Went through the hoops to register @ DMV, and honestly it wasn’t that bad.
- Go to DMV and apply for registration – they will give you a punch-list of items you need to do, and you pay them money (if you bring them proof you’ve already paid your taxes, you only pay registration – otherwise you pay taxes too)
- DMV can give you a “parade pass” which lets you move the vehicle on public roads which is useful for steps 3 and 4. But they have to be well coordinated as you only get 1 day. I had a trailer, so it didn’t matter.
- Go to CHP and get VIN verification – they will check the chassis vin and engine number to make sure they aren’t stolen – if all goes well, they’ll sign it off. Schedule in advance – they are booked out a LOOOONG way.
- Because this vehicle contains parts from abroad, you have to fill out a DOT form regarding origin of parts – NOTE: this really only applies to items that come in contact with the road surface (tires, wheels, brakes)
- Headlight/taillight verification – important that this is done by a *motorcycle* shop – a car shop will use the car procedure, which don’t apply. Shop simply fills out a statement of fact that the vehicle has the required parts (lights, signals, brakes, horn, brights) and they work
- Go back to DMV and finish – if they try to do SB100, you don’t need to, that only applies to cars for smog. Bikes don’t have this. You can try to tell them, but they’ll call Sacramento anyway, and then you find out you don’t have to.
Done! WOOT!