SPCNS (Caterham) registration in the SF Bay Area

[Maggie S.]

We are about to start the registration process for our Caterham 420R (self built) and I was wondering there is anybody here who can share their experience with the DMV (good or bad), particularly which field office you went to….I have the application from, the statement of construction, MSO and all the receipts.

Also your experience with CHP (San Mateo county) for the VIN verification would be super helpful!

Thanks so much!!

[KnifeySpoony]

I did Alameda county sheriff, and BAR in Livermore and had good experiences.

[empti]

• BAR Inspection: I just completed the BAR inspection TODAY in Livermore (near Las Positas College). The process was quite smooth, I was asked to provide the MSO, SPCNS Sequence Number(issued by DMV), and DMV fee receipt. 
• Vin Verification: I didn't go to CHP. I called CHP earlier but they redirected me to DMV for VIN verification. I went to DMV instead and they hand wrote me an REG-31 form. -> I need to find out if this method works as i am going to try getting the license plate tomorrow. 
• Safety Inspection: I went to this Spiteri's Complete Auto Service in Belmont. They charged me for the headlight adjustments but passed the safety inspection. I have also tried my local inspection station in Concord but they asked absurd questions. 

 

 

Edited Friday at 12:00 AM by empti

[Alex-Ks1]

I'm in Kansas, so after I built my 7 .DMV was no help at all they didn't have a clue to get this done .So an Internet search said I was to contact the captain of state police central area Kansas. I did, and I had every bill of sale. Every scrap of paper in a large 3 inch thick folder . The Captain came to my shop, surprised me, I had to make. An appointment, and thought Ok 6 months later, but he showed up 3 days later . He walked around the car . Then said do you have a windshield wiper, ,, this is. Very odd, state law, you must have a wiper, but you don't need a windshield I had a recipe for a manual wiper blade, that was good enough...thats the truth .. any way all he wanted to see was the bill of sale for the engine and if the paper work matches the numbers on the bill of sale . It did, and that was all, serious , he them asked if all the lights worked .He made a Kansas VIN right there and pop riveted to my inside fire wall  .done ,I was shocked. Now getting a Kansas title .. I was ready to spend 6 months with this , all they wanted to see was the state police paper work ,,,DONE and 45$ later I had a legal VIN and a set of plates and a clean title ..  

Edited Friday at 03:01 AM by Alex-Ks1

[empti]

1 hour ago, Alex-Ks1 said:

I'm in Kansas, so after I built my 7 .DMV was no help at all they didn't have a clue to get this done .So an Internet search said I was to contact the captain of state police central area Kansas. I did, and I had every bill of sale. Every scrap of paper in a large 3 inch thick folder . The Captain came to my shop, surprised me, I had to make. An appointment, and thought Ok 6 months later, but he showed up 3 days later . He walked around the car . Then said do you have a windshield wiper, ,, this is. Very odd, state law, you must have a wiper, but you don't need a windshield I had a recipe for a manual wiper blade, that was good enough...thats the truth .. any way all he wanted to see was the bill of sale for the engine and if the paper work matches the numbers on the bill of sale . It did, and that was all, serious , he them asked if all the lights worked .He made a Kansas VIN right there and pop riveted to my inside fire wall  .done ,I was shocked. Now getting a Kansas title .. I was ready to spend 6 months with this , all they wanted to see was the state police paper work ,,,DONE and 45$ later I had a legal VIN and a set of plates and a clean title ..  

That's such a quick turnaround. I had 5 DMV visits and 4 inspections so far, and I don't have a license plate yet. Let's hope it all works out tomorrow. 

[Maggie S.]

17 hours ago, empti said:

• BAR Inspection: I just completed the BAR inspection TODAY in Livermore (near Las Positas College). The process was quite smooth, I was asked to provide the MSO, SPCNS Sequence Number(issued by DMV), and DMV fee receipt. 
• Vin Verification: I didn't go to CHP. I called CHP earlier but they redirected me to DMV for VIN verification. I went to DMV instead and they hand wrote me an REG-31 form. -> I need to find out if this method works as i am going to try getting the license plate tomorrow. 
• Safety Inspection: I went to this Spiteri's Complete Auto Service in Belmont. They charged me for the headlight adjustments but passed the safety inspection. I have also tried my local inspection station in Concord but they asked absurd questions. 

 

 

Thank you!! Super helpful! Did you install a pct valve? Seems to be a requirement, but really does not make any difference for the car. Wondering if truly needed to pass inspection.

[empti]

8 minutes ago, Maggie S. said:

Thank you!! Super helpful! Did you install a pct valve? Seems to be a requirement, but really does not make any difference for the car. Wondering if truly needed to pass inspection.

Updates 10/3/2025

I wasn't able to get the license plate because the VIN verification has to be done by CHP. DMV just told me to get an appointment with CHP. I need to talk to CHP on 10/9 and come back to DMV one more time. 

 

As for the PCV, here is my set up (for BAR the inspection). The hose on the left comes from the top of the catch can, connect to a PCV valve and then another hose to the throttle body. 

 

 

[Slonie]

23 hours ago, Maggie S. said:

lso your experience with CHP (San Mateo county) for the VIN verification would be super helpful!

 

Happy to see another Bay Area 7 will be hitting the road soon! As for your questions...

 

@ralph has some fairly recent and local knowledge here, perhaps he can help...