I'm about to start my registration process and figured I would start a thread with the process and what I know so far.
Most of the information pertains to all of New York state but some is different for upstate vs NYC, particularly the emissions rules.
New York has a 'homemade' classification for vehicles which is what I will be registering under.
New York seems to be rather strict in their application of their rules but at least there are clearly defined rules to comply with.
You can get a packet with a list of required equipment, required forms, and the general process by mailing or calling:
NYSDMV Technical Services Bureau
Vehicle Safety Services
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany NY 12228
(518) 474-5282
That will give you most of what you need to do. What follows is what I have found out so far that they don't really spell out.
Emissions:
As a homemade, the only emissions rules that you must comply with are that you have to have a sealing gas cap.
(Source:
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/forms/cr79up.pdf)
MCO:
In place of the MCO requirement you must have all your receipts for all major parts, they didn't specify what major parts consist of, so I kept all receipts.
Windshield Markings:
Your windshield must have safety glass markings on it of either AS-1, AS-10, or AS-14. But if it doesn't have the marks on it you can get a letter on company letterhead from the people who cut/made your windshield confirming that the glass does indeed meet those specs.
Light Markings:
ALL lights must have DOT or SAE markings on them, even the rear license plate light which I was told would have an L mark on it.
Wipers and defroster, and visors:
Even if it doesn't make sense, you have to have wipers, a defroster, and sun visors, no exceptions.
The wipers have to be electric powered, no hand crank, and they must have at least 2 speeds, and, you have to have two blades to meet the "clear enough of the windshield" requirement.
You also have to have visors and defroster on your windshield...
Even though non of this really makes sense for me because I'm using brookland style windscreens and a visor will be right in my line of sight, I will definitely never be driveing in the cold, and I have more problems to worry about than a little rain on my tiny windshield if I ever get caught in it. The guy at the technical services bureau said it doesn't matter, still need them. He did give me some 'inside tips' though. A clip-on fan plugged into your ciggarette lighter and pointing at the windshield will count as a defroster, and a 'clip-on' visor from any local parts place will work for the visors.
Weight:
The scale that you get your car mesured on has to be certified by the State Dept. of Weights and Measures.
The process:
You get you car 'finished' enough, fill out and send them the form that comes with the packet along with pictures of each side of the car, weight receipt, any confirmation letters like for the glass ratings, and your receipts for major parts. They approve or don't your vehicle for application for a VIN and if approved you are given a location and time for you VIN inspection. At the VIN inspection they verify everything that you filled out on above mentioned form and give you a VIN. Once you get your VIN it's the standard NYS registration process, including your regular state inspection. You will NOT be given an 'in-transit' permit for any of these stages either, so you will have to tow your vehicle everywhere.
I will be starting this process hopefully next week and will update this thread as the process progresses. Hopefully everything goes smoothly.