How to Obtain a Certificate of Origin for a GM Vehicle

The Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin on any General Motors vehicle is a government document stating that the vehicle was made in the United States. It is primarily used for tax purposes when vehicles are exported. Within the United States, you can obtain a Certificate of Origin if you have purchased a new GM car out of state and you would like to register it in your state. Once a car has a registered title in any state, though, there is no need to present the Certificate of Origin; the title can just be transferred to another state.

Instructions

1. Buy a new car at a GM dealership.

2. Pay with cash or a check at the time of purchase. This means that you will own the car outright at the time of purchase instead of making payments to GM's leasing company.

3. Ask for the Certificate of Origin and the Bill of Sale when taking the car off the lot. You will only need to present the Certificate of Origin if you are registering the car out of state.

References

• The Dixieland Law Journal: The Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin Argument
• International Chamber of Commerce: What is a Certificate of Origin?
• American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators: Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
• Seminole County Tax Collector: Manufacturer's Certificate/Statement of Origin