[Bluesman]

Things might have changed since I got my car registered for the first time in Calif. Here is what I did:
I made an appointment with the CHP for a "brake and headlight"
test. This is before you deal with the DMV.
At the test station, the officer checks out your car. The more complete it is, preferably 100%, the less chance of the inspector going over it with a fine toothed comb. At this point they will give it birth, assigning it with a VIN. The vehicle Identification plate was installed on the drivers door jam and is basically hidden from view.
With that done, you drive down to DMV. I brought an envelope with receipts of the cost to build the car and that is what they base the price of registration on. I had to prove to the Air Resource board that the engine was a 1969. After they beat the crap out of your new engine, they assign it a "BAR" code identification tag that goes in the engine compartment. That is so every two years when you take it to the smog station, they scan it and it gives then the information for the smog requirements.
Things change day to day but that is my take on one way to get your dream on the road legally.