Exemption sticker acquired.
I went to the ARC BAR Referee. You enter on the Myrtle Avenue side, in Lot A, and make your way all the way up to the corner between the brick (Tech Ed) buildings and the fenced car lot. There are two reserved parking spots, which were a relief to find as I inadvertently participated in the frantic "cruise for a spot" game all the way in.
Go into the marked door just ahead, call the Ref on the phone, wait.
Give paperwork to ref, show him VIN plate, wait.
Watch while he peers at engine - PCV and closed breather quite evident, no comments. Wait.
Find MA title for reference. Wait.
BTW, you are collecting eye tracks all over your pretty paint during this whole time, but many are from very attractive young things, and the rest are from knowledgeable car guys on that part of campus.
About an hour total, and...
Sign papers, take DMV copy, affix sticker. I've heard repeatedly that you are NOT allowed to place it but if you're nice they'll let you guide them. I wanted to put it way in on the driver's footwell, between the single fluid cylinder and the throttle pedal cutout. He took one look and realized he'd have to bend over and reach in while leaning on the car... and handed me the sticker. I cleaned the area and put it on nice and neat. It almost disappears against the white 'glass but is easily readable for those times it's needed.
Should you be given the sticker, be aware that it's VERY flimsy, like a decal, and has ULTRA stickum. Peel and handle it VERY carefully - I almost folded the damn thing over, which would have no doubt been a joy to replace.
Being polite and prepared no doubt paid dividends on this visit as on all prior ones in the process. So you hate big gummint. So you loathe bureaucracy. Stuff it and SMILE SMILE SMILE unless you want an extra big helping. It's all to your good.
I think I'll go get in line real early tomorrow at DMV and Get. This. Done.