Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree4Likes
  • 1 Post By Russki Guzzi
  • 1 Post By Russki Guzzi
  • 1 Post By Russki Guzzi
  • 1 Post By Russki Guzzi

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 May 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Easiest US state for a foreigner to buy, register & insure a motorcycle

I realise this question & variations have been asked before, but answers I've found here & elsewhere are old & laws change, and many of the answers are contradictory, so I'll ask it again.

I'm looking at buying a bike in the US, riding down to Terria del Fuego & back, then selling the bike. Since I'd start off in Autumn, say October, I'd need to buy in one of the southern US states where still warm enough to ride, e.g. California, New Mexico, Florida, etc.

So the question is as in the title: where would be easiest & quickest to buy, register & insure? Since I'd want to hit the road asap after purchase it would be especially important that I get all the documents needed to cross the border into Mexico as quickly as possible. So if the purchase & procedure would cost more but be faster in a particular state, that's the one I'd go for. Time is money and all that, so I'd pay for speed.

Grateful for any advice.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 May 2017
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Just above your post there's a sticky: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...nals-can-58648
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 May 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Indeed there is, and it contains much useful information, as well as some that is old and contradictory. But it doesn't actually contain the answer to my question, which is why I asked.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 May 2017
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Arizona
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 May 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Thanks very much! Appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 May 2017
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Russki Guzzi, let us know how you get on with this.


I am in the early stage of planning a trip to the US, for next year, and I have been looking at lots of DMVs websites on various states for registration of the bikes. All seem to require proof of address/residency.


I am sure there are ways round it, so I would be really interested in your 1st hand experience.
I would look for 2 bikes (XT250s) so may be more tricky to find at the same time in the same place. But shipping costs might be crippling too... tricky.


cheers,
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 May 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Quote:
Originally Posted by maria41 View Post
Russki Guzzi, let us know how you get on with this.


I am in the early stage of planning a trip to the US, for next year, and I have been looking at lots of DMVs websites on various states for registration of the bikes. All seem to require proof of address/residency.


I am sure there are ways round it, so I would be really interested in your 1st hand experience.
I would look for 2 bikes (XT250s) so may be more tricky to find at the same time in the same place. But shipping costs might be crippling too... tricky.


cheers,

ISTM there are 2 separate problems. The first is the address requirement, but I get the impression that's easily solved. It seems that some dealers - presumably if you're spending enough money - will even let you use their address.

The second problem is how long it takes for you to get the title document after buying the bike. I'm reading times of up to 6 weeks, which doesn't seem to matter if you are only going to ride the bike inside the USA since you don't need the docs for that. But I want to cross the border - for which you need the title docs - asap after buying. I wouldn't want to have to wait for 6 weeks to get the docs, and that's my biggest concern.

Yes I'll definitely report back. I'd like to do this in October, but there is a danger it might slip back to next year.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 Dec 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1
Don't forget Vermont. I know it is not a warm climate to start an October adventure from but they will register a ham sandwich to a snowman via the mail, they just want their fees.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
In my experience you don't need the title to cross borders. The registration document is sufficient provided it has the same names as your passport. Several countries don't even have titles yet they have no problems going from country to country. The British document for instance has bold printing across the top stating clearly that it is not proof of ownership, just proof of who is in charge of it. Australia the same. In fact I've heard of a couple of cases where border officers presented with a title asked to see the registration certificate to prove entitlement to enter under a TVIP. With a Carnet, the title won't get you far either
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Dec 2017
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by Russki Guzzi View Post
ISTM there are 2 separate problems. The first is the address requirement, but I get the impression that's easily solved. It seems that some dealers - presumably if you're spending enough money - will even let you use their address.
This is often the case. Or ... go to local HUBB community and ask for help, or
go over to ADV rider where there are 100,000 members, many willing to help out a traveler with an address.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Russki Guzzi View Post
The second problem is how long it takes for you to get the title document after buying the bike. I'm reading times of up to 6 weeks, which doesn't seem to matter if you are only going to ride the bike inside the USA since you don't need the docs for that.
Yes, varies State to State. California used to be 6 weeks, but I've bought two bikes in the last 6 months ... took 2 weeks for one (filed through a dealer), 3 weeks for the other. Not bad. Our DMV claimed they were speeding up this process and they have.

But as mentioned above, several states allow you to receive an official, permanent title on the spot, same day.

Arizona is one such state ... but do note that there are several other states that have similar "Same Day Title" issuance. Can't recall which ATM. Perhaps Idaho or Montana? Not sure. Ask around.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Russki Guzzi View Post
But I want to cross the border - for which you need the title docs - asap after buying. I wouldn't want to have to wait for 6 weeks to get the docs, and that's my biggest concern.

Yes I'll definitely report back. I'd like to do this in October, but there is a danger it might slip back to next year.
Well, it's December and NO word from OP. Hope he managed to get a bike and be gone. If not yet departed, hope this info helps some.

What Tony says may be true for some countries ... been ages since I've crossed borders in Central and S. America. But I can verify NOW ... that Mexico requires a permanent title ... not a Temp. title as issued by some DMV's.

Also ... registration alone will NOT WORK in Mexico. Ask me how I know this!

Yes, in years past just your registration was sufficient to obtain your TVIP, if name matched your Passport. No longer the case.

Travelers with non California documents may get away with this as the Aduana do not know the look of all titles and registrations from ALL 50 states. BUT ... they for sure know California, from where about 80% of visitors come from.

So yes, they know what our California registration looks like and they know what a Pink Slip (Title) looks like as well vs. registration document.

A few years back I tried just presenting my current registration ... no go! Luckily I had my Pink Slip (Title) stashed and had to go dig it out from its hiding spot.

Be aware that these requirements though out Cent. and South America are constantly being revised, usually made more complex ... so getting CURRENT info is critical when it comes to TVIP policy from country to country.

I would NEVER ever travel that far without an actual permanent title. Sure, try to use your registration if you can and your Laser Color copy of your real title, this will often be accepted. But do keep the real genuine title on hand ... just in case.

And in my experience (old info) you do not need current registration document in most cases, just a legal title.

If on the road ... how could you keep your annual registration current? And some USA states have Permanent status ... IE, you pay once that is IT. (Montana) but most are annual renewal type.

Your TVIP is your "current" valid registration for what ever country you've paid the TVIP fees to, and good for whatever time period they allow.

You and your bike are a Guest there. But you've paid for that privilege and they can't ask you for your current registration and require it be up to date when you're 10,000 miles from home.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
With 3 weeks available should I buy a motorcycle or be part of a tourist pack? MyOwnWay Trip Paperwork 21 2 Apr 2012 01:09
Looking for motorcycle to buy in south Chili! verovelo South America 6 3 Mar 2012 15:24
Information wanted from experienced bikers in South America joentje100 South America 35 1 Jan 2010 04:00
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination South America 20 30 Oct 2009 18:02

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:42.