[kurtmart]

Bug's right.

Do a dry run at your recommended office and get all your forms pay the fees etc.
So you have as little to do on Jan 2 as possible. Just check in and wait 'till they get thru to Sacto. to get your number.
Then, number in hand (and 90 day temp. reg.) you can do the CHP Vin deal, brake and light check etc at your leisure.

Good luck.