Here's How To Make Your Military Surplus Humvee Street Legal
When the first few military humvees finally went up for auction to the public a few years ago, gearheads and military memorabilia collectors collectively went nuts, and for good reason. These beasts had been elusive to collectors for decades, and now came the time when buying a real military humvee was a possibility. However, this enthusiasm was short lived for many, since the trucks were originally only legal for off road use. While many owners were more than happy with tooling around in the mud in their backyard, some wanted to take their new toys to the streets. Over the years, this goal has gotten closer and closer for many, legally, and now there are only a couple steps between you and burning rubber down your local interstate.
The Title/License Plate
This one will be easier or harder depending on where you buy your humvee from. If you buy directly from the government, then you're in luck, since all of these vehicles now come with an SF97 form that allows you to request a title and license plates for your vehicle in your home state. If you're buying a humvee that previously had license plates and a title, then you can just switch these over to your insurance and put them under your name like you would a normal car. However, if you're buying a humvee that was owned by someone who did not register it, then you'll need to request an SF97 form, which can be done fairly easily through the dealer you're purchasing the vehicle through.
The Hardware
While getting a title and license plate puts you halfway to hitting the road in your humvee, another important aspect is getting your vehicle to comply with local emissions regulations. States like California have very strict emissions regulations, for example, and many states are adopting policies similar to these. If your state has more strict emissions laws, then you may need to swap out the engine in your new humvee for something a bit more eco-friendly. This doesn't have to be a bad thing, however, since swapping your engine to get lower emissions might also mean better gas mileage or more speed and horsepower if you choose to go all-out. Your local mechanic might have a few suggestions as to specific makes and models, but a V8 of some sort is generally considered the standard replacement for a humvee engine.
Contact a local humvee dealer, like HUMV4U or a similar location, for more tips and info.