After you find out the California status you should correct it. I would suggest you do a Club Cobra search for user - "Morgester" and/or SB100.
Morgester is the California AG who ended up with the California vin issues involving improperly registered replicas (I think he got the short straw).
His posts will give you a pretty good idea of what needs to be done to correct the problem and why.
Yes, you will need to be in line at DMV on Jan 2nd '08. A search on SB100 will cover the process. Don't be late at DMV and visit them early to ensure you/and they know the process.
Good luck!!!