Salvage Inspection Program

Senate Bill (SB) 1713 established the Salvage Vehicle Inspection Program (SVIP). California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 5505 requires salvaged vehicles to be inspected by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The CHP implemented the following three-pronged approach to the inspection process:

• The DMV refers salvage vehicles to the CHP for inspection.

• The CHP field Division Investigative Services Unit (ISU) personnel identify vehicle makes and models with a high probability of the vehicle having identification numbers (VIN) switched or being used for stolen parts and requests the DMV refer these particular vehicles to CHP for inspection. The criteria for referrals is re-evaluated regularly to maximize the effectiveness of the program.

• The CHP SVIP officers make unannounced visits to DMV field offices. During these unannounced visits, initial cursory inspections are conducted on all salvage vehicles applying for registration at that time. If the officer finds that a more in-depth inspection is required, the vehicle is referred to a SVIP inspector. Registration is withheld pending certification by the CHP.

When referred to CHP for a salvage vehicle inspection, the applicant is required to present the SVIP officer with bills of sale or invoices for the vehicle and any replaced component parts. These bills of sale and invoices are to include the year, make, model and the VIN of the vehicle from which the parts were removed or sold along with other information required pursuant to CVC Section 5505.

The SVIP officer inspects the vehicle and its component parts to determine the identification numbers have not been removed, falsified, altered, defaced, destroyed, or tampered with. Additionally, the officer reviews supporting documentation to ensure information is true and correct and there are no indications the vehicle or any of its component parts are stolen. Upon completion of a successful inspection, the SVIP officer issues a CHP 97C, Certificate of Inspection. The applicant takes the CHP 97C to the DMV and the registration process is completed.

Individuals with vehicles referred by the DMV for salvage vehicle inspection may contact the following CHP offices to schedule a salvage vehicle inspection: