Hi all!
My name is Natasza and I am Polish. I used to be the youngest Polish who sailed solo around the world on a yacht, and now I plan to become the oldest Polish to ride the world on a moto.
I consider buing a bike in USA (east side, but open to discussion) and start my travels towards Urugway.
How to go about the registration into my name. I read a lot about it and still no clear answear. I know different states ask different things, but seems impossible to contact DMV in few states I tried. Also. I gather I don't need to register it in the state I buy it in and somehow I can do it over a phone having an posting address? Anyone of you have done it? How come some of you rides on a name of the previous owner? What consequenses that has on the borders. Can you sell it after the trip? How did you guys insured the bikes not having US driving licence...anyone ?
I would like to start in this coming spring...if any of you know of a good bike in USA durable for the yourney from a good source please let me know
Also, when will start - anyone can join! if you around so I invite you to contact me on www.nataszacaban.pl
Have a great 2023!
nat

Hi Nat, welcome to HU!
Your question is a difficult one, as there are 50 states and 50 sets of rules! I'd suggest picking one or two and research here for the rules and see what they are.
I'm also moving your post to the Paperwork Forum, as that's the appropriate place for well, paperwork!
Don't forget to Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools above) to get instant emails when there is a reply to your post.

__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Natasza, I'd have a look at this thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...nals-can-58648. There is another one about buying insurance in the US, but this changes frequently so I'd suggest asking in a separate post once the time gets closer: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...-bike-us-93901.

When researching individual US states, do it online instead of phoning or emailing them, partly because some of their workers give incorrect answers. All the information you need is on their websites (Google "Texas Department of Motor Vehicles," or "Register vehicle in Florida," or the search terms of your choice). You want to read what they say about requirements for registering a vehicle--car, motorbike, truck, with particular attention to whether you need to prove you are a resident of that state, and if so how you do that. In a state which requires residency, neither you as a Polish national nor I as a US citizen from a different state will qualify.

Remember that some states charge sales tax on whatever they think the purchase price should be--my state, Washington, allows you to buy and register a vehicle, but they do charge from 7 to 10% sales tax. The state of Oregon right next door has no sales tax, but AFAIK they won't let a foreign national register a vehicle.

Best to ask questions when you have a specific question about a specific state, because you're likely to get a valid answer instead of vague generalities. Always confirm what you hear by doing your own research! And don't get discouraged--this is the sort of thing which seems ridiculously complicated before your trip, but which you forget all about once you're on the road.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Hello Mark Harf,
Thank you so much for the info!
I am flexible as to which state I will buy the bike and start from - all depends where I can register it or/if I would need to be present with the machine there, ect.
Knowing which state allowes me to do so or which takes taxes which doesnt - would help me to make a wise decicion finding the best option. I was hoping someone on here would have list of such or done the registration as non resident not long ago - therefore the info would be fresh

US laws are very state dependent to the same if not higher degree than laws in different EU countries so it can be easy in one state and impossible in other. The Canadians, German and Dane I talked to had their bikes/cars registered in Arizona and it is an easy option.

When I was there in September trying to get temporary 90-day tag they were giving me hard time trying to hoax me into registering bike permanently (and paying sales tax!) Took several phone calls and signed waver to get temporary tag permanent registration would have been straightforward.

Thank you. I will check Arizona as well. I admitt websites of the DMV are increadiable difficult to undestand I am trying to find a state where there is no tax and i no need to be there present....uffffff

Hello again, do you remmeber by chance if your Canadian, Danish, and German Friends needed a security number?

I haven't asked but I don't remember them asking me for one in September.

If you're fluent in English call their hotline. It's a long affair but when you call via Viber callout it's only $0.01-0.02/min.

tried, no luck but hey!!! look what I received from a lovely biker lady!:

https://www.visitor.us/resources/how-to-register-a-vehicle-in-the-united-states-as-a-non-us-resident

I am posting it as this might help others as well!!!!

Just called Arizona DMV at (602)255-0072 and they said that you need ID or driver license (in US driver license is ID as most people don't have a passport). He wasn't sure if your polish driver license would do but passport with valid visa definitely will. No social security number is needed.

..also one of interesting aspects besides the title you really want to get a notary certified Bill of Sale (BOS) in some places it isn't required in some it's mandatory for example in my state it is if vehicle less than 7yo.

Wouldn't the best solution be to buy in whatever state is convenient and register in South Dakota, or is there something I am missing?

I believe in South Dacota u need the driving licence from there. North Dakota is possible with no American papers, u can even do it by post but it takes up to 8 weeks....if anyone interested in checking it out : that is a ohone number I have from a lovely lady Heather:
Here's the links I found for North Dakota- if you want to call and talk to an actual person...+1 (855) 633-6835 They are VERY nice!

https://www.dot.nd.gov/manuals/mv/re...ion-manual.pdf -lots of information and links to necessary registration forms.


https://youtu.be/a-baPxrb0t8 - 5 minute video of how to fill out SFN2872 (Application for Certificate of Title & Registration)

To wade into the what do you need to register a vehicle in Arizona debate a friend of mine, a Brit who regularly holidays in the US bought a motorcycle and went to register it using a friend's address in AZ. He was told in the first DMV he went into that he needed a social security number to do so, he then went another office in another city and registered it without a problem, he has since bought an RV and a car and registered them in the same DMV.
From memory one office was in Prescott the other Flagstaff but I cannot remember which was which.

Thank you, it seems as you mentioned each time u call them (DMV) u get differnt answers. Florida, North Dakota seems ok for european to register on own name and I will go for it only having passport, tourist visa and I94 entrance permit. I will write here my experience when I will mahange to do so so there will be fresh information for others.