Tips on Buying Cars: registration of 1989 Toyota Surf, azdot gov, arizona dmv


Question
I just purchased a 1989 Toyota Surf (4runner) from a fellow in Seattle. The
vehicle has a non-conforming VIN number and no door panel sticker stating
that it meets US Fed safety and emissions requirements. My local Arizona
DMV is refusing to register the vehicle without a letter of compliance from the
manufacturer. The seller insists that he has done this multiple times and that
the US customs form 7051 is proof that the vehicle meets the standards. Do
vehicle registrations requirements differ from state to state? Is the 7051 all i
actually need or do I need the letter of conformity and how would I get such a
letter? I am stuck with a 4x4 paper weight until I get this worked out so any
knowledge/light you can shed on the subject is greatly appreciated..Thanks

Answer
I just checked the Arizona DMV website and clicked on the "New to Arizona?" link, which I've copied here:

(http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/azwelcome.asp#TNR)

Please not the following sentence in that section:

"...The following steps must be taken in order to obtain an Arizona title, registration and license plate for a vehicle previously titled or registered in another state. This is general information only. Any title and registration action may present special requirements..."

Also:

"...The make, vehicle identification number (VIN), body style and other general vehicle information must be verified at an MVD or authorized Third Party office prior to registration. In addition, if there are obvious safety or mechanical flaws, registration may be denied until repairs are completed..."

So, although they don't specifically state that a form 7051 is all that's needed, they have enough caveats in there to cover themselves.  It has to be safe, they have to be able to verify the VIN, etc...  

And yes, motor-vehicle regulations vary greatly from state to state (Florida doesn't require mandatory safety inspections, for example).  Most states only require that new vehicles and relatively-new used ones meet current safety specs; I would think a 16 year-old one would be exempt, just as long as it was safe to drive on the road.  Perhaps the seller of this vehicle can provide documentation on your behalf to the good folks in Phoenix.  Regardless, you're pretty much at their mercy.  Do you know someone (or "know someone that knows someone") within the Arizona MVD?