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The Approval Process for a Structural Vehicle Modification, Step by Step

Tap each step to see it in order.

  1. Confirm feasibility with a shop first

    Check with a modification or repair shop whether the change you want is technically feasible and whether it falls into a category that requires approval.

  2. Submit a structural modification approval application

    File an application with your local vehicle licensing authority (or its designated agency), including the details of the proposed change and any supporting documents.

  3. Get your application reviewed and approved

    Once your application passes a safety-standards review and is approved, you can proceed with the modification work within the approved timeframe.

  4. Have the work done at a licensed shop

    The actual modification work generally must be carried out by a shop that is officially registered or licensed to perform vehicle modifications for the result to be recognized as valid.

  5. Pass a post-modification inspection and update your registration

    After the work is finished, the vehicle goes through a post-modification inspection at an authorized inspection facility, and passing it updates the details on your vehicle registration.

Order matters: approval, then work, then inspection

A structural modification is only recognized as legitimate if you follow the sequence -- approval first, then work done at a licensed shop, then a post-modification inspection, and finally an updated registration. Skipping ahead and doing the work first risks having your approval application rejected or being ordered to restore the vehicle.

Book your inspection appointment ahead of time

The post-modification inspection is carried out by the same type of authorized inspection facility used for routine vehicle inspections, so it is worth learning how appointment booking works there in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the whole process take, from approval to updated registration?

Timelines vary significantly depending on the type of change and the review schedule, so it is best to ask your local licensing authority for an estimated timeframe before you apply.

What happens if the actual work does not match what was approved?

A mismatch between the approved plan and the actual work will typically fail the post-modification inspection, requiring you to redo the work or reapply for approval before you can pass.