Dirt Cowboy gives a good run down on the process. However, some DMV offices and the Sacramento office will not give you your SPCN# until your car has a VIN#. It also is really helpful to make DMV appointments through their online appt tool.
https://eg.dmv.ca.gov/foAppt/Welcome.jsp Doing this also allows you to get to know that appt. clerk who will likely see you each time you go there during your process. This is so helpful!
So you may have the following experience:
#1. First DMV appt. - expect to give them a copy of your receipts and MSO and fill out the registration paperwork & pay your use taxes. They will give you a one/two month windshield registration pass so you can go to the CHP.
#2. Call and make your CHP appt. You must use the DMV station in the county you live in.
#3. Go to your CHP appt and take all your DMV paperwork with you. Get your VIN inspection and expect this appt to take 1 hour.
#4. Go back to the DMV with your VIN paperwork and all other paperwork and they will process it and call Sacramento for your SPCN #. Sacramento will fax a copy of the certified form to your DMV and they will give it to you. They will mail the original to you in less than a week.
#5. Call the BAR referee and make your appt. You must give them your SPCN# at that time.
#6. Go to your BAR appt. for your inspection and take all your paperwork with you.
#7. Go back to the DMV for your plate assignment and then go for a long drive in the country in your Cobra!