Understanding the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) and How to Obtain It

We understand that navigating the paperwork associated with your new electric vehicle can be daunting. One critical document that often raises questions is the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO); this is also sometimes referred to as the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO).  This blog will explain what an MCO is, why it’s important, and how you can obtain it for your Columbia vehicle.

What is an MCO?

The Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), sometimes referred to as the vehicle's "birth certificate," is an official document issued by the manufacturer. It certifies that the vehicle was built to meet specific safety and emission standards and includes essential details such as:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Make and Model
• Year of Manufacture
• Specifications and Optional Features

The MCO serves as proof of ownership for the original purchaser and is a key requirement for registering and titling your vehicle with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

         
                     LSV MCO Example                                                    Non-LSV MCO Example

Why is the MCO Important?

The MCO is essential for first-time registration and titling of your Columbia vehicle. Without this document, you may encounter delays or complications when trying to establish legal ownership. Once the vehicle is registered, a title is issued, and the role of the MCO diminishes as it is typically submitted to the DMV during this process.

How to Obtain an MCO for Your Columbia Vehicle

At Columbia, we provide the MCO upon request to the original purchaser, usually an authorized dealer or national account. Here’s how you can obtain it:

1. Purchasing from a Dealer:
   When you purchase a new Columbia vehicle from an authorized dealer, they will receive the MCO from us. The dealer then signs it over to you as part of the transaction.
2. Requesting an MCO:
   If you are the original purchaser (dealer), you can request an MCO directly from Columbia. Unfortunately, we cannot issue an MCO directly to end customers or secondary owners due to potential modifications made after leaving our facility.
3. Lost or Missing MCO:
   If your dealer did not provide the MCO or it has been misplaced, contact them immediately. Dealers are equipped to assist in reissuing or obtaining a duplicate copy for registration purposes.

Steps for Registration Using Your MCO

Once you have your MCO in hand, follow these steps to register your Columbia vehicle:

1. Visit your local DMV office with:
   •     The original MCO
   •     Bill of Sale
   •     Proof of Insurance
   •     Any additional documents required by your state
2. Submit all documents along with applicable fees.
3. Receive your title and registration, completing the ownership process.

Key Takeaways

• The MCO is critical for registering and titling your new Columbia vehicle.
• It is issued only to authorized dealers or original purchasers.
• Ensure you receive this document at the time of purchase to avoid complications.

For further assistance or questions about obtaining an MCO for your Columbia vehicle, feel free to contact our support team via our website.

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