latest # of HOV stickers issued?

Purchased car 6/18/06.
I sent in the application a total of three times, the last one on 7/28/06.
Check cleared 8/9/06.
Postmark on stickers 8/11/06.
Arrived 8/19/06, sticker #70296.

Kind of surprised it only took 8 days for them to arrive, since I just moved and my forwarding kicked in on 8/11.

 

I can confirm the delays mentioned by other posters from using any specialized mailing - the best option seems to be confirming the receipt indirectly by noting when your check is cashed:

7/2 Pay for Prius at Toyota of Hollywood w/ personal check (Sunday)
7/3 Pick up car
7/6 Personal check for car clears my account
7/11 Visit dealership to see why they haven't processed DMV paperwork; they require waiting 15 BUSINESS DAYS before they will do this!! Told that copy of front/back of cancelled check would suffice. Pay extra $25 for "expedited handling" (paid to outside contractor who makes in-person visit to DMV)
7/14 Check image faxed to dealership
7/19 Dealership calls w/ license plate number; US mail certified w/ receipt requested used to submit HOV application; cashier's check used for payment
7/21 Green "return receipt" postcard received - not sure if DMV or the PO stamped the date received
7/29 Title received from DMV and metal plates received from dealership
8/7 Cashier's check cashed by DMV
8/11 Stickers issued #7090X
8/15 Envelope postmarked
8/18 Stickers received

Had I known, I would have used an electronic funds transfer to pay for the car to avoid this delay. I didn't do this because of the issues involved with buying the car on a Sunday (they threatened to sell the car to the next person on the list if I didn't complete the transaction within 24 hours of notification). Those of you who are rushing to get those last few thousand stickers should consider this if you are paying "cash" and are unlucky enough to be buying from a dealership that has hard line policies like this.

I also had to fill out a full credit app and take the loan inquiry hit on my FICO score even though I was paying cash. The only reason I had to put up with this nonsense is because of the Prius demand. To their credit, this dealer charged no markup over MSRP and the only mandatory add was the floor mats. No trickery with port add-ons or other surprises at time of delivery. They pushed all the various dealer upgrades but didn't misbehave when I declined.

Best of luck to those who are scrambling for those last HOV stickers.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(inventor00 @ Jul 26 2006, 07:48 AM) [snapback]292552[/snapback]</div>

Gonna be me with my luck. I bought the Prius on 7/15/2006 and just spoke to the dealer and she said that it would be another 2 weeks before I get my license plate and there isn't anything I can do to speed up the process. It sounded like my paperwork was returned because of fees not posting. Who knows, but one of the main reasons I bought the car was for the stickers. This really sucks.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(uclabruins @ Aug 24 2006, 11:15 AM) [snapback]308883[/snapback]</div>

You need to kick you dealer in action. I bought my Prius in Las Vegas on 7/22, paid with Credit Union check. Got a copy of the cashed check the next week and faxed it to the dealer. Got my paper work a week later 8/1, went to the DMV the next day adn walked out my plates 45 minutes later on 8/2. Had to send in my paper work for Fastrak here in the Bay Area adn got my transponder om 8/8. Shipped my OHV app in on 8/9 (but my check has not been cashed yet from what I can see )

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bulldog @ Aug 24 2006, 08:50 PM) [snapback]309133[/snapback]</div>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mailed my app for HOV stickers on 8/10.
Have heard NOTHING.
My on-line bank account has not seen that $8 check, yet!
We'll see - -

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Curtis SAC @ Aug 8 2006, 12:53 AM) [snapback]299504[/snapback]</div>

Check cashed 8/21.

Stickers postmarked 8/23.

Stickers arrived today 8/25.

Sticker number 71972

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Curtis SAC @ Aug 25 2006, 02:05 PM) [snapback]309479[/snapback]</div>

WOW. 71,972...I'm definitely going to miss out. Now, I'm really mad. I bought the car the same day as you, Curtis SAC, too.

I just spoke to my salesman and he said it normally take 90 days for the plates to come. I told him about people receiving theirs in 2 weeks based on posts here and he didn't believe me.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(uclabruins @ Aug 25 2006, 04:55 PM) [snapback]309574[/snapback]</div>

Last resort, I have heard of "outside services" available that basically consist of a guy who will go wait in line at the DMV with paperwork on your and the dealer's behalf. Someone above references this...maybe try PM'ing them to find out more specifics? Worse case you pay the fee yourself.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(uclabruins @ Aug 25 2006, 04:55 PM) [snapback]309574[/snapback]</div>

Yea, that's a bunch o' crap.

I bought my car, then took a week to get my bank loan through to them. (I wasn't expecting the car to come in as fast as it did).

But once the dealer had the check from my bank (Monday), they processed the registration at DMV and overnight expressed the plates to me, got them by Thursday.

Toyota of Stockton. Wow, can't say enough good about them. 3 days from dealer receipt of bank check to plates in my hand.

But DMV, they'll screw me yet. They sent back my first app saying something was wrong with the FasTrak receipt, which there wasn't. The phone number for help was no help "try sending it in again". So I sent it in again, have heard nothing - it's been two weeks. Called them today, all they could do was tell me that my check hadn't been processed yet, but that they were just the call center blah blah blah. Suggested I send in another application, with a note explaining why this time it's a copy, not the original FasTrak receipt.

 

Hi Everyone,

With only about 3000 stickers left time is short. I ordered a Prius in early July and it arrived on 8/18. I purchased it on 8/20. I had my dealer go to the DMV and get me plates on 08/21. I had plates the next day! Dealers can do this for cash deals. I used a bank cheque to pay for the car. I went to the Fastrack office in SF on the morning of 08/22 and overnighted the app to DMV. It arrived on 08/23. Given that there are about 3k stickers left, I feel good about my chances. I have seen so many posts where people are waiting months for plate numbers. There is no need if you push your dealer to get these for you. Good luck to everyone.

As a side note, I am selling a Lincoln Navigator. My wife started a new job 35 miles away so the commute with that car was way too expensive. We are totally pleased with the Prius (package 8). We also have the 400h which is getting about 27mpg on average, which isn't bad for an SUV. All the best of luck to those still sending in apps.

 

7/22: apparently someone canceled an order, I was offered a new 2006 package #6 and signed papers.
8/1: took delivery. dealer charged me $28 to file registration electronically.
8/8: received plate (!!!)
8/9: applied FasTrack and mailed application to DMV via express mail.
8/28: check cleared (a little longer than I expected, must be the express mail)

stay tuned.

 

7-19: Purchased car
8-04: Sent in FasTrak application
8-9: Requested dealer help with plates
8-11: Received Plate No. from Dealer
8-16: Received Fastrak receipt and mailed forms to DMV
8-29: Check cleared bank

Still waiting for stickers, but may slip in under the wire.java script:emoticon('',%20'smid_3')

 

Here's my time line so far...

7/15/2006: Purchased Prius from Longo Toyota.

7/19/2006: Filled out Clean Air sticker application and mailed today. Wanted to see if it would get returned for no license plate.

7/28/2006: Longo delivered physical paperwork to DMV (They bring it to the DMV every two weeks on a Friday) I asked if there was a way to speed it up and they said no. I even asked if I could take it to the DMV myself and they said it wouldn't make getting the license plate any faster.

7/31/2006: I called the DMV to see if a license plate has been assigned. Not yet.

8/1/2006: At 2:46pm, I called the DMV to see if a license plate has been assigned. Not yet.

8/2/2006: At 4:00pm, I called the DMV to see if a license plate has been assigned. Not yet.

8/3/2006: At 4:30pm, I called the DMV to see if a license plate has been assigned. Not yet.

8/4/2006: At 3:55pm, I called the DMV to see if a license plate has been assigned. Not yet.

8/4/2006: I received in the mail my Carpool lane sticker application saying there was no record on file for my car. My application was time stamped by the DMV on 7/21/2006 at 1:34pm.

8/4/2006: Since the DMV didn't mention a license plate, I went to the post office at 5:00pm and dropped off the application for the clean air stickers to the DMV along with my $8.00 check to see if it would get processed this time.

8/8/2006: At 11:15am, I called the DMV to see if a license plate has been assigned. Not yet. However, the woman at the DMV did see the VIN in the computer. She said the registration shows up as of 8/4/2006, but it’s pending because the DMV is waiting for the paperwork from the dealer.

8/10/2006: At 9:00am, I called the DMV to check if a license plate has been assigned to my Prius. The woman said the DMV has not received all the paperwork yet. At 9:10am, I called my salesman and left him a message asking about the DMV paperwork and when it was turned in. At 11:42am, I filled out the DMV Carpool sticker form and am going to mail another application to the DMV with another $8 check. As of 11:44am, the first check has not been cashed, which was mailed on 8/4/2006.

8/11/2006: I called the DMV at 4:30pm and they said there is still paperwork missing to get a license plate assigned. The application was started on 8/4/2006, but the DMV still needs other paperwork. At 4:45pm, I mailed second application today at the post office hoping a license plate will be assigned by the time the second application gets processed.

8/16/2006: At 9:05am, I called the DMV and a woman said that the dealer has only posted fees and hasn’t turned anything else in (???). At 9:10am, I left a message for my salesman about the paperwork.

8/17/2006: At 1:30pm, Woman at Longo DMV department called me back. She said the paperwork is in the process of posting. It was filed on 7/28/06. She also tells me that I could have had it expedited and it would have cost $15.00 and it would have taken 5 days. WHAT??? Now, I'm mad, but what can I do? She asked that I call her on Tuesday on her direct line.

8/21/2006: At 3:19pm, I left a message for Longo DMV woman asking about the license plate. At 4:30pm, I talked to Longo DMV woman and she said the paperwork is still processing.

8/24/2006: At 10:50am, I called Longo DMV woman about an update on the processing. No license plate yet. She said the paperwork is being sent back to the DMV because of fees posting or something like that. I let her know that one of the main reasons I bought the car was because of the carpool lane stickers. She said they should get a license plate in 2 weeks (Another 2 weeks! The stickers will be gone by then). Michelle said to call her back in 2 weeks. After I hung up the phone, the Longo DMV woman called back saying that she will write "next" on my Prius paperwork (since it’s a Prius) and to call her back in a week (next Thursday) to see if a plate has been assigned. (Why don't they process the Prius' paperwork faster knowing people want the carpool lane stickers???)

8/25/2006: I received my first HOV application back today. It says to “re-submit once you have received your plates.†The application was time and date stamped on August 8, 2006. I mailed this application out on 8/4/2006, so it took 4 days for them to receive and stamp. This was the first application I sent.

8/28/2006: I called the DMV and asked if there was a License Plate # assigned to my Prius. I spoke to Anna and she asked for VIN, when I purchased and last name on record. She said the DMV started keying in the information on Friday (7/26) and it should take 4-5 business days to complete. Once complete, I should get my license plate number.

8/30/2006: At 4:26pm, I left a message with Longo DMV woman. At 4:42pm, I called the DMV. Diane said that a license plate number has been assigned, but she couldn’t give it to me. If I went into the DMV and showed my ID, they could give it to me. (Everything that could go wrong, does for me). I drove down to the DMV in Montebello, but arrived after they closed at 5:00pm, so I couldn’t get the plate number.

8/31/2006: At 8:02am, Longo DMV woman called me and gave me my license plate number. FINALLY!!! I drove down to the Post Office and waited in line. I got there at 8:15am and the post office opens at 8:30am. I decided to pay for Express Mail (next day delivery guaranteed). I waived the need for a signature and paid the $14.40. It is guaranteed to be there tomorrow by noon.

So that's my frustrating time line. I hope I can get the carpool lane sticker.

9/1/2006: I received the second carpool lane sticker application back in the mail today. It said a valid license plate # is required. It was time and date stamped on 8/14/2006 at 1:34pm.

9/14/2006: Both of the applications I mailed in on 8/31/2006 were cashed. Yes! I hope that means I'll get at least one set of stickers.

9/21/2006: Stickers received in the mail today. Numbered 76,300. YIPPPEEEE! Carpool lane here I come!

 

8/25: Bought my car late Friday night
8/29: Called dealership to see if they have my plate numbers
8/30: Nice lady calls me back with plate numbers
8/31: Mail out application; just regular mail since I heard express mail may be redirect to another office.

Let you know if I am able to get one...

-MC

 

8/05/06 - Bought Prius
8/29/06 - Contact who had been checking my VIN daily to see if a plate was assigned yet, calls to give me my plate number
8/30/06 - Mailed application with money order in case there's a wait for check to clear
8/31/06 - Fingers and everything else crossed in hopes of getting stickers for my 100 mile rountrip commute to work.

I also checked and double checked my application to make sure that it was filled out correctly and am I glad I did. The salesperson who had so nicely filled it out for me, checked the "Replacement" box instead of the "Original" box in Section B. I just know my application would have been returned if I hadn't caught that and corrected it!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Anthony @ Aug 29 2006, 09:18 AM) [snapback]311156[/snapback]</div>

8/31: Received sticker in the mail. Number: 72700 (2300 to go! good luck everyone)

 

8/25- purchased Prius #6 in metalic gray.
8/30- got license plate #
8/30- 4:30pm, express mailed application AND sent additional application by regular mail.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(greenbaby! @ Oct 12 2005, 04:52 PM) [snapback]140246[/snapback]</div>

I mailed my application in on July 22 and the check just cleared.

 

1/7/06: Ordered pkg 6 Barcelona red at Toyota of Escondido (near San Diego, CA)
After 3 months of waiting, they admit they can’t get a pkg. 6. Arrgghhh!

3/30: Ordered pkg 6 Barcelona red at Hanlees Toyota in Davis, CA
7/28: Flew to Sacramento/Davis to pick up car

Hanlees' DMV person went to the DMV to get the plates and called us with the number within 1 week--
and then FedEx’ed them to us in San Diego! No additional charge. Thank you, Hanlees!

8/4: Sent application for HOV stickers, certified mail
8/7: Application received at Sacramento DMV
8/22: Check cashed
8/25: Postmark
8/31: Sticker #722xx received

 

SHORT Timeline -

8/10 Posted my application for "Stickers"
8/30 Check cleared bank (Checked on-line)

The wheels of government turn SLOWLY!