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



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  #1  
Old 13 Sep 2008
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registering a bike in the USA as a foreign national
6 points: that is what is required by US law to register a locally bought bike. It is a nightmare-passport counts as 3 points, if you're on a visa waiver (all EU) then only 3 points are counted but if you have a working or study visa then these also count as 3 extra. A US BANK CARD is one point, forget your trusty EU card, it is classed as useless-open an account in the US as soon as you land-I'm marrying my girlfriend here in NYC and this will give us an extra 2 points with a US marriage certificate!
The moral of the story is: DO NOT BUY SECOND HAND IN THE USA. It is almost impossible to register the bike, it can be done in an American friend's name of course but then you couldn't cross any borders.
If anyone has any tips to this I'd greatly appreciate it: the insurance is easy, go to www.motorcycleexpress.com and speak to Gail Goodman who will be of a great help. For more detailed info go to DMV.com: Why Wait In a Line, When You Can Do It Online! department of motor vehicles for a more detailed report and list on how to register a bike. Is it easier in other states than New York? I've been led to understand this is a national curse post 9.11 cheers and waiting for my plates, next week hopefully. G
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Old 16 Sep 2008
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Carnaffan,

The best advice I can give you is to check with the state Department of Motor Vehicles (each state has one) for whatever state you plan on entering the US in. Some are easier than others for foreigners to register a vehicle, some are near impossible (like demanding proof of residency, such as a mortgage statement or rental agreement).

This link may help: Register my Car - How to Register an Auto in Florida,California,New York

The best way of course is to contact the DMV you wish to work with (Google is your friend) and get it in WRITING exactly what that state requires (and also get a point of contact's name). Hope this helps.

-Cabel
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Old 16 Sep 2008
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Don't forget to check over on ADVRider, there's a lot of posts there on this topic. Usually doesn't sound that hard as long as you can get an address in the state, although probably harder in the East than in the West.
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Old 16 Sep 2008
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I sold my KLR to a Japanese tourist two years ago.
In the state of Washington, I think all they required was two forms of ID. I never heard about "points." Passport and IDL were fine. A credit card too would be helpful.
So, the situation is different in each state.
I don't think there are any national laws on vehicle registration.
Call the department of motor vehicles and ask what ID you need to transfer the title to your name. If you don't have to change the license plate the process should be easy in some states.
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Old 16 Sep 2008
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The 2 people who've used my address in California didn't have a problem with points. This is one of the things that having states helps. Police don't know all the laws of their own state let alone laws of other states.
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