Art,
The paper work you get from Sacramento is what you take to the BAR (Smog Referee) and CHP for the one time check on your car, this paperwork has the SB100 number assigned to your car. You could call today and make the appointment for the CHP to inspect the car, they have always put a new VIN on my cars but, some people have had the experience of not having the VIN plate riveted on.
When you start the process and pay your money today this will be the month your registration starts. The temporary move permit will allow you to drive the car, you will need proof of insurance for the DMV and complete the other steps, this is what I meant by the clock starting.
After you finish all of the items on aforementionrd "To Do" list you take all back to the DMV, they hand you the plate and the title will follow in the mail.
Once you are through, you never have to smog the car and it will have the SB100 attached to it for the entire life of the vehicle.
Here is a link to the BACC web site and if you sign up there you will recieve information about all of the event, trips etc. that we do throughout the year.
BACCEVENTS Home
Hope to see you at the Rock House for BACC breakfast one of these days, we will be there on Christmas Eve Morning this Saturday.
Tony R.