 |
23 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 7
|
|
Registering bike in USA & Expedite the title to travel to Mexico?
Hi,
The Plan:
I'm a German national and I'm planning to buy two Suzuki DR650SE in the US (California) in November this year. I have some relatives in california who's adress I can use to register them. The Dealer will do the registration. Than we plan to drive down through central and south america.
The Problem:
To receive the title it'll take 4-6 weeks (over X-mas probably even longer) but we would like to head into mexico in December already. I was told that crossing the border to Mexico is not possible without the permanent title.
The Questions:
1. Do I really need the title to cross the border to Mexico?
2. Is there a way to expedite the registration process? Can I receive the title any earlier, e.g. within a few days?
3. Is there any other state (besides) california where I can register the bike as a foreigner (German) and receive the plates and title earlier?
Many thanks for your help in advance.
Bjoern
|
24 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 871
|
|
|
Hi Bjoern -
I bought a brand new bike in Nevada last year (7% sales tax vs. 12.5% in Calf. btw) and got it registered and titled there, using my friend's address as my own. I also used Progressive.com for insurance who will insure foreign licence holders/non residents on US registered/titled machines...
My bike had to be made road legal (XR650R) before they would issue the title, but once that paperwork was done it only took a couple of weeks for the title document to arrive in the post at my US address.
I shouldn't have thought it would take 4-6 weeks, especially if it is already a road legal machine?
xxx
btw. Oregon has no sales tax at all - worth considering if you know someone with an address there you can use for title/registration and insurance?
|
24 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by BjoernBundschuh
Hi,
The Plan:
I'm a German national and I'm planning to buy two Suzuki DR650SE in the US (California) in November this year. I have some relatives in california who's adress I can use to register them. The Dealer will do the registration. Than we plan to drive down through central and south america.
The Problem:
To receive the title it'll take 4-6 weeks (over X-mas probably even longer) but we would like to head into mexico in December already. I was told that crossing the border to Mexico is not possible without the permanent title.
The Questions:
1. Do I really need the title to cross the border to Mexico?
2. Is there a way to expedite the registration process? Can I receive the title any earlier, e.g. within a few days?
3. Is there any other state (besides) california where I can register the bike as a foreigner (German) and receive the plates and title earlier?
Many thanks for your help in advance.
Bjoern
|
Use the link below to get your temporary vehicle importation permit, you don't need to have the title in hand. Fill in the required info and they will send the permit within 3 or 4 days by Federal Express. A signature is required for the delivery. At least that's how it works if you're a U. S. citizen...
Skinny
instruccionesIITV
|
24 Sep 2008
|
 |
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
|
|
|
The 2 people who've used my address in California to register a bike had no problems at all with the rough paperwork they got from the DMV (Dept Motor Vehicles). Both times I offered to mail them the paperwork when it showed, but they both said it wasn't needed.
-Dave
|
24 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 7
|
|
|
Dear JMo, skinny and Dave,
many thanks for your prompt answers. That already helped a lot.
@JMo:
I actually have a dealer in Idaho, who would let me register the bike on one of his freinds adresses in Oregon (with 0% tax). Talking to the DMV in Oregan, they said that they do not allow to register a vehicle on a foreigners name. It had to be registered on a local. I could only be in the title as the secondary user or owner. Do you have any other information in this? Will I gat into trouble beeing the secondary owner of the vehicle at any of the central / south american borders?
@Skinny:
Is it really necessary to aply for that permit online beforehand or can I do that at the border in person?
@Dave:
You mean they registered and went over the border immediately thereafter? So, I do not need the title papers at all to get into mexico etc.?
Again, many thanks for your support,
Bjoern
|
24 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 871
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by BjoernBundschuh
I actually have a dealer in Idaho, who would let me register the bike on one of his freinds adresses in Oregon (with 0% tax). Talking to the DMV in Oregan, they said that they do not allow to register a vehicle on a foreigners name. It had to be registered on a local. I could only be in the title as the secondary user or owner. Do you have any other information in this? Will I gat into trouble beeing the secondary owner of the vehicle at any of the central / south american borders?
|
Hi Bjoern - I'm not sure about the situation in Oregon, but in Nevada, I simply bought the bike, and took the paperwork with my name and 'my' US address down to the DMV and it was all sorted... not sure if they check on any US data base for residency/citizenship or not to be honest... they certainly didn't ask for a Social Security number or anything like that...
That said, if it's different in Oregon, then perhaps the best thing is to get the Title in this person's name (although that could be a bit dodgy for you, as they technically own the vehicle, not you) and have you listed on it if that is possible? - If so, I imagine a covering letter from the main owner saying you have permission to use the bike would be enough for any customs office? (I borrowed a press Land Rover a couple of years ago and took it from the UK to Morroco and back with such a covering letter - no problem).
Personally I can't see why you can't just get the bike titled and registered in your name at a US address though - erm, you rent a room from this guy in Oregon don't you?!
Good luck,
Jen xx
|
25 Sep 2008
|
|
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
|
|
|
Both guys showed up in California, bought bikes using my address and then went immediately went south. Los Angeles has a way of provoking escape. It would seem to me that having proper paperwork would be needed, but they did fine with the temp paperwork they got from the DMV.
The Oregon thing sounds kind of dodgy but so does going to South America with temporary documents but I know that has worked. I'm sure your relatives can make color copies and DHL/FedEx you the papers when they show.
|
25 Sep 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: albury nsw australia
Posts: 307
|
|
|
easy
I have a oregon plated bike and i am australian ,all you need is the address of a friend or horizon member i got 2 years on the sticker for about $90 bucks give or take some (klr 650)got it done in Bend Or ,when you get to the mexico border at san diego you simply ride straight in, no nothing ,your supposed to get a torist card ,i got mine in La Paz ,by the time i got to La Paz in the bottom of baja my friend had DHL posted my title to the DHL office in La Paz ,you wont get on the boat without the import permit and for that you need the title, but this is piss easy, as you are allowed any where in baja with out it ,hope this helps,
] i would go withthe first option if buying from a dealer ,pay for them early and have the title ready when you get there
|
26 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston, USA
Posts: 164
|
|
|
Titles are different in every state. My unofficial advice is to just print something up in english. I use a color copy of my original title and could have well just created one myself.
I dont get questions for originality of the title, but because I bought my bike used and there is someone else's name on the title. In texas, both the current owner AND previous owner's name are on the title confusing non-english speakers.
|
29 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by BjoernBundschuh
Dear JMo, skinny and Dave,
many thanks for your prompt answers. That already helped a lot.
@Skinny:
Is it really necessary to aply for that permit online beforehand or can I do that at the border in person?
Bjoern
|
You can do all the paperwork at the border and most people choose to take that approach. Using the online Banjercito web site takes about 5 minutes and you'll have your permit in 2 or 3 days. The same procedure at the border may take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on how crowded it is, how brain-dead the Mexican official is, and a butt-load of other factors that are completely beyond your control...I prefer the on-line registration because it's mostly fool-proof and fast. 
|
1 Oct 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 5
|
|
|
You can register a vehicle in Arizona without being a legal resident of the USA, and as another poster mentioned, insure it with Progressive who will write coverage for non-residents without American driver's licenses.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Registering bike in USA & Expedite the title to travel to Mexico?
Linear Mode
