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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 3Ch. 1Art. 2§ 4161 Engine Installation Notification Requirement

§ 4161 Engine Installation Notification Requirement

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 4161 Engine Installation Notification Requirement

Key Takeaways

  • •If you put a new engine in your car, you must tell the DMV within 10 days.
  • •You need to give them your car's ownership papers and proof you own the new engine.
  • •The DMV will give your car a new ID number if needed.
  • •For motorcycles, the police must check the new engine and destroy the old one if it has the same number.

Example

You replace the engine in your old car with a used one you bought.

You have 10 days to tell the DMV, give them your car's papers, and show proof you own the new engine. If you don’t, you could get in trouble.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4161 Engine Installation Notification Requirement

(a) Whenever a motor vehicle engine or motor is installed, except temporarily, in a motor vehicle which is identified on the ownership and registration certificates by motor or engine number or by both the motor and frame numbers and subject to registration under this code, the owner of the motor vehicle shall, within 10 days thereafter, give notice to the department upon a form furnished by it containing a description of the motor vehicle engine or motor installed, including any identifying number thereon and the date of the installation. The owner of the motor vehicle shall also submit to the department with the notice the certificate of ownership and registration card covering the motor vehicle in which the motor vehicle engine or motor is installed and evidence of ownership covering the new or used motor vehicle engine or motor installed and such other documents as may be required by the department. (b) Upon receipt of motor vehicle engine or motor change notification and other required documents, the department shall assign a distinguishing vehicle identification number to motor vehicles, other than motorcycles or motor-driven cycles registered under a motor number or motor and frame numbers. When the distinguishing vehicle identification number is placed on the vehicle as authorized, the vehicle shall thereafter be identified by the distinguishing identification number assigned. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or any other provision of law, whenever an application is made to the department to register a replacement engine case for any motorcycle, the department shall request the Department of the California Highway Patrol to inspect the motorcycle to determine its proper identity. If the replacement engine case bears the same identifying numbers as the engine case being replaced, the original engine case shall be destroyed. A determination verifying proof of destruction shall be made by the Department of the California Highway Patrol. (Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 94, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2002.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

motor vehicle enginemotor vehiclecertificate of ownershipregistration carddistinguishing vehicle identification numberreplacement engine caseCalifornia Highway Patrol

Related Statutes

  • § 4159 Vehicle Address Change Notification
  • § 4166 Vehicle Identification Reassignment
  • § 4150.7 Vehicle Transfer On Death
  • § 4155 Government Vehicle Registration Exemptions
  • § 4158 Vehicle Ownership Bond Return

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 4161.
View Official Source