Using an old Truck to build a truck. It has No vin # 1938 so how do I get California Dmv to give me license plates for my 38 truck?

Twila

probably have to register it as a speciality vehicle or similar.................their website should have info

May

A 1938 model would have a "serial number", not a VIN. It was usually placed on a metal tag fastened to the firewall or on the drivers door post. Ask the California DMV what they require or will accept

Been There, Done That.

Ca registered my 1929 Ford sedan. If it doesn't have a plate with a # on it, they will assign a new number/plate and attach it to the body with pop rivets. That's what they did to my sand car. My old Ford still had the original plate mounted on the firewall, with only about 7 numbers on it.

not

1938 would have used the serial number of the original engine as cars had no vin numbers yet. My CHP will have to verify your vin, they inspect the vehicle and read the number themselves. If you have the engine for the number you could load it all on a trailer in peices and they could inspect it. I've done a 29 ford and 38 chevy that way but had both the engines.

Obi Wan Knievel

No, there's always a number, even in 1938. The California DMV knows it won't have a VIN, because the 17-digit VIN wasn't standardized until 1981. If the serial number isn't on the chassis, use the engine number. Don't worry, the DMV knows it won't have a standard VIN. Whoever you talk to might have to confirm it with a supervisor, but they'll work with you on it.