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Originally Posted by Russki Guzzi
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.
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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
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.
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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
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.
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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.