pchast wrote:Congrats on the completion.
Can you describe what you did with the paperwork a little more?
How much do you feel your organization contributed to getting
your registration accepted? Were the build pictures as important
or was the official just sincerely interested?
Thanks,
The receipts were very important as far as the frame was concerned. I don't know about NY, but here in Maryland that is the main thing they are interested in because if you can't show receipts for the parts to build the frame you better have a title or registration to show where it came from. (If I had used a trailer kit that came with a certificate of origin this would not have been a problem.)
As far as the pictures....they require you to submit pictures from the rear and side so they can see that the lights, the chains, and the fenders (the safety stuff) is installed. The MVA clerk that I called and talked to before I went told me I needed pictures with a side view and rear view. She wasn't specific about what they needed to see and my side view was taken from too close up and it didn't show the chains. They almost turned me away but I happened to have another picture with me that you could just see the chains hanging down so they took that, but it was a close call. Lesson learned, if NY requires pics make sure all those required safety items are clearly visible. The interior and galley pics she just wanted to see because she was curious and she thought it was cute. (So do I !!)
The other receipts she didn't really look through she just took the total off of my spreadsheet in figuring the excise tax I had to pay. I had kept a separate accounting of items I purchased in Maryland and already paid sales tax on and items I had ordered online and did not pay tax. A clerk I had talked to on the MVA info line had told me I would not have to pay tax a second time on those items I purchased in Maryland. She was wrong. I was told it is NOT a sales tax, it is an excise tax (the state excising the money from my wallet....). But I am just happy to have that vin plate and tag and I am very happy that I was organized and ready for them, and yes....I think it made a difference.
I hope that helps, but there is so much difference from state to state, you may not find the same conditions apply when you get to your local licensing office. And if you call first, you may not be given the right info either. It's been known to happen....
Good luck!!!