoke with the assistant manager who contacted the title division. She took my Certificate of Title (have your original with you) and I was told that I will be receiving a new one in the next couple of days. I was given a new registration (that now shows “Replica Vehicle” in the Special Message box. There was no charge

Joe Leone posted about this issue on FFR’s forum but, since I do not frequent that site as much and, frankly, thought I was all set, I did not even know I had a problem until Kevin made me aware of it earlier this week. After learning that I had an issue I did a search here and see that it has been discussed a little in the past couple of months but, since I am on here all the time and didn't know I had an issue, I thought I would make a new post. I was one of the first people to re-register when the new law came into effect last May so perhaps they figured this issue out or perhaps I was the only person with the issue but I thought I would make you aware of it before it is too late.

Check your registrations and titles!!


HTH

-Jon A.

[KGS365]

i'll add that the guys at the MAC have been extremely helpful in making sure i got mine fixed.

The folks at the RMV DO NOT know how to do this!...there are two folks Antonio and Bob at the title office in Quincy that seem to know whats going on.

As Jon said if the words "Replica Vehicle" are not in the "special message box" on the registration and in the "brand box" on the title then you are NOT SET and should take the time now to get it right

[RobBaker]

Jon you said:
"It turns out that I also needed “REPLICA VEHICLE” to appear in the Special Message box on the Registration."

I see no Special Message box on my registration.

On my Title their is a box "TITLE TYPE AND BRANDS" which has in it "REPLICA VEHICLE"

I think I'm all set.

[RobBaker]

My mistake there is a special message box on the registration, my eyes are old

[Jon A]

Rob - it sounds like you are all set. Like I said, I was one of the first few that went through this process last year. They might have just made the mistake on mine or they might have made it on a lot of people that went through while they were still figuring out how to put the new law into effect. I just want everyone to double check to make sure they are set.

I will also add that, although I had to wait on hold for a long time, once I got through to Antonio in the Title Division at the RMV, he was knowledgeable, professional and gave me the right information. The assistant manager at my local branch was also a pleasure to deal with. She wasn't well versed in the issue (which is understandable, these aren't every-day problems) but once she talked to Antonio on the phone, the issue was resolved in a couple of minutes.

I was very frustrated about the problem yesterday. Today, I am just glad it got resolved.

-Jon A.

[happybigblock]

Good info Jon. In Ct. you need "composite vehicle" in the vehicle type box for the correct exemptions. Yes, I ended up re-registering last year to correct this from when I ordered my vanity plates. Make sure, whether in Mass or Ct that you keep this correct and consistent in the event of a renewal or change to vanity plates. If not, you will be facing some headaches and time to correct it.

-Steve

[Cobra 302]

Can't remember whats on the new registration.
I faxed a copy of the new one to the MAC center and they told me I was good.

I will confirm what's on it when I get home.

[KGS365]

also check your title

Originally Posted by Cobra 302

Can't remember whats on the new registration.
I faxed a copy of the new one to the MAC center and they told me I was good.

I will confirm what's on it when I get home.

[JimmyZ]

Here's a picture of registration on the left and title on the right.
Jim

[Sean L]

You'd think they'd get this right by now!
My experience last Monday after I recieved a VIN from Trooper Burns , on a new build, the car was then registered. I got the reject sticker and then proceeded to the MAC center in W.Springfield. The guys at the MAC looked at the reg and everything was correct in the top portion but the "special message" section only had the info below. They called the RMV to confirm and said it was good so the flag was removed.

Any form to complete to correct this at the local RMV? or simply call Antonio?

[KGS365]

everyones should have these words! in these boxes...thanks for posting a picture of the actual title and registration wording

Originally Posted by JimmyZ

Here's a picture of registration on the left and title on the right.
Jim

[Jon A]

Sean,

I didn't use any forms. I would just go in with your title (if you have it) and registration and explain that they need to call Antonio or Bob at the title division in Boston to add "replica vehicle" to the special message and title brand fields. You should do this with your personal car too.

Jim's pictures show the issue I am talking about. His is correct. Yours... not so much.

Jon

[rray]

i got burned with this issue today!!!....came all the way over from Nantucket...first to state police inspection ( piece of cake) got my registration and plates from the fall river reg.....then went to the mac center in fall river and THEY told me i had to have replica vehicle in the appropriate box...it was to late to return to the registry (ya...like im going back there!-see other post) and i am now back on Nantucket...hope my local registry can issue a new registration document with the appropriate verbiage in the right place. vehicle is still on mainland getting a tune up..pick up next wednesday...will havr to re do the mac center then i hope....

R Ray

[WPL]

Please check in with Dan at the MAC center in Pocaset (On Rt 28 near the Otis rotary). I have had atleast 4-5 phone conversations with him and he was able to guide me thru getting both my title and registration updated with the "Replice Vehicle" status as shown above. After getting my "failed for emissions" sticker and then getting both my reg and title updated, he was able to double check my updated documents that I sent to him by fax. He updated my Mk 3's info in his computer and told me by phone, to just head back to my initial inspection station to get my new safety only sticker...no need to make the trip to his MAC center. I can't say enough kind words about the guy - Best of luck - Bill

[Cobra 302]

I'm all set....

My reg has "REPLICA VEHICLE" in the special message box....

I know the title is also correct

[skimonster]

A big THANK YOU!!! goes to John(Cobra 302) for informing me of the deadline and paperwork needed to change my reg/title. I went thru the process Wed. an it took 1.5 hrs. Calls were made, but the paperwork John gave me helped the people at the registry make the right calls an "fix" the problem.
Your registration has to say "Replica Vehicle" on the reg here:
reg cobra008.jpg
And if you bring this paper work with u the reg workers said it helped a lot and showed them exactly what needed to be done:
kit_car_To update the Brand Type.pdf
I spoke to Randall at the Fall River MAC and Danny at the Bourne one. They were extremely helpfull an actually sent me the above paperwork to use as reference.
Forgot to say you need an RMV1 from your insurance co. to change both the title/reg and at the registry you will fill out the "Amend Title" form. The one for ALARS is the reg screen need to change the registration.

[John F]

I went to Fall River RMV today and spent 2 hours with a nice lady who had to wait on return calls from Boston. Seems that Boston is telling the RMV that the applicant needs to have a RMV-1 form filled to allow them to populate the Title blocks with the new codes. I had an RMV-3 all filled out and had to get the correct form. She sent me across the street to another insurance company and they did a "complimentary" stamp form and made up a new RMV-1 form for me. The "complimentary" form cost me $20, but I consider it better than driving back to New Bedford to my insurance company! Everything was faxed to Boston and a phone call blessed it and I have the new Registration and the title will be sent shortly.

[skimonster]

Yes, u need an RMV1 form.

[Cobra 302]

Strange?I used the RMV 3 form.I was told that the RMV 1 form is for new cars..No matter, as long as it gets done.........

[John F]

I only went to Fall River because my sister works there and I don't have to wait in any lines, but she went on a cruise yesterday for a week . Seems she told me about it on Easter, but I didn't compute the date. The guy at the welcome desk gave me the pass when I told him.

[rray]

hay John...did they mention that some guy from Nantucket was there the day before!!???....they FORGOT to do the replica vehicle bit and i found out at the MAC center to late to get back to fall river to correct it...however, my local regiatry was able to call boston and figure it out so now all i have to do is get to a MAC center with the CORRECT paperwork!!!

damn you..i had to sit on those benches for 2.5 hours nefore geting an nice older lady...who still had to call boston...but she got most of it done right..have plates finally!!!!

richard ray

[Cobra 302]

Originally Posted by rray

hay John...did they mention that some guy from Nantucket was there the day before!!???....they FORGOT to do the replica vehicle bit and i found out at the MAC center to late to get back to fall river to correct it...however, my local regiatry was able to call boston and figure it out so now all i have to do is get to a MAC center with the CORRECT paperwork!!!

damn you..i had to sit on those benches for 2.5 hours nefore geting an nice older lady...who still had to call boston...but she got most of it done right..have plates finally!!!!

richard ray

It will all be worth it on your first legal drive.

I LOVE Nantucket.
Rented a house for two weeks a couple of years ago.
1/4 mile from surfside beach....


John

[happybigblock]

Originally Posted by rray

hay John...did they mention that some guy from Nantucket was there the day before!!???....they FORGOT to do the replica vehicle bit and i found out at the MAC center to late to get back to fall river to correct it...however, my local regiatry was able to call boston and figure it out so now all i have to do is get to a MAC center with the CORRECT paperwork!!!

damn you..i had to sit on those benches for 2.5 hours nefore geting an nice older lady...who still had to call boston...but she got most of it done right..have plates finally!!!!

richard ray

Congratulations Richard. Nice to be on the road.
Hey, I have cousins who live on Nantucket. I remember them telling me about a "roadster" guy on the island a while back. Small island. I bet they know him.

-Steve

[Qwik 1]

I also went thru Antonio at the titles division. Now he told me that it only has to say "replica" and that's what my registration says in the special message box. I hope it does not have to say "replica vehicle" ???

[John F]

Originally Posted by rray

hay John...did they mention that some guy from Nantucket was there the day before!!???....they FORGOT to do the replica vehicle bit and i found out at the MAC center to late to get back to fall river to correct it...however, my local regiatry was able to call boston and figure it out so now all i have to do is get to a MAC center with the CORRECT paperwork!!!

damn you..i had to sit on those benches for 2.5 hours nefore geting an nice older lady...who still had to call boston...but she got most of it done right..have plates finally!!!!

richard ray

She told me she did one of these on Wednesday and did that one right! Guess no one told her.

[JimmyZ]

Originally Posted by rray

hay John...did they mention that some guy from Nantucket was there the day before!!???....they FORGOT to do the replica vehicle bit and i found out at the MAC center to late to get back to fall river to correct it...however, my local regiatry was able to call boston and figure it out so now all i have to do is get to a MAC center with the CORRECT paperwork!!!

damn you..i had to sit on those benches for 2.5 hours nefore geting an nice older lady...who still had to call boston...but she got most of it done right..have plates finally!!!!

richard ray

Richard I sent you a PM.
JIm

[bttfmk3]

Hi, I got good and bad new when I checked my registration and title. The "Special Message" box on my registration says "REPLICA VEHICLE". Looks like that is correct. My title's "Title Type and Brand" box is empty. I guess that needs to be resolved. Would this require a trip to my insurance company for any type of RMV form before I visit the RMV? If I bring a printout of the .pdf skimonster posted will that explain what needs to happen to get a corrected title??

Thanks,

Shawn D

[KGS365]

I would get an RMV-1 and RMV-3 form stamped from the insurance agent...then go to the registry with the info from skimonster...the guy at the MAC told me to bring an RMV-1 (i happened to bring both) but they took an RMV-3...bring both because it beats having to go twice and loose 2 hours of your life each time!...the key is to get the person at the registry to get on the phone with Antonio or Bob at the title devision they seem to be the "key" individuals.

I went on monday of this week....in the mail yesterday was my new title...so they can be pretty fast !

Originally Posted by bttfmk3

Hi, I got good and bad new when I checked my registration and title. The "Special Message" box on my registration says "REPLICA VEHICLE". Looks like that is correct. My title's "Title Type and Brand" box is empty. I guess that needs to be resolved. Would this require a trip to my insurance company for any type of RMV form before I visit the RMV? If I bring a printout of the .pdf skimonster posted will that explain what needs to happen to get a corrected title??

Thanks,

Shawn D

[Jon A]

My new title arrived in the mail yesterday. Everything looks perfect. It now reads "2010 REPLI COBRA 1965 CONVT" and "REPLICA VEHICLE" appears in the Title Types and brands box. This is the third title I have had for my Roadster in two years... oh well, at least I have it and it is all set.

-Jon A.

[Sean L]

Originally Posted by Jon A

I would just go in with your title (if you have it) and registration and explain that they need to call Antonio or Bob at the title division in Boston to add "replica vehicle" to the special message and title brand fields.

Jon

Thanks for starting the post on this forum Jon,
Roxanne went to the RMV and got it squared away in short order. Eventhough the car was "grandfathered" and wasn't sniffed the past 8 years, it's good to have this confirmation