VTR-902 Form – In the world of vehicle exports, especially for damaged or salvaged cars, proper documentation is crucial to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. If you’re a licensed dealer or governmental entity in Texas looking to sell salvage or nonrepairable vehicles for export outside the United States, the VTR-902 form plays a pivotal role. This SEO-optimized guide breaks down everything you need to know about the VTR-902 Export-Only Sales Record, including its purpose, how to use it, and key requirements. Whether you’re exporting vehicles to Mexico, Canada, or beyond, understanding this form can help streamline your process and avoid legal pitfalls.
What Is the VTR-902 Form?
The VTR-902, officially titled “For Export-Only Sales Record,” is a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) form designed specifically for documenting the sale of salvage or nonrepairable motor vehicles intended solely for export from the United States. It serves as a mandatory reporting tool for sellers to notify TxDMV of such transactions, ensuring that these vehicles are permanently removed from U.S. roads and cannot be retitled or registered in any U.S. state under their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
This form is part of Texas’s broader framework under Transportation Code Chapter 501 and Occupations Code Chapter 2302, which regulate salvage vehicle dealers and exports. It’s available for free download from the official TxDMV website, and a revised version was released in May 2020 to accommodate use by both salvage vehicle dealers and independent motor vehicle dealers.
Purpose of the VTR-902 Export-Only Sales Record
The primary goal of the VTR-902 is to track and report export-only sales of vehicles that are deemed salvage (damaged but potentially repairable) or nonrepairable (total loss, suitable only for parts or scrap). These vehicles must be exported and cannot be operated on U.S. public highways or returned for titling in the U.S.
Key purposes include:
- Preventing Fraud and Title Washing: By marking the vehicle record as “EXPORT ONLY,” TxDMV ensures these vehicles aren’t illegally rebuilt or resold domestically.
- Compliance with Export Laws: It aligns with federal systems like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which flags export-only vehicles to block U.S. re-titling.
- Record-Keeping for Sellers: Helps dealers maintain accurate logs of export sales, which must be retained for at least three years.
Export-only sales are exempt from certain casual sales definitions and do not require odometer disclosures, as the vehicles aren’t intended for U.S. use.
Who Can Use the VTR-902 Form?
Not everyone can sell vehicles using this form. Eligibility is limited to:
- Licensed salvage vehicle dealers
- Independent motor vehicle dealers
- Salvage pool operators acting as agents for insurance companies
- Governmental entities
These entities must obtain a Salvage or Nonrepairable Vehicle Title before offering the vehicle for sale. The purchaser must be a non-U.S. resident, verified through government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or consular ID). U.S. residents cannot purchase these vehicles for export under this process.
How to Fill Out the VTR-902 Form: Step-by-Step Guide?
The VTR-902 is a two-page form that can document up to five vehicles per submission. Here’s a breakdown of the key sections:
1. Seller Information
- Dealer or Government Agency Name
- Phone Number
- Dealer License Number (if applicable)
- Address, City, State, Zip
2. Purchaser/Vehicle Information (Repeated for Each Vehicle)
- Purchaser’s Name (First, Middle, Last, Suffix) or Entity Name
- Address, City, Country, Postal Code
- Type of Government-Issued Photo ID (e.g., Passport)
- Jurisdiction that Issued the ID
- Photo ID Number
- Vehicle Details: VIN, Year, Make, Body Style, Model
- Title/Document Number
- Type of Title (e.g., “Salvage” for Texas Salvage Certificate or “Nonrepairable” for Nonrepairable Vehicle Title)
- Date of Sale
When indicating the “Type of Title,” use:
- “Salvage” for Texas Salvage Certificate of Title or similar
- “Nonrepairable” for Texas Nonrepairable Certificate of Title
A copy of the form can be used to list all export-only sales, including out-of-state vehicles, with abbreviations like “S” for Salvage or “NR” for Nonrepairable.
Key Requirements for Export-Only Sales Using VTR-902
To complete an export-only sale:
- Obtain Purchaser’s Photo ID: Get a legible photocopy, including the photo and signature.
- Complete VTR-901 Certification: The purchaser must sign the Purchaser’s Certification of Export-Only Sale (Form VTR-901), affirming the vehicle will be exported and not returned to the U.S.
- Stamp the Title: Use a stamp (at least two inches wide) with “FOR EXPORT ONLY” and your dealer license number or entity name on the front and all unused reassignment spaces on the back.
- Submit VTR-902 to TxDMV: Mail a legible copy to the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division in Austin within 30 days of the sale date.
- Tax Exemption: Use the Texas Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption Certificate for Vehicles Taken Out of State if applicable.
Once submitted, TxDMV marks the vehicle record as “EXPORT ONLY,” preventing future U.S. titling.
Record-Keeping and Compliance Tips
Sellers must maintain detailed records for three years on premises, including:
- Copies of the stamped title (front and back)
- VTR-901 certification
- Purchaser’s photo ID
- Other sale documents
- Entry on VTR-902 or an approved electronic format
These records must be available for inspection by TxDMV or law enforcement. Failure to comply can result in penalties under Texas law.
If a stamp is applied in error, apply for a corrected title using Form VTR-34-S (Certified Copy) or VTR-441 (Original Title).
Common FAQs About the VTR-902 Form
Can I sell a salvage vehicle without a VTR-902?
No, for export-only sales of Texas-titled salvage or nonrepairable vehicles, reporting via VTR-902 is mandatory within 30 days.
What if the vehicle is from out-of-state?
You must still maintain records, but only Texas-titled vehicles require submission to TxDMV.
Is there a fee for the VTR-902?
No, the form is free, but related title applications may have fees (e.g., $2 for certified copies).
Can an export-only vehicle be rebuilt in the U.S.?
No, once marked “EXPORT ONLY,” it cannot be retitled, registered, or operated in the U.S.
Final Thoughts on Exporting Salvage Vehicles with VTR-902
Navigating Texas vehicle export regulations doesn’t have to be complicated. By using the VTR-902 form correctly, you ensure legal compliance, protect against fraud, and facilitate smooth international sales. Always download the latest version from the TxDMV website and consult official resources for updates. If you’re dealing with multiple exports, consider digital record-keeping options approved by TxDMV to stay organized.
For more details, visit the TxDMV forms page or contact their Vehicle Titles and Registration Division. Stay compliant and export confidently!
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