Mark,
We have had 5 cars go through up here in Northern Calif. and not a single remark about the noise. However I see you go about it differently than we have to. We first have to go to the Highway Patrol to get a vin # and then to the DMV for the special const. number. Then the smog referee for the test and then back to DMV for plates. And as stated above, the police and smog referee like to look at the cars and talk about them.
Ron61
Ron Widener