Buy a VIN plate from our host and have it stamped properly. One of the guys has the correct stamping equipment. He does a perfect job. You are. going to need a VIN plate before you can do anything about registering.

Thanks for the suggestion on the slam panel, but it looks like it was replaced. I did find a VIN written on an old DMV form dated 1991. The VIN appears to be consistent with the car. Too bad it isn't stamped and attached to the vehicle...

You could do that up until recently Ian but I read a thread on another board recently and they said Heritage will not do it without a vin number anymore.
I did check with the Heritage site and it said the vin number is required.

Have you looked carefully at the bonnet slam panel?  If the front of the car hasn't been replaced you may find a small plate (say 3/4"X2") spot welded to the slam panel to the left of the central bonnet latch.  This is sometimes difficult to see due to layers of paint.

Cleaning the paint off the plate should reveal the "Body Number".  On early cars this is recorded in the factory registers and can be used to obtain a Heritage Certificate which will provide you with the Chassis Number ...aka the VIN.

Cheers, Ian

call your local CHP and ask them what they want. Every one is different - some are pickier than others. it's probably better luck if you get one that knows a thing or two about Minis, unless the car is 100% complete. 

I’m looking into the legal route of getting a blue tag. I’m just wondering if there are any tips on making that route as smooth as possible. I was advised to start with the DMV, get a referral to the CHP, and bring as much documentation as possible, such as photos to prove the year of the car, transaction documents, etc. I’ve also heard conflicting information, such as the car needs to be “complete,” but CHP will also verify a chassis with non-running engine only.

I believe the legal route is to get a California Assigned Vin aka bluetag from I believe is CHP but process begins with DMV, most likely.

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The vehicle needs a VIN. You can go to MV and ask for a "friend" and tell them what you have. See what they say.

Hello everyone! I wanted to get some advice on registering a 1961 Morris Mini in California. It was purchased from a neighbor (of 30 years; I was aware of this vehicle parked there for the past 20) with only a bill of sale, no title. The vehicle also doesn’t have any VIN attached. External features definitely indicate it is a Mk1. However, all areas to identify the vehicle year are missing, including the wiper motor, boot lock has been replaced, engine is not mounted and a 1275cc non-S.

I was able to locate a Morris 850 badge in the boot, also old body work receipts that indicate it was believed to be a 61. When I showed photos to Graham at Heritage Garage, he also believed it is a 61.

Does anyone have any experience or tips on this process?

Thank you!