If the application for a certificate of title refers to a motor vehicle last previously registered in another state, the application shall be accompanied by a physical inspection certificate issued by the department of public safety verifying the make, body type, model, and manufacturer’s vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle for which the certificate of title is desired. The physical inspection certificate shall be in such form as is designated by the registrar of motor vehicles. The physical inspection of the motor vehicle shall be made at a deputy registrar’s office, or at an established place of business operated by a licensed motor vehicle dealer. Additionally, the physical inspection of a salvage vehicle owned by an insurance company may be made at an established place of business operated by a motor vehicle salvage dealer, salvage motor vehicle auction, or salvage motor vehicle pool licensed under Chapter 4738 of the Revised Code. The deputy registrar, motor vehicle dealer, motor vehicle salvage dealer, salvage motor vehicle auction, or salvage motor vehicle pool may charge a maximum fee equal to the amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code for conducting the physical inspection.

The clerk of the court of common pleas shall charge a fee of one dollar and fifty cents for the processing of each physical inspection certificate. The clerk shall retain fifty cents of the one dollar and fifty cents so charged and shall pay the remaining one dollar to the registrar by monthly returns, which shall be forwarded to the registrar not later than the fifth day of the month next succeeding that in which the certificate is received by the clerk. The registrar shall pay such remaining sums into the public safety – highway purposes fund established by section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.