Whether you are swapping out a blown engine to give your beloved car a second life, or you have simply decided to treat yourself by painting your vehicle a vibrant new colour, customising your car is an exciting process. However, in Trinidad and Tobago, your vehicle’s engine number and paint colour are strictly tied to its legal identity. Changing either of these without officially updating your documentation is a serious legal offence.
Under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, you must notify the Transport Commissioner (Licensing Office) of any material change to your vehicle. Crucially, according to Licensing’s’ website, this must be done within seven days of the change taking place.
If you are changing your engine or colour, you cannot simply show up empty-handed. You will need to bring your valid Driver’s Permit, your Motor Vehicle Insurance certificate, and the original Certified Copy. If you changed the engine, you must also provide the original receipt of purchase. This receipt is critical; it proves you did not install a stolen engine and must clearly state the new engine number. If the engine was imported, customs clearance documents are also required.
But what happens if you do not have a receipt?
Perhaps you bought the engine as scrap years ago, the receipt was lost in a fire, or you bought the car and discovered the engine number never matched the certified copy to begin with. The Licensing Office will not accept a handwritten note. In the absence of an official receipt, you must go to a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner of Affidavits and swear a Statutory Declaration (an Affidavit). This legal, sworn document must explicitly state exactly how you acquired the engine, why you cannot produce a receipt, and solemnly declare that the engine is not stolen property. You will present this sworn affidavit to the Licensing Office in place of the receipt.
Once the vehicle is inspected and the documents verified by the Licensing Office, you will pay a nominal amendment fee (typically TTD35) to have the register and a separate fee for your Certified Copy (TTD100) to be officially updated and printed. The penalties for ignoring this process are severe. If you are stopped in a police roadblock and your engine number or paint colour does not match your Certified Copy, you can face fines upwards of TTD1,000.
Your Next Step for Success
Navigating legal paperwork is stressful, which is why having the right mechanical partner is essential. If you need an engine replacement, look for a one-stop shop with legitimate, transparent parts sourcing. A professional garage will ensure you receive all the exact, legal receipts and customs documents required by the Licensing Office. For maximum peace of mind, choose a facility that offers helpful reminders about renewals and legal updates, ensuring you always remain compliant, fully insured, and safely on the road.
Professional Garage Ltd is a second-generation, woman-owned automotive business based in Laventille.
Visit: 25 Pashley Street, Laventille
Call: 625-7725
WhatsApp: 487-5047
