Warmblood58
New Member
Just got off the phone with both BAR and CARB - looks like it is mission impossible to register a Deli in California . . . .Damn!
Deli Dream Dead for California
- Thread starter Warmblood58
- Start date
Morgonzo
Active Member
Hmmm, have you asked around on Delica.ca? I know there are at least 1 Kali Deli Pilot on there. Usually when it comes to uber bureaucracy (like Kali) it seems that it comes down to the individual and the day you happen to be in front of them. Of course if you ASK like a normal person they'll say NO! But if you innocently wander in and fein incompetence, it might work out for you. Don't give up!
Just a thought!
M
Just a thought!
M
What year? I'm confused on why they would say NO since its a diesel. I heard of a way people have done it. I read the following from another forum awhile ago (I copied'pasted it to Notes...i wish I copied the URL too):
I had to use some trickery to accomplish this. Here’s the basics if you’re going to attempt it:
1. The vehicle will need a 17 digit VIN stamped on the frame. 2. Don’t use the DMV or CHP to verify the VIN…use a “licensed vehicle verifier”. 3. Register it as a 1988 Mitsubishi Van…not a Delica. 4. Wait until the DMV agent is at the last step and says you need a smog check, then inform her it’s a Diesel.
I had to use some trickery to accomplish this. Here’s the basics if you’re going to attempt it:
1. The vehicle will need a 17 digit VIN stamped on the frame. 2. Don’t use the DMV or CHP to verify the VIN…use a “licensed vehicle verifier”. 3. Register it as a 1988 Mitsubishi Van…not a Delica. 4. Wait until the DMV agent is at the last step and says you need a smog check, then inform her it’s a Diesel.
Jp 805 delica
New Member
It can be done.
I got mine registered and just received my pink slip.
I paid about 1000$ on taxes at the DMV. And the issue popped up when they did the vin inspection. I got sent to the chp. Made my appointment and when down to see them.
I took all the importing paper work that had customs stamps on it.
Took about 40 min waiting. Officer came back and said it all looks good. He told me the DMV might ask me to go to bar but not to mention it.
Went to the DMV that same day. And got my plates. Also it's registered as a delica
I got mine registered and just received my pink slip.
I paid about 1000$ on taxes at the DMV. And the issue popped up when they did the vin inspection. I got sent to the chp. Made my appointment and when down to see them.
I took all the importing paper work that had customs stamps on it.
Took about 40 min waiting. Officer came back and said it all looks good. He told me the DMV might ask me to go to bar but not to mention it.
Went to the DMV that same day. And got my plates. Also it's registered as a delica
Warmblood58
New Member
Interesting, my mistake was in calling CARB -the guy made it sound impossible, but of course, his job is to shut down non conforming vehicles in California. Good luck and enjoy your new Deli, such great little vehicles!
Avilagus83
Member
The guy you called from CARB is George at "the only shop in California licensed to perform the tuning required to register it in california." It's all BS. I registered it here in California no problemo.
Can you share the steps you went through? I'm in the process. Thanks!
Avilagus83
Member
Well, I guess I spoke too soon. DMV had told me my plates would be in the mail. Today I received a letter from Sacramento DMV stating I need to prove my van meets California emissions standards. Called ARB and the useless girl I spoke to said that my Delica will not be able to be registered here.
Avilagus83
Member
Did they ask you for proof it meets emissions standards?
Avilagus83
Member
Just tried ringing you
Avilagus83
Member
What state did you do this in? If in Californlia, what DMV? I'm willing to drive hours to finish this process
Kyre
Active Member
Got mine registered in SF last year no problems. State to state transfer. Title a few weeks later. At one point they mentioned I needed it smogged then I politely told them, it was a pre 97 Diesel. They looked it up (because they had no idea) and said I was good to go.
One thing I did which sped the process up was to pay $50 for a licensed VIN verifier outside the DMV. Once verified you don’t have to deal with CHP.
One thing I did which sped the process up was to pay $50 for a licensed VIN verifier outside the DMV. Once verified you don’t have to deal with CHP.
Avilagus83
Member
Kyre
Active Member
Bought in PA through DelicaUSA so it was titled and registered there first. It HAS to be titled and registered in another state before brining in CA. Was yours? That could be the problem?
Doesn’t need a 17 digit VIN. Doesn’t need CA emissions sticker if it’s a pre 97 Diesel. It it’s petrol, then yes it needs a sticker which you most likely won’t get.
Verifier is in SF called DMV Vin Verifier (guy named Michael Doyle) great guy and super simple. He’s seen multiple Delicas and hiaces so as long as it’s diesel and registered in another state first you should be good.
Then take your paperwork to the SF DMV. They’ve seen quite a few of these now.
Doesn’t need a 17 digit VIN. Doesn’t need CA emissions sticker if it’s a pre 97 Diesel. It it’s petrol, then yes it needs a sticker which you most likely won’t get.
Verifier is in SF called DMV Vin Verifier (guy named Michael Doyle) great guy and super simple. He’s seen multiple Delicas and hiaces so as long as it’s diesel and registered in another state first you should be good.
Then take your paperwork to the SF DMV. They’ve seen quite a few of these now.
Avilagus83
Member
@Kyre you got lucky. Diesels are only exempt from smog, not from meeting California emissions standards. Looks like I'm going to have to drive up to San Francisco to handle this
Check this out: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr09a
Check this out: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr09a
Avilagus83
Member
They even told me that if I did a state to state transfer, it would need to still need CA emissions.
Kyre
Active Member
That links pertains to direct imports only.
Maybe I did get lucky but if you get your vehicle verified outside the DMV and have the paperwork ready they shouldn’t question anything (besides the smog but remind them it’s pre 97 Diesel
I’ve heard the trouble within the DMV happens when it needs to be verified, then they don’t know what to do and will hand you off to CHP.
I had a friend who dealt with this and it took him multiple DMV trips and CHP. He eventually still got it registered. When I got my van he told me to go to the verifier. I did and was out of the DMV in less than 3 hours (no appointment) with plates. They had to have a manager override the VIN in their system (11 rather than 17) but they can do it.
Small town DMVs will question everything, in SF I think they see all kinds of weird vehicles so know how to handle it. Plus I know at least 4/5 Delicas/hiace have been registered here in SF.
Maybe I did get lucky but if you get your vehicle verified outside the DMV and have the paperwork ready they shouldn’t question anything (besides the smog but remind them it’s pre 97 Diesel
I’ve heard the trouble within the DMV happens when it needs to be verified, then they don’t know what to do and will hand you off to CHP.
I had a friend who dealt with this and it took him multiple DMV trips and CHP. He eventually still got it registered. When I got my van he told me to go to the verifier. I did and was out of the DMV in less than 3 hours (no appointment) with plates. They had to have a manager override the VIN in their system (11 rather than 17) but they can do it.
Small town DMVs will question everything, in SF I think they see all kinds of weird vehicles so know how to handle it. Plus I know at least 4/5 Delicas/hiace have been registered here in SF.