Motor Vehicle FAQ

Q:  What is a VIN inspection?
A:  This is short for Vehicle identification number.  There are several places on a vehicle where this number should be displayed.

Q:  When would I need a VIN inspection? 
A:  Any time a vehicle is purchased with an out of state title or a Manufactures Statement of Origin. This includes purchases from most out of state dealers.  VIN inspections can be done at the courthouse in Grangeville, or with a law enforcement officer, if they are available.  Idaho County Deputies are not available to do VIN inspections except at noon on Fridays at the Kooskia weigh station.

Q:  What do I need to know when purchasing anything with a title? 
A:  Titles are a legal document.  Do not ever use white out or cross anything out.  Anything that has been altered will have to be addressed and possibly not accepted.  Titles should have the name of the person selling the title on it.  If there is someone selling a vehicle whose name is not on the title, they need to be able to show why they are allowed to sell it (i.e. an inheritance, power of attorney papers etc.)   Otherwise the person selling should title it in their name before selling it.  It is against the law to sell a vehicle without a title.

Q:  Are some trailers titled? 
A:  Some trailers that are under a certain weight, Idaho does not title, however a bill of sale, and an empty trailer weight with the scale paper, and a good description of the trailer are required.

Q:  How soon after purchasing a vehicle do I have before I have to register?
A:  Your bill of sale functions as a temporary registration for 72 hours (exempting weekends and major holidays) to get to the DMV for registration.

Q:  Do I need to fill out a Release of Interest when I sell a vehicle? 
A:  The release of interest should always be filled out in its entirety and turned in to a county DMV office or the state within 5 business days.  Without this release filed, the new owner could abandon the vehicle somewhere or wreck the vehicle and the responsibility will come back on the seller to pay the tow fees, as well as other possible fees.

Q:  When is a motorbike or scooter titled? 
A:  Motorbikes that are over (49cc) are required to be titled.  All scooters are also titled and need a motorcycle endorsement to be on the roads.

Q:  What is the difference between an “or” and an “and” between names
on a title? 

A:  An “Or” means only one person must sign the title for selling, or purchasing a
vehicle.  An “And” means the joined names on a title must sign when selling or purchasing a vehicle.