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Importing a Vehicle

Importation and Certification FAQs

Abbreviations Defined
Other FAQs

The Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) has expanded the current Importation and Certification Division web site to include a section entitled “Frequently Asked Questions.” In this section we have attempted to address some common questions and concerns that the office deals with on a regular basis. If your question has not been addressed, please refer to Related Government Agencies for further assistance.

Abbreviations used in these FAQs are defined as follows:

Abbreviation What it means
 
AAMVA American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators
CPSC Consumer Products Safety Commission
DMV Department of Motor Vehicles
DOT United States Department of Transportation
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
FMVSS Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
GAWR Gross Axle Weight Rating
MCO Manufacturer’s Certification of Origin
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NICB National Insurance Crime Bureau
OCC Office of Chief Counsel
OVSC Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance
RVIA Recreational Vehicle Industry Association
RI Registered Importer
RHD Right-Hand Drive
RV Recreational Vehicle
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
VIN Vehicle Identification Number
WMI World Manufacturer Identifier
Abbreviations used in these FAQs