FYI, I took delivery of my car on 9/23. Although I had not yet received my plates, I mailed in my application for HOV stickers on 9/30. DMV cashed my check on 10/18.
So it appears the DMV approved my application even though I didn't have my license plates at the time I applied. I was preparing to get a rejection letter and reapply...glad I won't have to.
You left the plate box empty on the application and they still processed it?