Archimedes

Can any of you SF Bay Area members recommend a VIN verification service in the South Bay/Peninsula? Trying to avoid the DMV but want to make sure I'm getting a licensed verifier.

Larry Cable

h'mmm have you thought about using suncoasts VIN decoder svc?

Archimedes

Not sure what that is, but I need someone to a VIN verification for DMV on a new car from out of state. Form REG 31. So I can get the car titled/registered in California.

Larry Cable

you send them the VIN and you get back a list of the vehicles build from the factory

have you thought about AAA or Carfax?

- Larry

Archimedes

That won't do it. The car has to be visually inspected by someone licensed in the State and the form has to be handwritten by that person. They're basically attesting to the fact that they confirmed the VIN on the vehicle and the emissions sticker indicates that the car is smog compliant in California.

I'm a AAA member but I don't believe they provide this service.

Larry Cable

ah sorry I understand now ... sorry I cant help you but wouldnt you need to smog test the car anyway and that would provide such?

Archimedes

No, not if it's a brand new car. They just have to look at the sticker and the VIN on the car and write up the form.

wallyworld925

I think CHP does this. Might call the local office and check. Check with Sheriff's office too.

Dalema

I just used the DMV with an appointment (Los Gatos). It was for a classic (prior to the VINs being in the window) so required the manager's assistance and made it a bit more entertaining (not), but still straight forward.

Archimedes

My challenge is I'm going to have a very tight window to get it done (likely 3 days) and I'm not exactly sure what days it's going to be. I don't think I'll be able to schedule it in time at DMV. I called the Santa Clara branch to confirm they could do it there, because the website is unclear, and the automated operator said the wait time on the phone was 90 minutes...

THPorsche

the wait time in the San Jose office usually is a lot less than the one in Santa Clara. I believe the DMV website kind of provide a real time wait time for all offices too.

butter71

for the REG31, you can just drive up without an appt and they'll come out and do the inspection. it's a different (usually much shorter) line than the one for driver license inspections. it took me ~5 mins.

unfortunately, AAA still won't register your car with the REG31 and I had to stand in line at the DMV.

don't forget you also need to get it smogged even if brand new.

Archimedes

I'll check on that, but the dealer said that all they need is for me to get the VIN verified/Reg31 form completed and they can do all the California paperwork for me so I don't even have to go to DMV. I was told that as long as the car has the right emissions sticker indicating that it meets Cali emissions and it's a brand new sale, no need for a smog check.

mathfuzzy

Did you find what you were looking for out of state or is this something completely different?

Archimedes

Yup, found a C2S out of state that was too good a deal to pass up.