SB100 newbie question

[tmctguer]

in January 2008, I registered a fully built 1993 Beck that had been registered in other states in the past. so my steps were slightly different but in many cases, they generally reflect what is required for an SB100 registration:

1). first of all, January 2, 2010 is the next time SB-100 registration permits will be available. there are only 500 issued each year for the entire state, and those are generally gone by noon on January 2nd of each year.

2). you don't necessarily have to have your car completed when you get in line on January 2, 2010.

3). You will need to have all of the DMV documents filled out when you arrive at your local DMV office on January 2, 2010. They are the papers dealing with titling, cost of constructing the car, origin of parts, etc.. The most important document you'll need is the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO). this shows that you purchased a 'kit' car from manufacturer. you'll have to surf this website and the DMV site for ALL the details of documents. If you are unsure what you'll need after researching the DMV site, you might stop by the DMV in December to speak to someone who might be able to answer any outstanding questions you may have regarding your paperwork.

4). get to your local DMV office (or one in your area who knows how to handle SB100 registrations) a few hours before they open on January 2, 2010. You probably won't be the only one in line. Make copies of everything you bring to the DMV (MSO, all completed DMV form, etc). Do not give the DMV any paperwork that you do not retain a copy of because you will most likely not be able to ever get the paperwork back.

5). If your group of SB100 applicants all get through the line in time, you'll be issued a "temporary" SB100 number. Make sure you keep all paperwork the DMV gives you and pay attention that the DMV clerk has correctly filled out all of the registration documents. (You'd be surprised how difficult it is to fix a mistake later in the process). you'll also be expected to pay DMV fees that day so bring your checkbook. You will be issued a temporary operating permit that allows you to drive the vehicle in California, presumably for getting all your vehicle inspections completed (see below). You'r DMV paperwork will include a list of pending items that must be completed prior to finishing the registration process. this paper will list "Brake & Lamp, CHP inspection, and SMOG check".

******** Finish constructing the vehicle and get it insured *************

6). You'll need to get a Brake & Lamp Inspection at a local auto repair shop. This certifies that your headlights, tailights, brights, back up lights, license plate light all work.

7). You'll need to contact your local California Highway Patrol to schedule a VIN inspection/assignment appointment. You'll need to bring your Brake & Lamp inspection form, all of your paperwork from your DMV visit, any photo's or receipts for the vehicle that proves you did not build the car from stolen parts, and your MSO. The CHP will inspect the car, assign a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for it, and physically affix a VIN plate to your vehicle.

8). anywhere from 15 to 90 days after your DMV visit, you will receive an official letter from the DMV that shows your SB100 information. You must retain this paperwork because the SMOG referee will need to see it (see below).

9). after you've been to the CHP and have a VIN, and have received your official DMV letter, contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to schedule your SMOG inspection. Don't call them without your official DMV SB100 letter. They will not talk to you without it, nor will they help track it down if the DMV has not sent it to you.

10). Bring all your paperwork to the location of the SMOG referee. The more you bring, the better chance you have of answering any odd questions they may have when they inspect your car.

11). The SMOG referee will do a smog check and most likely, your call will FAIL. Don't worry because you have an SB100 permit in your hands. in the event the SMOG referee asks you, "would you like the car smogged on the basis of the year of the engine or the year of the body?" your answer should be "the year of the body."

12). After finishing the smog test, and assuming you have all of your paperwork together and have answered any questions they have about the vehicle, the SMOG referee will print ut a label that certifies that your car is SMOG exempt. He/she will ask you where you want to have the label affixed. Pick a place that is protected from heat and water because they label is a simple laser printed tag. I was told by my SMOG referee that they can be replaced, but he said it is a pain to get done and requires a whole new visit to the SMOG referee. The SMOG referee will also issue you paperwork that you must retain.

13). After getting all of your paperwork together (everything from the DMV, CHP, SMOG referee, proof of insurance), take it all down to your local DMV office and you will be issued new license plates.

14). A few weeks later, the DMV will mail you a state-issued title to your car. it will reflect the VIN issued by the CHP, it will show "SPCN" on the title, and will show the year of the vehicle as the year you officially complete registration.

15). Retain 100% of the paperwork you received throughout this process. Should you ever sell the car, the future owner will need it all.

I am sure others can chime in and give you additional pointers. In fact, the experience above represents the SB100 process at it existed in January 2008, and there may have been changes to the process that you may need to be aware of.

Also, you'll have to work with your insurance agency to get your vehicle insured while you are still without a state-issued VIN. Also, after you've finished registration, you'll need to re-contact your insurance agency to make sure they have your correct newly issued VIN.

i hope this helps, and i would encourage others to edit, revise, and make other helpful suggestions.