I didn't even know they noted "off-road" on a title, I thought that was just for registration. You learn something every day. Yeah that'd be great if he could get the old original plate if she has it. In any case, I'll bet he doesn't have a problem with CHP. I just think the DMV makes more of a big deal out of it than CHP does. 

Btw a nextdoor neighbor and friend were riding their vintage motorcycles along PCH one day, both of them pre-1970 Hondas. They got pulled over because they didn't have turn signals. They told the officer they don't need them because of the age of the bikes, and he didn't believe them. They insisted, and eventually the officer got hold of a motor officer, he verified it, and the cop let them go.

 

Tom, I agree.  And it sounds to me like someone at the DMV messed this up. 

I had the opposite happen years ago...  bought an old Husqvarna dirt bike without a title.  Wildomar DMV inspected the VIN and gave me a license plate for it!