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

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

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:scooter:

Great. Thanks for the info.

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?

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

Excellent. Will do. Safe riding

From personal experience but it might not be representative.
I bought a used bike in california being French and living in mexico.
I did no paper work
At the border, I got the temporal mexican import paper (even if the bike was not under my name)
Then I rode through mexico and I even get controlled by cops without problem.

The important thing for mexican border is the bike's information (if it is not robbed reported and so on) not so much if it's at your name or not.

On an other occasion, I crossed the border mexico to US with a Mexican bike but which was not under my name.
No problem in either Mx - US or US-MX

I find that border very easy to pass (in my case I tried Tijuana and Nogales).

I road with a Aussie into Mex. He bought his bike here in CA like you plan to do.

You will get an VALID Registration Card from the DMV when you transfer title.

Your title, "Pink Slip," will be sent in 2-3 weeks time to the address you specify. DMV claims 6 weeks processing but it will not take that long unless your unlucky.

You will have no problem entering Mexico with no title. You will have issues as you head further south. Aduna in Guat jacked me with a color copy of my title by requiring me to get some B.S. declaration from a "lawyer."

If you need an address for your pink and DHL shipment to Mex. let me know.

DHL is the best way to ship to mexico.

Thanks for the offer of an address to ship. Much appreciated.

Im wondering if I went through a bike dealer and actually bought the bike before I get to the U.S could I start the process with the DMV via a proxy(maybe the dealer) or do I have to physically show up to the DMV?
Would be nice to have the papers there when I arrive.

Cheers

That is absolutely true, don't even think of using another carrier for documents. Fed Ex in Mexico is the worst. UPS for shipments of merchandise are not bad but near worthless when it comes to getting you a break with customs fees.

buy the bike in colorado, title is printed out with registration all you need is proof of insurance, license, and address (hotel).

You don't need to show up in California, nor do they need to see the bike, which is a good thing sometimes.

I personally left WITHOUT my title, due to bad planning. I then had a scanned copy sent via email when it arrived at a San Diego address(it took 3 weeks). I had the original sent to Hostel Wunderbar in Panama, it has still not arrived!!!!!

I managed to get through all countries with a double sided colour photocopy and never had an issue.

BUT, when I tried to get a replacement Title, I ran into rego problems(paid for renewal) then after that insurance problems and that is where I am today. I am not paying insurance for a bike I do not intend to ride in the states, so that means no title and the bike has been sold

That is a long winded way of saying, best take the title with you if you can, it will save problems later

Cheers
TS

Is Colorado the only state where this is possible?

I read a post the other day from another Aussie who said that in order to register a bike in the U.S as an Australian you need a study or work Visa and that the tourist Visa will not cut it.
If I buy with a proxy from outside the country then obviously they will not be asking for any sort of visa to register the bike and issue the title given all the work will be done before I get there??
Anyway thanks for the info.
Cheers