[SkipB]

Wow. When I read this it reminds me of the nightmare I experienced in 2004 going through the SB100 process. Back then and maybe today, the DMV seemed to invent barriers and new regulations for getting a car titled. Just part of the wonderful Kalifornia experience. In 2004 I did everything according to their long list of demands and still never got my title. In fact the DMV sent me a letter advising that my car was illegally titled and told me to send back the plates, registration documents and they would refund my fees/taxes that I had paid. Then they told me to basically hide my car as it would be forfeited to the state if found on a public right of way. I was told that my car was not going to be registered in Calfornia because some other guys tried to cheat the system! Somehow, this made me a cheater too. Well, after more than 11 months of letter writing, personal visits to the DMV and much hair loss, I finally got it registered. I must again thank Steve Rosenberg (a regular poster on this site) for helping me navigate the DMV process back then. I still owe him a beer or three!

So, even though it may be frustrating and seems like a bunch of run around busy work, just do what they ask with a smile on your face. They really just want their money and will tax anything including labor and in my case taxes already paid. (I understand this part has changed). Also, they are very concerned that your "gross polluter" will be killing birds, small children and increasing the temperature in the state. So, again, just do what they ask, in the order they ask it and be prepared to be frustrated and mad. Smiling helps alot as does some single malt scotch after you get home. Ultimately, you will prevail and be able to drive your car on the wonderfully maintained streets and roads of the Golden State.

You could also do what I did and move to Arizona and avoid 90% of the grief about cars and other Calfornia regulations.

SkipB