Is it possible to Buy & Register a bike in USA if not a US Citizen?

[colmobrien84]

I've purchased a motorcycle in Delaware. Only to find out I can't do anything at the DMV(title change/registration) without a Delaware issued State ID which I can't get, as i'm here as a tourist.

They've suggested registering it in a friends name but i want to ride south into Central America and figure it would be best to have ownership papers in my own name.

I made the mistake of assuming that it would have to be possible for a visitor to buy a bike and ride it, but apparently this isn't the case.

Any advice please??????

[BruceP]

Originally Posted by colmobrien84

I've purchased a motorcycle in Delaware. Only to find out I can't do anything at the DMV(title change/registration) without a Delaware issued State ID which I can't get, as i'm here as a tourist.

They've suggested registering it in a friends name but i want to ride south into Central America and figure it would be best to have ownership papers in my own name.

I made the mistake of assuming that it would have to be possible for a visitor to buy a bike and ride it, but apparently this isn't the case.

Any advice please??????

Boy, that was a big assumption.

Did you buy the bike from a dealer ? If so, see if they will sort out the registration and insurance.

[MotoEdde]

If you have an insurance card, you can get a New York State ID from their DMV. Once you have this with proof of insurance, you should be able to register a vehicle in NY state...

PA will not happen...don't waste your time.

[dylan_on_the_road]

No need for proof of address or ID or insurance, you don't even require a helmet. So long as you are buying from the owner, you'll have new plates and reg. documents in under an hour for less than a hundred bucks.

Go for it mate

[colmobrien84]

New York seems like it'd be a good alternative since it's not too far.

Reality is i actually bought and registered the bike a few years ago when here on a working visa, so i had a state ID at the time which has since expired. Didn't think i'd have any trouble renewing the registration since the bike is already in my name. But i was dead wrong.