Numbers are compared, examiner makes sure vehicle isn’t stolen
Managing editor
It’s a service that’s offered in Marion that few may be aware of — that is, until it is needed.
If a person purchases a vehicle or trailer out of state or purchases a vehicle or trailer with an out-of-state title, the out-of-state title or ownership document must be inspected to ensure that the vehicle identification number shown on the foreign title is genuine and agrees with the identification number on the vehicle or trailer.
Bob Soyez can remember when the program began more than 10 years ago. At that time, he was with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. Currently, he works part-time with the Marion Police Department.
The program is actually a part of Kansas Highway Patrol but law enforcement agencies in the county have agreed to offer the services. For a time, the sheriff’s department did it. For the past several years, Marion Police Department has provided the service.
So, what is it?
Brad Pann of Hillsboro came to the Marion Police Department with an out-of-state title. He purchased a car out of state.
Soyez completed paperwork, which required him to write down the vehicle identification number from the title. The out-of-state title document is examined for authenticity. The title must be free of erasures, whiteout, or altered data. A faxed copy of the front and back of the title from a lien holder is accepted.
The examiner then went to the vehicle in the police department parking lot and verified the number on the dash of the car to the number on the title.
The final step was having the Marion County Sheriff’s Department verify that the vehicle’s factory production number did not match any vehicle that had been stolen.
When all was completed, Pann paid $10 and received copies of the inspection report. The report will be used when Pann goes to the Marion County Treasurer’s Office to purchase a tag.
“Anyone can bring in a title and a vehicle to have the number inspected,” Soyez said, indicating the service is available to all, not just Marion or Marion County residents.
Some dealerships will request Kansas Highway Patrol personnel to provide number inspections at the dealership before the vehicle is sold.
“If that doesn’t occur, then it is up to the new car owner to have it completed,” Soyez said.
Cars purchased in Kansas or cars purchased with Kansas titles do not need to be inspected.
Also, the inspection does not include a safety inspection — such as checking lights and brakes.
It’s rare that the vehicle identification numbers don’t match. Typically, it’s a clerical error.
“There was one time when I was with the sheriff’s department that a trailer was brought in for an inspection and we discovered that it had been stolen,” Soyez said.
Otherwise, inspections are uneventful.
Junk vehicles and off-road titles have to be verified by Kansas Highway Patrol.