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Procedure to buy / register as foreigner in California? Procedure to buy / register as foreigner in California?
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Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 19 Oct 2012
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: London
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Procedure to buy / register as foreigner in California?
So, will be there in a few weeks, get moto's and head south, I am not a US citizen and only have the ESTA visa...Assume the procedure from what I have read here is as follows with some questions i have -

1. Find Bike (Craigslist)
2. Pay for it.
3. Register with DMV in California (have the use of a friends address in the same state - What does the DMV need here, just an address or any other kind of document?). Receive printout of ownership and registration from DMV and then you are good to go? (No need to wait for new plates in the mail to the registration address used?)
4. Obtain Insurance for the US and Mexico (Motorcycle Express?)
5. Obtain 3rd party Insurance at all border crossings on route to Sth America.

Long Ride >

6. Sell bike in Sth America to another traveler (Contact DMV in California for this? How to get the bike out of my name???) and pay for flight home with no more cash left.

Anyone see any failure points here?
Suggestions well appreciated.
First long trip out...
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  #2  
Old 20 Oct 2012
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: london
Posts: 5
bike regitation
when you buy your bike you have to put in your name to get the v5 log book, pink, slip rego, into your name at the DMV and they send it to you whilst there you might as well get your ca id and your have to pay sales tax on a second hand bike bought privately plus other taxes might be cheaper saying it was a gift ? ? may take 3 weeks to receive you need i d to fart in California im back home sometime now same place as you ,fuels half price compared to £1.38 a ltr and gallons are smaller there best wishes and good travels.
Last edited by offinafrica; 25 Oct 2012 at 21:57. Reason: spelling
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  #3  
Old 22 Oct 2012
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 76
Quote:
Originally Posted by JD_303 View Post
6. Sell bike in Sth America to another traveler (Contact DMV in California for this? How to get the bike out of my name???) and pay for flight home with no more cash left.

Anyone see any failure points here?
Suggestions well appreciated.
My plans are similar, starting mid-February. Only problem I forsee is at the end of your journey. What if you don't/can't sell the bike? There's a good chance you'll need to return the bike to the States, or 'dispose' of the bike, particularly if it's registered in your passport at the final destination.
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  #4  
Old 25 Oct 2012
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Location: London
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Well, doesnt sound too bad then I guess...
But defo would need to sell properly as thats the trip back to Aust at the end when the well of cash reservers dry up and if selling would need to be good for whoever it gets sold to so they can insure themselves correctly for personal liability etc...same as wha I want when buying.
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