Hi Styline,
I also welcome you to our wonderful, online world of old Chevys!
In California, the Highway Patrol is responsible for the VIN, while the DMV uses it for registration. I believe you can take your car to a CHP office (probably need an appointment with their VIN guy) and they can verify the serial number and sign off for the DMV.
It also helps if the DMV person you deal with is familiar with old vehicle issues. Call the state DMV office with questions and have their answers with you when you go to the local office.
As an aside, if you join the VCCA club, you'll get access to your local chapter, where you can ask about which DMV office is more helpful than others.
There are a LOT of benefits to joining the club, like online technical resources, access to the membership roster.
Cheers, Dean