I have a VS built by Kirk in 2010. 11 years later I Just realized the VIN stamped on the tunnel is off by 1 digit, A 5 instead of a 6 that is reflected on the original CA title and hence on my title and registration. Were the VINs stamped by Kirk or are they true to the pan? Meaning it seems VS if they did indeed stamp the VIN on the tunnel misinterpreted a 6 for a 5. Any suggestions?
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The VIN on the tunnel is the original VIN that came with the car. Likely it was misread because of laziness, difficulty to read, or poor eyesight. The DMV can do a full VIN history check on the vehicle to determine when the mistake was made and get it fixed but it hasn't been a problem up until now. Getting it fixed might be a huge hassle.
When I was shopping for a speedster I passed up one I liked a lot for this issue. The selling dealer discussed it with state DMV and was very informally advised to leave it alone. As @Robert M indicates, it would have been at very least a long delay.
This should be very easy to have corrected depending on where you live. Typically there is a VIN correction form that can be filled out by law enforcement officer by doing a physical vin inspection and then a corrected Title should be able to be issued. Or, if you are thinking of selling it, let me know.
I agree with @RoyP. In my state you go to the RMV with a photo of the real VIN and title and explain the problem. They give you a form that you fill out half and the inspecting officer (a State Police officer who does the inspection on the car) fills out the other half and stamps it (I guess the stamp makes it "official"). You then return to the RMV with your form and they take it from there. Up here, you get the new title and corrected registration from two different offices, but they should arrive in a few weeks. The second RMV visit, they should also give you a note saying the VIN is being updated until you receive it.
No big deal here, and I suspect that Florida, which is a LOT more lax regarding the RMV, should be even easier.
You'll need to do this if you ever intend to sell the car, so might as well do it now.