NTEA often receives inquiries on replacing lost vehicle certification labels on used commercial vehicles. Following are answers to some common questions.
The used commercial truck I purchased does not have a certification label. How can I get a new one?
- Since the vehicle is used, it can no longer be certified and labeled because the certification process (including labeling) ends when a new, certified vehicle is licensed and titled for the first time.
- A best practice is to ensure that a vehicle is properly labeled prior to purchasing, and dealers are prohibited from selling vehicles that are not certified.
Is it possible to obtain a replacement certification label? If so, who would I contact?
- Possibly, but the vehicle’s original final-stage manufacturer would be the only company with the authority to supply the replacement label if it’s within a reasonable time. (The original final-stage manufacturer is only required to keep records for 10 years.)
- Under these conditions, the original certification label can potentially be reproduced with all of the identical information as previously included on the missing label, but it is important to know that the original final-stage manufacturer is not obligated to furnish replacement labels.
Can I get a replacement label with a new GVWR?
- No. The original ratings established during the certification process are set for the life of the vehicle. For more information, visit ntea.com/reratingfaqs.
If a customer asks us to add a different body or modify the vehicle in some other way, do we need to re-certify and re-label the truck after the work is done?
- No new certification labeling is required for used vehicles that have already been certified and licensed and titled in a state (which was a legal requirement when they were originally built) or for changing a body (e.g., converting a van body to a dump body), which is considered a modification. The modifier is required, though, to make sure the used vehicle still meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) requirements such as lighting, braking, etc.
- A vehicle goes through the certification to FMVSS when it is newly built from an incomplete chassis by the addition of a body and other equipment. Once it is certified as a truck and becomes licensed and titled in a state, that original certification is what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recognizes.
Vehicle certification resources Technical resources
Disclaimer: This webpage and any related resources are intended for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for independent engineering analysis or judgment. This webpage and any related resources are not, and are not intended to, constitute legal advice or confirm legal compliance. To determine compliance with laws and engineering standards, consult with your own legal counsel and engineering experts.