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US states non-nationals can register a bike in US states non-nationals can register a bike in
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Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


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



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  #46  
Old 21 May 2014
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Washington State
Around this time last year my father and I purchased some bike in Oregon hoping to enjoy the %0 tax on offer. Although we were allowed to purchase the bikes in Oregon we had to register them in Washington State as only Oregon locals can enjoy the %0 tax.

This was easily done we just needed to provide an address from Washington State which was fine as one of the guys from the bike shop in Oregon let us use his.

We are planning on going back this year to purchase bikes from the same dealership as we sold the bikes back to the dealership at the end of out last trip.
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  #47  
Old 16 Jul 2014
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Washington State
Hey Grug,

I've been looking into buying and registering a bike in Washington this year. I noticed one of the requirements on the Washington State dmv site for registering a bike was an unexpired Washington Drivers license. Were you able to use an international license for that?

Also which dealership did you go to?

Thanks,
Josh
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  #48  
Old 16 Jul 2014
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Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joshjb View Post
I noticed one of the requirements on the Washington State dmv site for registering a bike was an unexpired Washington Drivers license.
Read it more closely. The website actually says "You’ll need to present your unexpired Washington driver license so they can register the vehicle in your name, unless you’re exempt from getting a driver license under RCW 46.20.025." Click on the link and you'll see that if you're over 16 years old and possess a valid license from another country, you're good to go.

Mark
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  #49  
Old 16 Jul 2014
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Miss read
I read that three or four times but somehow missed that sentence, my bad.

Thanks,
Last edited by joshjb; 16 Jul 2014 at 09:10. Reason: Miss read
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  #50  
Old 21 Sep 2014
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As of last year Tennessee allows foriegners to register vehicles with proof of address (letter or lease which can be made up)
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  #51  
Old 25 Sep 2014
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Florida
I did it in Florida in Sept 2014. I registered a Brazilian bike of my ownership. My passport is from Spain but that had little to do with it.

But, be aware of the taxes! it´s 6% of the commercial value, so I suggest you to bring a Proforma Invoice (done by yourself and signed) with the value you want to declare.

Also, you will need an address in Florida. Probably is the same procedure in any state.

Good luck!
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  #52  
Old 29 Oct 2014
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Colorado
I bought and registered a second hand bike in Denver August 2014.
Overall process was straight forward with a minor sticking point on my verifiable ID. See links for process

Register a vehicle purchased from a private party | Denver County Motor Vehicle Department | DenverGov.org

Buying or Selling a Vehicle | Denver County Motor Vehicle Department | DenverGov.org

The local DMV have not caught up with electronic visa wavier programme.
They wanted to see a paper I-94.

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite...&ssbinary=true

As I had only been in the country for two days my details were not accessible through the electronic system.

https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

With some smooth words, they eventually accepted my UK passport that was stamped by Homeland Security on entry as my verifiable ID.

Further research suggests you can ask for a printed I94 on arrival.
May cost and/or take more time.

I-94 Goes Electronic | U.S. Customs and Border Protection


Only other thing I needed was a local address and motorbike insurance (Progressive) before going to get titles.
Note, the insurance premium increased as soon as I entered an international licence (UK) being used. That's life however at least I got on the road.

No emissions test required on motorbikes.
I paid my monies and was given the new plates immediately.
Out on the bike in the afternoon, job done.

Hope this helps.
cheers
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  #53  
Old 3 Dec 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joshjb View Post
Hey Grug,

I've been looking into buying and registering a bike in Washington this year. I noticed one of the requirements on the Washington State dmv site for registering a bike was an unexpired Washington Drivers license. Were you able to use an international license for that?

Also which dealership did you go to?

Thanks,
Josh
Hey Josh,
Very late reply, sorry. I don't think I had to show a international license, although I do have one. Just the Australian license. I had to sign a form that said I was not a US citizen and that was all. The staff at the DMV in Vancouver, WA, were amazingly helpful and friendly. We went to Hillsboro Motosport in ORegon, just outside Portland.
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  #54  
Old 29 Mar 2015
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I read comments about buying a bike in nevada or arizona and registering (some said it was quite easy. )

I contacted a NV dealer to check what I would need to buy and register the bike. He said a permanent address.

I only have friends in states of CA or TX. However, the adress needs to be in NEVADA. How did you solve this? Anyone who registered a bike as non US citizen, What address did you use??

I also will need insurance in order to ride in US legally and to register. They also require an address.

Please, any info you could give me on this, will be really appreciate.

Thanks!
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  #55  
Old 29 Mar 2015
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Third party vehicle registration agencies Phoenix Arizona
I bought a bike in Iowa, rode and registered in my name being an Australian citizen at a third party vehicle registration agency in Phoenix Arizona. No emission test or checks, they dropped them late 2013, $90 for the year, plate in hand in under 10 minutes flat.

It would have been quicker had they had the KTM 950 Adv S on their register, I was blown away at how fast it was, it could not have been easier, just gave them a friends address, handed over the cash, bolt the plate on and hasta la vista baby!

Google 'Third party vehicle registration agencies Phoenix Arizona" You've got 30 days to find insurance too, Bob's you fathers brother
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  #56  
Old 28 Apr 2015
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Location: in our 15th year on the road-only half way- now in Panama
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UK citizen registering a new bike in Washington state
so from what I read here the consensus is that as a UK citizen, UK passport and UK driving license I should be OK with purchasing a US new motorcycle and registering in the state of Washington?
All that I would need would be proof of an address (a friends) in WA state, and my current UK driving license.
it sounds too easy.
please can someone confirm that it IS
heres hoping. thanks
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  #57  
Old 28 Apr 2015
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That's right. Washington state = easy, as has been pointed out many repeatedly. But....

You still need to confirm for yourself. Seriously--read the rules on your own. Don't take my word for it, or anyone's.

Good luck.

Mark
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  #58  
Old 28 Apr 2015
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cheers
thanks Markharf....absolutely.
will have to wait until we cross the border into the US before I can make any telephone calls - but at least all the info on this thread has made me a little happier.
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  #59  
Old 29 Apr 2015
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I live in Brooklyn, NY and have access to temporary drive away plates for motorcycles ( I rent a property to a car dealer who will issue them at cost $6). If anyone from Europe wants to fly here (cheaper) buy a bike hear (cheaper) and ride to an easy state for registration, I will help. The temp plates are good for 30 days so 2 should be enough for wherever one wants to go. I can even look for and test ride bikes from Craigslist or Ebay if I have time.

This is something I will do, free of charge for Foreign MC travellers HUBB or ADVRider members only. .
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  #60  
Old 17 May 2015
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Importing MC
If you go to Welcome to the Canada Border Services Agency | Bienvenue à l'Agence des services frontaliers du Canada importing a vehicle into Canada. You might get what your looking for.
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