How long to get a white HOV sticker (CA)

I have three questions:

1) What is a typical timeline to get a license plate (California) and then receive a white HOV sticker? I'm still waiting for my plate, over 3 weeks.

2) Unless you receive a license plate, I cannot apply the HOV sticker. Correct? The form does requires the license plate. Why can't we apply the sticker with just VIN number.

3) Is it illegal to use HOV lane (during restricted hours) without the white sticker, even if my car is EV?

Thank you!

1) There's already an existing thread: http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?t=11569.

2) You can sometimes get the plate number early from the dealer, before the plate arrives. Long ago, some dealers also applied for and received HOV stickers for their cars in their inventory, as well. Not sure if they can still do that.

3) Yes.