The terms MSO and MCO are often misunderstood when discussing new vehicles, but once you understand their meanings, these abbreviations are simple to grasp. Both terms pertain to the vehicle’s Certificate of Origin.
MSO stands for Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, while MCO stands for Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. Essentially, they refer to the same document, which provides information about the vehicle’s production, including its country of origin.
An MSO or MCO typically looks similar to a Certificate of Title and contains details such as the manufacturer, vehicle identification number (VIN), and year of manufacture. MSOs are not limited to vehicles; they are also issued for items like aircraft, motorboats, and trailers.
As a typical car buyer, you probably won’t encounter this document directly, as the dealership handles it for you. On the dealer’s side, the MSO is essential for certifying extended warranties and protection packages through the finance office and obtaining the vehicle’s first title and registration from the DMV.
When Do You Need an MSO?
You will need to obtain an MSO in situations like the following:
- Your state requires it when you register a new car for the first time
- You import a car that has never been registered in the United States
- You register a car for the first time
- You build a new vehicle and need to get its first registration
If you’re working with a dealership in such situations, they will usually handle the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) for you. An MSO is issued when a new vehicle is purchased. It is necessary to register the vehicle for the first time and obtain the vehicle’s initial title from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Since federal law does not mandate MSOs, the rules and requirements vary by state—some states require them, while others do not. You can contact the DMV in your state to determine whether an MSO is necessary for obtaining your vehicle’s first title and registration.
If you didn’t get the MSO from the dealer or lost it, you must get a duplicate to proceed with the registration. The Department of Revenue or the Department of Motor Vehicles might not issue the title without it.
How Do You Get an MSO?
When you buy a new car, be sure to request the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) from the dealership before you leave. They should have it readily available, and obtaining a copy should not be a problem. If you purchase the vehicle from out of state, you may need to put in a little extra effort, as they will typically have to send the MSO to you by mail or fax.
If you plan to import a new vehicle or construct a motor vehicle on your own, you must also have an MSO. To do this, you’ll want to consult the resources of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, otherwise known as AAMVA.
It is against the law to create an MSO certificate yourself, even for a car you built, so make sure you contact the AAMVA for help with this process.
Differences Between Vehicle Title, Registration, and MSO
A title certificate proves vehicle ownership, such as a car or motorcycle, and is transferred upon sale. Registration allows you to operate the vehicle on public roads; however, you can title a vehicle without registering it but cannot drive it off your property.
In California, dealerships register new or used car purchases, while private sales require a visit to the DMV. Typically, the first buyer is the only one to receive the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), which aids in titling.
You can use the MSO to establish ownership for vehicle exports without a title, but it’s advisable to prepare all necessary paperwork in advance to speed up inspection.
What If Your MSO is Missing or Held Hostage?
If you need an MSO, beware that people sometimes have trouble getting their MSO from the dealership. While it’s not common, it is something to be aware of. Most new car sales and titling go off without a hitch, so it’s not something you should always be worried about, but knowledge is power.
If you didn’t get the MSO from the dealer or lost it, you must get a duplicate to proceed with the registration. The Department of Revenue or the Department of Motor Vehicles might not issue the title without it.
For most car owners, the MSO or MCO is never an issue you need to consider. When you purchase a used vehicle, that document is long gone at which DMV the car was first registered. The only time you might ever see the MSO yourself is when you buy a new car and need to obtain its very first title by yourself.
Through our Imported Vehicle Titling Service, Dirt Legal provides titles, license plates, and registrations for legally imported vehicles, domestic vehicles, and just about anything else with wheels.
Click here for a video explaining MSO/MCO in more detail.
Pair with our LLC Formation Service for a tax-free experience, and add our Automatic Registration Renewal to keep things hassle-free and eliminate the DMV altogether.
Dirt Legal offers VIN Checks and title replacements for most vehicles. Explore our services by clicking the links for more information.
