[meat]

The CHP assigns a VIN number from the California computer database, and they are sequential. The CSX or ERA numbers are not a California issued VIN number.

More than likely, you will run into trouble later if your car is not using the proper VIN number. The reason you have to get a VIN number is because you now are attempting to register a vehicle. This is significantly different than the MSO number, as the MSO is not a VIN number, it is a kit identification number. A kit car manufacturer cannot assign a VIN number unless they are a California admitted vehicle manufacturer. To be a California admitted vehicle manufacturer, the company has to build cars, crash test them, and have a certain number of safety equipment pieces installed on the car. They also have to use California emmissions-legal engines. Manufacturers that produce more than a certain number of cars have to crash test, properly smog test and have DOT and EPA certification for the entire car.

DO NOT use a kit number. Have the CHP inspect the car, make sure you get the VIN number installed by the CHP officer. Doing anything else is a very wrong thing to do. California can and will impound a vehicle that does not have a properly issued VIN number. They do it all the time.

Your pal,
Meat.