If I purchase annual passes for my daughter and her boyfriend who are just now moving to Monterey, can it be arranged for the passes to start at a time convenient for them and not just whenever I purchase the passes?

The time starts the day of purchase you may be able to arrange to buy the passes but have the time start when they are picked up best thing to do is to call them I'm sure they are flexible about this

The time of purchase starts the year

Best to call and see if they can accommodate you. I'm sure you can purchase them and have the two pick them up at will call and activate them.