So I'm near the end of my 32 Roadster build and wanted to get some insight. My 32 has been verified by CHP and I have a Ca Title, but it has only been in Non Op status(never registered). I'd like to buy a pair of 1932 Ca plates and have them registered to the car instead of personalized plates. I got a paper from local AAA office on YOM but they pretty much kicked me to DMV. Has anyone gone through this process and can help advise so I don't spend hours at DMV or buy plates that won't work? Helpful advice is welcomed, Thanks.
Don’t deal directly with the DMV I use a title service company in my hometown in So Cal. PM if you want the info but I’m sure there is one closer to you. In this case a middle man is the way to go because they have the connections and knowledge and experience and actually care about the customer.
It is simple, just follow the DMV instructions. ask me how I know. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handb...lates/year-of-manufacture-yom-license-plates/
I would contact Ken Leek. https://www.peninsularegistrationservices.com/ His mother, Donna used to run it and I can't say enough about how easy, painless and cheap it was to California legalize my '54 Ford that I pulled out of a farmers field with literally no paperwork at all! Highly recommended for what you're looking to do.
YOM’s have to go thru DMV and it’s not hard at all. You say it’s titled. So it has plates of some sort, right?
I did it on my avatar, through DMV many years ago. It's simple enough as long as you get a clerk that is familiar with YOM plates. They WILL inspect your plates. Ratty or altered (including restored) plates may cause a problem.
If everything else is clean I would do the YOM plates myself. Call the DMV in Sacramento with questions, your local DMV doesn't deal with this situation very often. Before you buy the plates you should verify they are clear (number not already issued). Probably the same site used for personalized plates but ask them. They used to want the plates to be original and not restored but I think this changed. I also think you can restore them later. Charlie Stephens
I found it to be very simple with my "33. I bought a pair of verified clear original plates. DMV inspected them for condition. They don't have to be perfect but must be clear and legible. Pay the personalized plate surcharge and off you go.
There is nothing hard about YOM plates. You have neighbors with them on numerous cars, that went to the DMV up 101 from you.
Thanks for advice guys. I have a DMV in the Mts that hardly has anyone there so I'll ask them and also call the conversation message I got with info as well. Much appreciated.
When I got my YOM tag for my 32 here in South Carolina there are certain number & letter combinations that you can not register, I don't know if that is true in California but checking with your local DMV may save you some money, I'm sure you don't want to spent money buying plates you can't use. HRP
All the info here has got you on the right path. I will also mention this here since it might help someone in the future. You can buy old plates from sources as varied as a garage sale to specialty plate dealers with prices to match. Most dealers will certify that the plate has been checked and cleared, that's part of why you are paying more. Keep that receipt until you have the paperwork cleared!
I bought my '34 plates at a swap meet for a really good price. Got home and checked and found that number combination was registered to a derelict kawasaki motorcycle. Had to wait years before it finally got junked and the plates were turned in.
Call the DMV 800 number to verify the number sequence. Hopefully you'll get the option of an online chat. That way you'll have printable verification that the number sequence is available for YOM plates. Then go immediately to the DMV to get them assigned to your car. I've done 3 sets of YOM plates at 2 different DMV offices and had no issues. I did use a title service to verify the vin and handle the paperwork for a car I bought with only a bill of sale but didn't go for the extra $45.00 (at the time) to do the YOM application.
This is it ^^^. I would find some at a plate dealer that will give you a guarantee that the plates are clear, it will cost a little more then eBay or the swap meet but worth it. IF you want to go with eBay or a swap meet then you can call the DMV to verify or get one that's a very odd combo and hope for the best (and get them cheap). Remember for 1932 you need to get a PAIR.
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