Revised Process for California SB100 Registration

[ACHiPo]

I started the SB100 registration process yesterday for my new ERA.

According to my local DMV (Pleasanton), here is the revised process for registering a kit car (SPCNS) to get an SB100 registration:

1. Take in receipts and MSO and pay the fees. The expenses must include parts and labor to build the car, and receipts for the frame, body, engine, and transmission at a minimum. At this first visit I received a temporary VIN and a vehicle moving permit, which allows me to legally drive the car for one day for a Brake and Lamp inspection and a CHP inspection.

2. Brake and Lamp inspection is required before the DMV will issue a Temporary Operating Permit (this is a change from what I've seen elsewhere) or Sacramento will issue an SPCNS sequence number (also different). At this point I was starting to get concerned based on everything I read "DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT A SEQUENCE NUMBER!" After speaking with the manager, showing her the instructions I'd downloaded from DMV and elsewhere, she called Sacramento and confirmed they will not issue an SPCNS without a Brake and Lamp inspection. By the way, I was actually pretty impressed with the Pleasanton DMV employees. While it was clear they didn't have a lot of experience with the process, they were professional and helpful. It sure would be nice, however, if there was a clear process to follow since what I found posted on line is out of date.

At this point a guy called me over and encouraged me to relax. He was in the final stages of getting an SB100 for his Noble. He assured me that the DMV folks knew the system and were helping me out, even though it's different than what I'd read. He went through the whole process a few weeks ago and was equally concerned at the time, but confirmed that this DMV knew what they were doing and to be nice and follow their instructions. Wish I'd thought to get his contact information!

3. CHP inspection for stolen parts and permanent VIN assignment.

Not totally sure on the rest of the process, but I believe it is:

4. SB100 Sequence number (yeah, this means another DMV appointment I think, although I may try to do it by phone first)

5. BAR inspection and smog waiver.

6. Sacramento issues the license plates and I think I have to go back to the BAR and have them attach the SB100 sticker.