registration in California

Deli dream said:
@Guero_Pajero Could you share your VIN verifier? I've been sitting on a Delica for 8 months, tried multiple avenues to get CA plates (and other states too!) via Pacific Choice. It's getting pretty desperate around here.
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I searched Google Maps for VIN verifiers in the San Diego area. There were many. Go see one. They probably won't charge you if they can't verify the VIN. If the first one won't verify your VIN, go to a different one.
 
jenvinh said:
Any updates on the VIN Verifier? Looking to get mine registered in CA, but scared of getting flagged.
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As I understand it, in California the VIN verifier (if not the DMV or CHP) have no ability to "flag" your VIN. Mine was flagged when the previous owner tried to do the registration as a direct import into California, thus I had the honor of going to get my Delica CA-Approved:rolleyes:.
 
sck_nogas said:
As I understand it, in California the VIN verifier (if not the DMV or CHP) have no ability to "flag" your VIN. Mine was flagged when the previous owner tried to do the registration as a direct import into California, thus I had the honor of going to get my Delica CA-Approved:rolleyes:.
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Thanks for the clarification!

Was hoping to get some contact info for VIN verifiers that have worked, if anyone has some
 
sck_nogas said:
As I understand it, in California the VIN verifier (if not the DMV or CHP) have no ability to "flag" your VIN. Mine was flagged when the previous owner tried to do the registration as a direct import into California, thus I had the honor of going to get my Delica CA-Approved:rolleyes:.
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What is the short version of getting the delica “CA approved”?
 
DustAngel said:
What is the short version of getting the delica “CA approved”?
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Easiest way to explain...

What Did You Do for Your Van Today?

Added the FTS4x4 skid plates and hitch I got through @13mclean bulk order. Also extended the spare tire cage so that it holds the 235/75r15 spare fully inflated (I had to deflate the tire to about 20psi to get it to fit without the extension). I'll do a writeup about the extension if there's not...
delicaforum.com delicaforum.com
 
Delinotdeli said:
At DMV now (CA) …..looking for the federal label? idk about federal label
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Good luck finding a federal label on a car that was never intended for sale in the US! Read thru this thread - you need to sweet talk your way to the inspector. If they send you to CHP, don't go, do your research, rethink your strategy.
 
Whatever you do don't go to Pacific choice they are a complete rip-off or the CHP do your homework read all post that have been posted and cross your fingers
 
was considering the drive to San Diego
4 wheeler said:
Whatever you do don't go to Pacific choice they are a complete rip-off or the CHP do your homework read all post that have been posted and cross your fingers
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oh wow ok -was considering the drive to San Diego (def been reading threads….)
 
I would say, you have a few options....
  1. The most expensive, most "legit" route - Get a CARB certified lab/mechanic to modify your Delica to CARB requirements and slap the Federal sticker on your Delica (I did this)
  2. Get a Mitsubishi Dealer to slap their modification sticker on the Delica and hope that satisfies the DMV/CHP/CARB
  3. Try to find an understanding DMV somewhere and hope you don't get flagged
  4. Register out of state...
Good luck
 
Deli dream said:
@Guero_Pajero Could you share your VIN verifier? I've been sitting on a Delica for 8 months, tried multiple avenues to get CA plates (and other states too!) via Pacific Choice. It's getting pretty desperate around here.
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Guero_Pajero said:
Absolutely! I know they'd love to help out and increase their business. Texting him now to make sure it's cool to post their info.
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Any update here? Been sitting on my l400 gasser for a couple months now. Would appreciate their contact!
 
spaceshredder said:
Any update here? Been sitting on my l400 gasser for a couple months now. Would appreciate their contact!
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Don't waste your money with Pacific Choice lovell owes me over $300 and 6 months of my time for nothing that business is a scam he cannot register your Delica in the state of California
spaceshredder said:
Any update here? Been sitting on my l400 gasser for a couple months now. Would appreciate their contact!
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4 wheeler said:
Don't waste your money with Pacific Choice lovell owes me over $300 and 6 months of my time for nothing that business is a scam he cannot register your Delica in the state of California
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And there's a new unregistered elica in town at F & M Auto in Mira Mesa would that be you? I know
 
sck_nogas said:
Cribbing from my previous reply in a different thread...

As I understand it, the truth is that all vehicles sold/registered within the state of California MUST display a label that states that the vehicle passed the EPA emission requirements for the year at the time of manufacture. Furthermore, the label MUST also state that the vehicle passed the California emission requirements for the year at the time of manufacture.

On a normal US made car, that's not an issue since, all vehicles made in the US have that label/placard. Though there may be older year models that meet EPA but not California emission requirements.

Enter the Delica. (Hum along with your own rendition of Metallica's Enter Sandman)

So, the JDM Delica does not have the sticker, since Mitsubishi never intended to sell this vehicle in the US as it's configured. But, what about the USDM Mitsubishi Van? Well in that case, that specific engine (gas, not diesel) in that specific configuration (2WD not 4WD) in that specific Model was tested and labeled.

So, how do you register your Delica in California? You MUST have a label that states the vehicle passed the EPA & California emission requirements for the year at the time of manufacture. How do you get the magical sticker? You take your car to the ONLY testing lab in the state of California and give them a lot of money ($4k) to have them spend 12-16 weeks to add a diesel particulate filter and run some "tests" to then put a magic sticker on your vehicle.

Once you have that sticker, it's a cake walk to register...

Now, you can get "lucky" by going to a sympathetic independant verifier, a sympathetic DMV (that's 4Wheeler's suggestion), by having a sympathetic CHP inspector, by having it already registered in CA, by smiling a lot, etc...

BUT when (not if) the DMV decides to crack down on the JDM import world, no sticker... No registration.
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Pre 1995 are not required to have federal safety lable…I’m in the process I’ll try this dmv pass go to the next technique. My Delica was imported straight from Japan this year, and I bought it from the dealer. I will be the very first US registered owner in California. I was able to get the emissions label straight from one of the Mitsubishi dealerships in Universal City LA. They just handed me 6 stickers which of course need to be filled out. So if I don’t need the federal label and I have this label hopefully all will go well I’ll keep you posted. I do you plan to take it down to Chula Vista? Unless anyone can suggest another place closer to LA with good results? Thank you!
 

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MissPants said:
Pre 1995 are not required to have federal safety lable…I’m in the process I’ll try this dmv pass go to the next technique. My Delica was imported straight from Japan this year, and I bought it from the dealer. I will be the very first US registered owner in California. I was able to get the emissions label straight from one of the Mitsubishi dealerships in Universal City LA. They just handed me 6 stickers which of course need to be filled out. So if I don’t need the federal label and I have this label hopefully all will go well I’ll keep you posted. I do you plan to take it down to Chula Vista? Unless anyone can suggest another place closer to LA with good results? Thank you!
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Agreed. For a pre-1995 vehicle, it's not an FMVSS (aka federal safety label) that you need...

It's the "Additional Evidence" part... aka "a copy of a letter from the manufacturer confirming that the vehicle meets ... and U.S. emission standards." In this case, a CARB certified testing laboratory verification that the vehicle does meet emission standards (Not a local Smog shop, but a certified testing laboratory).

In some cases, if you have the MD136892-A approved modifications sticker from a Mitsubishi dealer and a willing DMV person, that can work. BUT!!! It's not a guarantee that CARB/DMV won't revoke your registration/title afterwards. The ONLY safe way to get a California plate is to go through the expensive CARB certified testing laboratory route.

Or, register in another state and just live your life.

So, good luck!
 
sck_nogas said:
Agreed. For a pre-1995 vehicle, it's not an FMVSS (aka federal safety label) that you need...

It's the "Additional Evidence" part... aka "a copy of a letter from the manufacturer confirming that the vehicle meets ... and U.S. emission standards." In this case, a CARB certified testing laboratory verification that the vehicle does meet emission standards (Not a local Smog shop, but a certified testing laboratory).

In some cases, if you have the MD136892-A approved modifications sticker from a Mitsubishi dealer and a willing DMV person, that can work. BUT!!! It's not a guarantee that CARB/DMV won't revoke your registration/title afterwards. The ONLY safe way to get a California plate is to go through the expensive CARB certified testing laboratory route.

Or, register in another state and just live your life.

So, good luck!
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So even if I register let’s say in Arizona, and bring it to California, I will still have to do the carb testing?
 
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