Buying in Canada or USA as a foreigner?
 

Hi! I am planning for quite a way in the future, but, I wish to buy a Yamaha XT250 somewhere on the East Coast for a ride to Ushuaia then back up to Alaska. I think buying in North America will be the way to go, and i prefer to start on the East Coast. Is it possible in Nova Scotia or Quebec? Or will it be easier in Maine or NY? Any thoughts or hints would be very appreciated!!

I apologise if this has been spoken about before, but I couldn't find anything about the East Coast specifically....:confused1:

from Nova Scotia
 

Here's the requirements for registering a vehicle in Nova Scotia. There doesn't seem to be a need for a permanent address. I'll try and verify that fact tomorrow but it looks good for you so far!

Growler


Registry of Motor Vehicles - Identification Requirements
http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/images/navbar_underline.gif An individual or group of individuals (in the case of joint ownership) not previously issued a Nova Scotia master number, must visit a Registry of Motor Vehicles office (RMV) in person and show required identification before they can initiate any type of RMV transaction (for example, get a Driver's Licence or register a vehicle). Identification requirements do not apply to companies.
The following identification is required to be displayed by individuals, at an RMV office, prior to creating a Nova Scotia master number: (NOTE: If the name appearing on your proof of age document is not your current name (ie. maiden name), you must provide additional identification (ie. marriage certificate or change of name certificate from Vital Statistics)).

One of the following age verification documents:

• Birth Certificate (government issued only);
• Passport;
• Canadian Citizenship Card;
• Permanent Resident Card or Immigration Papers - Record of Landing;
• Driver's Licence;
• Certificate of Indian Status Card, or
• Nova Scotia Identification Card.

and two additional pieces of identification with the applicant's name and signature, such as (but not limited to):

• Foreign Driver's Licence;
• Credit Card;
• Bank Card;
• Vehicle Registration; and
• Health Card.

The term "Master Number" or "Client Master Number" refers to the number on your Driver's Licence or Vehicle Registration under the heading "Master". For an individual, this 14-digit number is made up of
(a) the first 5 letters of your last name [if your last name has fewer than 5 letters, the difference is made up with spaces];
(b) plus the day / month / year of your birth;
(c) plus 3 computer-assigned numbers.

Contact information for Quebec
 

Vehicle registration in Quebec is managed by SAAQ, more info here:
Vehicle Registration | SAAQ

Also, you should ask a person directly as I can't seem to find your answer to whether a foreigner can register a bike because you normally would need a Quebec driver's license. Maybe you will need to get an international driver's license beforehand to be able to purchase register a vehicle.

Note that vehicle registration in Canada is a provincial jurisdiction rather than federal. All provinces recognize each others official documents, no problem there, but it is managed at provincial level for your information.

Telephone Information Service for General Information
Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In Québec (city and vicinity): 418 643-7620
In Montréal: 514 873-7620
From elsewhere in Québec, Canada or USA: 1-800-361-7620
** Add "1" in front of 418 and of 514 should you be calling from abroad.

Sales taxes in Quebec are expensive, and so are registration fees because responsibility insurance (no fault system) is incorporated in the registration. Examples: registering an XR650L cost 633 CAD / year, and 377 CAD for a XT250.. speed bikes, hang on tight: 1'425 CAD (considered high risk).

The good thing if you register in Quebec is you can manage registration entirely through the web access, learn the system, use it well. Should be the same in NS. Pls let us know the result of your inquiry. Best!

Buying in USA
 

There's quite a few states (which ones, except CA, NM, AZ which I know will) that allow a foreigner to buy and license.
If you get to New Mexico I'll help you buy one here...in New Mexico you can have option of purchasing 2 years registration also.

Zig

Thanks for that guys! It gives me hope that my plan may come to fruition! I've also emailed NS and Quebec councils to see what they say, but i have yet to find out. Will let you know when I do!