Non U.S resident buying in California for S.A trip

[realmc26]

As an Australian, from what what I have read its no real issue to register the bike with the address as either your hotel/hostel or even the bike dealer.

My understanding is you get a temporary slip from the DMV which will allow you to cross the border into Mexico.

My question is do I then have to get the title sent to me somewhere in Mexico for me to then leave mexico into Guatamala and beyond?

I dont want to wast time in the U.S waiting for the title to get sent out so would rather be on my way into mexico.

Wondering what the safest method of getting it sent to Mexico and how long it would take?

Thanks

[Road Hog]

Should be easy to have title sent to someone in Cal. that would forward to you by fed X or other. You will just need and address in Mexico, hotel should work.

The problem I see with your plan is how long will it take California DMV to process the title. Maybe someone will post that info. In Washington State it take m/l six weeks. If you know what you are buying you could state the paperwork before you arrive.

RJT

[realmc26]

Great. Thanks for the info.

[easyg]

Hi,

I did what you're planning although I did have more time so I waited in the U.S. for the registration document to arrive. My motorcycle is registered in California and it took about 2 weeks for the paperwork to arrive. You will need this before you leave Mexico.

I would check on the temporary slip situation because that may only apply to US residents returning to the US and not continuing south to Central America. I like me paperwork to be in order for border crossing, I've had a couple of interesting border experiences on my trip. So that's my only advice; make sure you can import on the temporary slip.

Good luck

[realmc26]

Originally Posted by easyg

Hi,

I did what you're planning although I did have more time so I waited in the U.S. for the registration document to arrive. My motorcycle is registered in California and it took about 2 weeks for the paperwork to arrive. You will need this before you leave Mexico.

I would check on the temporary slip situation because that may only apply to US residents returning to the US and not continuing south to Central America. I like me paperwork to be in order for border crossing, I've had a couple of interesting border experiences on my trip. So that's my only advice; make sure you can import on the temporary slip.

Good luck

Thanks for that. So did you return to the U.S to sell your bike?

[easyg]

No, I'm still riding. I've got to Suriname (country #21) but I'm making my way back to the U.S.. I'll probably get back to California in spring/early summer.

Get in touch if you need any specific info on your planned trip. I'm only too happy to help share the knowledge.

Best of luck