Alot of what has been said is single situation only. Some cars have the vin only on the engine that is long gone. Some car have the VIN on the brake booster. I kid you not.
I find it easier to have a COP friend just verify the VIN instead of taking the car to the DMV. Any law enforcement person with a badge can work. Then take the fully complete paperwork to the DMV with the out of state title. Shouldn't be hard at all.
As crazy as California law is, the DMV rules are lame and inconsistent. The DMV people don't even really know what to do. If you trip isn't going well, take you stuff and go back and try again.
I usually prefer to buy cars out of the system. I bought a new half ton 6 months ago and the DMV lady asked if it was diesel or gas. I should have said diesel. All she had to do was look at gas cap but she was too lazy. She had no clue where anything was for numbers on a brand new truck and she was the VIN checker.
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