CA DMV

[DNA]

Hello California guys,

I am going into the DMV tomorrow to get my lisc and register my cars and bikes.

My wife went last week, passed the test and paid the fees, but left empty handed as she had to get the car smogged.

This is a Massive PITA - aside from passing the CA driving test and paying through the nose - iaside from showing up with an insurance card adn title - do I need anything else to get plates on the bike?  Smog or inspection before hand?

The website was not so helpful...

Thx,
-DNA

[stew71]

Feel our pain.  No smog or inspection needed for bikes. You should get the plate in the mail in a few weeks.

One more thing...you'll be thanking the Maker for allowing us to lane share...especially in summer gridlock traffic. Trust me on this.  

Oh, and welcome to the collective.

[DogBoy]

Insurance card, title and you may need something showing your new address. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. They will answer or call back (yes, really) and they are helpful.

As stew said, lane sharing, scenery weather and the roads take a the sting off in big way.

[Blunder]

Insurance card, title and you may need something showing your new address. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. They will answer or call back (yes, really) and they are helpful.

Truth. Also, if you can find a DMV office in a smaller town you'll find the people behind the counter friendlier and more helpful than those that work in the big city offices. If this isn't possible, when you get all your stuff together definitely make an appointment as it will save you a lot of time.

The DMV wesite is like most government sites; they can be difficult to navigate.

Good luck and welcome to the Republic of CA.  

[DNA]

Thanks guys - I am going to read the book tonight and study up - the wife got 100%.  

Hopefully it will not be too bad - I have an appointment at 8:30 and will bring a bunch of documents.

Looking forward to splitting, but so far I have not even started the bike as to call me busy is a laughable understatement.

-DNA

[kevin_stevens]

I always got plates right then and there.

OP - you have to go to DMV this time because of the license, but for future reference, if you're a AAA member you can do almost all vehicle registration/title stuff there - MUCH more pleasant experience.

KeS

[Playinthestreet]

I always got plates right then and there.

OP - you have to go to DMV this time because of the license, but for future reference, if you're a AAA member you can do almost all vehicle registration/title stuff there - MUCH more pleasant experience.

KeS

That AAA deal is worth the membership fee just on its' own.

[DNA]

Sweet AAA is a good deal on many ways.

They had to"verify" the wife's minivan - will I need to ride the bike there or will they trust me as long as I bring cash?

Thanks

[nevinfs327]

Just registered my Triumph 2 weeks ago from out of state.  You have to take the vehicle and they will look it over verifying VIN and engine number.  Find the engine number in advance.  Mine was in a very tough spot to read (dirty).  Most bikes are easy to find, but I recommend you double check first, and clean if necessary.

I walked out with a plate and reg stickers.

[DNA]

Thanks - I will ride the bike in and git er done.

Tomorrow is going to be a long morning i fear.


BTW - I found a 7 digit number on the right side of the engine case of GS 1200 on the same side as the oil window -  anyone think this is it?

[kevin_stevens]

Thanks - I will ride the bike in and git er done.

Tomorrow is going to be a long morning i fear.


BTW - I found a 7 digit number on the right side of the engine case of GS 1200 on the same side as the oil window -  anyone think this is it?

Maybe.  Engine number is usually roughly engraved on a flat plate machined into the case for that purpose.

KeS

[DNA]

Hmmm - nope - this was cast in raised numbers.

The user manual was no help - and a crawl around with a flashlight did not reveal much else.



BTW - did you know it is illegal to smoke in the car in CA with anyone under 18 years old?  

I guess I learned something from the book.  I'm loving CA already.

[kevin_stevens]

Hmmm - nope - this was cast in raised numbers.

The user manual was no help - and a crawl around with a flashlight did not reveal much else.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=561459

Damn I'm good.  

KeS

[Blunder]

BTW - I found a 7 digit number on the right side of the engine case of GS 1200 on the same side as the oil window -  anyone think this is it?

If Suzuki is consistent, then yes, that's the engine number. That's where my '01 Bandit 1200's engine number is. The frame number, which might be different from the engine's, is usually up on the steering head on the same side.

FWIW, CA makes a record, and prints it out on your pink and reg card, of both numbers.

[5OUTTA6]

That AAA deal is worth the membership fee just on its' own.

I got received a notice from AAA  that they will be charging a fee for DMV transactions now..........

[DNA]

Thanks guys Heading out now.

I searched adv first with no luck - your google Fu is powerful today!

[Rogue]

I got received a notice from AAA  that they will be charging a fee for DMV transactions now..........

Still worth it to go to AAA office rather than the clueless DMV.

[DNA]

Time in 8:31

How long to get registered and a M lisc?

Place your bets now!

[rgbeard]

Noon.

[DogBoy]

Since you had an appointment, I'm guessing less than an hour.