Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Feb 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Venezuela
Posts: 35
Question Cross border USA with 30days tag?

Hi friends,

I think about buying a bike in USA and ride her down to Guatemala, where I (german) live. The salesman in USA wrote: "At the time of sale, you will be issued a 30 temporary driving tag."

Well stupid me - what is a "tag" - is it a license plate?
Can I receive that although I am only a tourist?
Will it be in my name?
And most important: Can I cross borders with that 30days tag legally?
Does the dealer put the tag on the bike or do I have to visit an institution?
Does it cost me anything?
Do I have to stay on a "drive home course" or can I ride first to Alaska and then to Guate (kidding, just to understand).
Is a german passport and driving license enough or do I need to have anything else to get the tag?
Insurance?
Is that so for all US states?

I would be very thankful if someone could explain that to me.
I can fly in for 600 USD - the shipping is 1700 USD.

All together: Can a german from Guatemala buy a bike in Tennessee and ride her through Mexico just legally.

Many thanks from my wife - the bike would be for her.

Cheers
Frank
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Feb 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 83
You would be wise to buy in Florida. Much easier registration, and no sales tax. Here we must have a Motorcycle endorsement on our driving license to get tags (license plates) You must show proof of insurance.
At issue in your scenario is the title. It will be mailed to you. Takes a couple of weeks, so you'll need a viable mailing address. If there is an issue crossing a border, it would be the lack of actual title
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Feb 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Venezuela
Posts: 35
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnail View Post
You would be wise to buy in Florida. Much easier registration, and no sales tax. Here we must have a Motorcycle endorsement on our driving license to get tags (license plates) You must show proof of insurance.
At issue in your scenario is the title. It will be mailed to you. Takes a couple of weeks, so you'll need a viable mailing address. If there is an issue crossing a border, it would be the lack of actual title
Do I understand correctly that it is only a matter of trust?
Let's say I buy the bike blindly over internet.
Can the salesman then start to bring the bike into my name and mail me when the real title finally reached him.
So I would fly in, get a bike a ready title in my name both out of his hands.
I do not have to be there for that process - right?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Feb 2014
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
Frank, you need to start at the beginning.

Each of the 50 states in the USA has different rules--that means that it is easy for a German non-resident to buy and register a bike in some states, difficult in some, and impossible in other states. For example, in some states you need a local--that means local to the specific state--driving license. In some states you need a motorcycle license ("endorsement"). In some you need to buy insurance first (advisable anyway). In some you pay sales tax at the time of purchase, while in others you do not (in my state this adds about 9% to the cost). Etc.

Each state also has its own procedures. Some require that you do all the running around from office to office on your own. Others do it all for you if you buy at a dealership--although not if you buy privately. There are differences in how quickly and by what means you get your actual documents--this could be immediate, but it could also easily take a month. Et cetera.

What this all means is that if you want answers to your questions you need to Google the licensing agency in any state you are considering--this will come up as Department of Licensing (DOL), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or something similar. Each will have specific, written guidelines for their own purchase, sales, registration, insurance and tagging procedures. If you choose to rely on what someone tells you over the internet or in an email, you're running a significant risk they'll mislead you. That is especially true if they are trying to sell you something.

There are certain states which are often mentioned here as being easy. A site search will take you to lists of these and discussions by non-residents who've bought and registered bikes. I have not heard of any state in which you can have a bike and all its documents prepared in advance so that they are waiting for you, and I don't think I'd "trust" anyone who promised to do so without first confirming with the actual government office which makes the rules. In other words, if a dealer in Tennessee promised to do this, I'd Google the state DMV/DOL, get a phone number, and call them to ask. Use a cheap phone plan, and be prepared to wait for a long time while the minutes add up.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Feb 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Venezuela
Posts: 35
Yes it was - many thanks for the job!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Feb 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 188
Frank
Mark is correct of course. Just treat the US as fifty seperate countries, each with it's own laws (speed limits, helmets, insurance), governments, rules and regulations. All pretty confusing for a visitor. Oh then there's 'lane splitting (filtering) where in almost all states, you would be treated by other road users as a criminal but completely accepted by Californians. Vive la difference!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Mar 2014
roborider's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 29
I'm not sure if you can cross any borders with a temp tag, and note that there may even be restrictions on riding on a temporary tag (license plate) from one usa state to another! Some states (ie Virginia) only have 6 - day temp tags to allow for transport from original state before requiring full registration to ONLY Virginia license holders.

Be careful relying on dealers and do check with the licensing authorities in the state where you plan to purchase.

Good luck!

Roborider - 1150 GS Adventurer - Galax VA
__________________
Roborider
Rob Osborne
Vail (Tucson), Arizona USA
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Mar 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Eastern KY
Posts: 15
A few more buying thoughts: A few states have no sales tax on vehicle purchases-that doesn't mean they will be the overall best place to buy. In my state of KY you(meaning someone) can "walk it through now" and only in person in the state capital,Frankfort,KY.
Dealers may be an asset as they do this all the time in their own state or if on a border in several states. One downside is the ridiculous fees many charge these days for "paperwork fees"-not unusual to be $300+.
When you have a question may need to call that DMV-like after a MC is found to buy. In my location where it's very rural you walk in ( the lines are long,hours crappy,etc., in some locations & the clerks will eat your lunch in a few states I've done this-not like that in KY!) to do the paperwork,people are friendly & helpful but like said you will wait on the title to be mailed. No reason this cannot be done through the mail in many states. Dealers don't always walk in for an e.g.. Another e.g. of how its easier here in KY is we have no inspection of any kind, excepting a VIN verification by the sheriff for out of state purchases, which is $5 & easily done. Our temp tags are 30 days but I saw another state that was 60.
Insurance costs vary lots! I just got my Progressive renewal for my 2012 BMW, full coverage is $96yrly. I pay more than that for a crappy liability policy to ride in Mexico!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Venezuela
Posts: 35
Many thanks to all,

25y ago I bought this huge big 2door Ford LTD wreck in Waco for 500 USD and drove it to Honduras and thruh all USA. All I needed was a texas driving license, which I made.

Here in Guate ev.one rides shopper or racing (short legs). But my lovely wife does not want a shopper - she wants a KLR 650 - and these bíkes are rare here and if you find them they had accidents....

Just 2000miles north is this big market with cheap prices and good bikes. And I remember how easy it was...in those days...
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
30day tag


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride saralou Ride Tales 3473 24 Jan 2024 02:40
Complete Central America/Mexico/Colombia Border Crossing Information sellheim Central America and Mexico 30 6 Mar 2023 23:33
Mexican / USA border Safest..UPDATE ? Elizadz21 Central America and Mexico 11 8 Jul 2013 01:35
HondaVsTheWorld Alaska to Argentina on HOnda C90 SPDilley North America 3 9 Dec 2012 18:04
London to Cape Town, November 2012 Tfoy97603 Travellers Seeking Travellers 56 4 Sep 2012 16:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:20.