Registering a bike in USA as non resident
 

Hi all!
My name is Natasza and I am Polish. I used to be the youngest Polish who sailed solo around the world on a yacht, and now I plan to become the oldest Polish to ride the world on a moto.
I consider buing a bike in USA (east side, but open to discussion) and start my travels towards Urugway.
How to go about the registration into my name. I read a lot about it and still no clear answear. I know different states ask different things, but seems impossible to contact DMV in few states I tried. Also. I gather I don't need to register it in the state I buy it in and somehow I can do it over a phone having an posting address? Anyone of you have done it? How come some of you rides on a name of the previous owner? What consequenses that has on the borders. Can you sell it after the trip? How did you guys insured the bikes not having US driving licence...anyone ?
I would like to start in this coming spring...if any of you know of a good bike in USA durable for the yourney from a good source please let me know :)
Also, when will start - anyone can join! if you around so I invite you to contact me on www.nataszacaban.pl
Have a great 2023!
nat

Hi Nat, welcome to HU!
Your question is a difficult one, as there are 50 states and 50 sets of rules! I'd suggest picking one or two and research here for the rules and see what they are.
I'm also moving your post to the Paperwork Forum, as that's the appropriate place for well, paperwork! :)
Don't forget to Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools above) to get instant emails when there is a reply to your post.

Natasza, I'd have a look at this thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...nals-can-58648. There is another one about buying insurance in the US, but this changes frequently so I'd suggest asking in a separate post once the time gets closer: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...-bike-us-93901.

When researching individual US states, do it online instead of phoning or emailing them, partly because some of their workers give incorrect answers. All the information you need is on their websites (Google "Texas Department of Motor Vehicles," or "Register vehicle in Florida," or the search terms of your choice). You want to read what they say about requirements for registering a vehicle--car, motorbike, truck, with particular attention to whether you need to prove you are a resident of that state, and if so how you do that. In a state which requires residency, neither you as a Polish national nor I as a US citizen from a different state will qualify.

Remember that some states charge sales tax on whatever they think the purchase price should be--my state, Washington, allows you to buy and register a vehicle, but they do charge from 7 to 10% sales tax. The state of Oregon right next door has no sales tax, but AFAIK they won't let a foreign national register a vehicle.

Best to ask questions when you have a specific question about a specific state, because you're likely to get a valid answer instead of vague generalities. Always confirm what you hear by doing your own research! And don't get discouraged--this is the sort of thing which seems ridiculously complicated before your trip, but which you forget all about once you're on the road.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Hello Mark Harf,
Thank you so much for the info!
I am flexible as to which state I will buy the bike and start from - all depends where I can register it or/if I would need to be present with the machine there, ect.
Knowing which state allowes me to do so or which takes taxes which doesnt - would help me to make a wise decicion finding the best option. I was hoping someone on here would have list of such :) or done the registration as non resident not long ago - therefore the info would be fresh :)

US laws are very state dependent to the same if not higher degree than laws in different EU countries so it can be easy in one state and impossible in other. The Canadians, German and Dane I talked to had their bikes/cars registered in Arizona and it is an easy option.

When I was there in September trying to get temporary 90-day tag they were giving me hard time trying to hoax me into registering bike permanently (and paying sales tax!) Took several phone calls and signed waver to get temporary tag permanent registration would have been straightforward.

Thank you. I will check Arizona as well. I admitt websites of the DMV are increadiable difficult to undestand :) I am trying to find a state where there is no tax and i no need to be there present....uffffff :)

Hello again, do you remmeber by chance if your Canadian, Danish, and German Friends needed a security number?

I haven't asked but I don't remember them asking me for one in September.

If you're fluent in English call their hotline. It's a long affair but when you call via Viber callout it's only $0.01-0.02/min.

tried, no luck but hey!!! look what I received from a lovely biker lady!:

https://www.visitor.us/resources/how-to-register-a-vehicle-in-the-united-states-as-a-non-us-resident

I am posting it as this might help others as well!!!!

Just called Arizona DMV at (602)255-0072 and they said that you need ID or driver license (in US driver license is ID as most people don't have a passport). He wasn't sure if your polish driver license would do but passport with valid visa definitely will. No social security number is needed.

Arizona has always been one of the easier states, but the link Natasza gives states that an Arizona drivers license is needed to register a vehicle there. Your phone call suggests that a passport would do. I'm jus noting the contradictory information.

In the state of Arizona there used to be emissions testing in certain counties, not in others. That's worth taking into consideration, too.

The website does collect a lot of information in an easy-to-use format. However, stuff changes and one source of information doesn't necessarily agree with another. It would be helpful if the state by state listings included phone numbers and web addresses for the various states.

As ALWAYS when travelling - and lots of other times too - the "official" line on an "official website" or phone call to the "office" or whatever means nothing until you actually are face to face with someone. ESPECIALLY at border crossings of course, but this comes to mind here...
I think IF you could do it all in advance online, wonderful, but I'm not going to hold my breath.
So I'd start with that, and if no joy, go by the official information in the link above, see what seems reasonable and doable, and then have a nearby state (or 3) as backup with all the information for both/all ready to go printed off in my hot little hand. And be prepared for plan B. Not to be negative, but well-prepared means no drama - not prepared is asking for trouble.
At worst you rent a truck, load the bike and drive to a nearby, better state.

Hi nat...

I'm going to send you over to AdvRider on this one. I hope Im not breaking too many rules! :innocent:

There is a guy over there named James Tucker (goes by TUCKERS) who used to acquire, outfit, and register motos for foreign travelers. I don't know if he still does this or not, but he is still active on the site and his signature line reads:

California DMV work/insurance/California registration/California titles/California address use. International Travelers taken care of. I can get it done. FEE BASED (see Vendors)

I ran across him frequently because I own DR 650s and he often outfitted people with them. Since I know the bike well, I could see that he knew the bike well and he was competent assessing them and working on them. As I recall, most of those he dealt with were complimentary about him and his services.

I don't know him personally and can't vouch for him, but I would bet at the very least he would be able to answer many of your questions.

DR 650 , by the way, makes an excellent travel bike! Suzuki is still selling them new in the US and they are widely available used for reasonable prices. Mine, in Mexico a few years back...
https://hosting.photobucket.com/albu...720&fit=bounds


.............shu

Note that visitor.us will DO IT ALL FOR YOU, including buying the vehicle if you want:
https://www.visitor.us/

In US motorcycles are not subject to emissions and the information above is from Arizona DMV (department of motor vehicles), the very authority which is in charge of titling and tagging vehicles in Arizona.

I had gotten AZ tag in September and I don't have Arizona driver license so I can personally confirm that AZ license isn't necessary.

Ah, yes, you're right; I'd forgotten about that. Thanks for the correction.

And the information says that you need an Arizona license to register a vehicle. It says "A valid Arizona driver license is required to register a vehicle in Arizona." Which you promptly contradict by reporting your own experience below. That was my point: you can't necessarily believe what you hear or read, because things change and experiences on the ground differ.

I don't know which source of information you're sighting but you definitely DON'T NEED AZ driver license to register bike in Arizona. This is from Arizona hotline clerk and from my own experience.

I really don't want to go around and around on this forever. I was citing the link given by the OP. I have no doubt that you're correct...which means the link is incorrect, which was my point.

The link says clearly and unequivocally that you need an Arizona drivers license to register a vehicle in Arizona. You say otherwise. I believe that you're correct. The lesson is: don't believe everything you read, see, or hear--including if you hear it from an internet source or, for example, me. Look for confirming or contrary information. Have a backup plan.

Mark

..also one of interesting aspects besides the title you really want to get a notary certified Bill of Sale (BOS) in some places it isn't required in some it's mandatory for example in my state it is if vehicle less than 7yo.

Wouldn't the best solution be to buy in whatever state is convenient and register in South Dakota, or is there something I am missing?

I believe in South Dacota u need the driving licence from there. North Dakota is possible with no American papers, u can even do it by post but it takes up to 8 weeks....if anyone interested in checking it out : that is a ohone number I have from a lovely lady Heather:
Here's the links I found for North Dakota- if you want to call and talk to an actual person...+1 (855) 633-6835 They are VERY nice!

https://www.dot.nd.gov/manuals/mv/re...ion-manual.pdf -lots of information and links to necessary registration forms.


https://youtu.be/a-baPxrb0t8 - 5 minute video of how to fill out SFN2872 (Application for Certificate of Title & Registration)

To wade into the what do you need to register a vehicle in Arizona debate a friend of mine, a Brit who regularly holidays in the US bought a motorcycle and went to register it using a friend's address in AZ. He was told in the first DMV he went into that he needed a social security number to do so, he then went another office in another city and registered it without a problem, he has since bought an RV and a car and registered them in the same DMV.
From memory one office was in Prescott the other Flagstaff but I cannot remember which was which.

Thank you, it seems as you mentioned each time u call them (DMV) u get differnt answers. Florida, North Dakota seems ok for european to register on own name and I will go for it only having passport, tourist visa and I94 entrance permit. I will write here my experience when I will mahange to do so so there will be fresh information for others.

Generally there isn't any problem to buy in one state and register in another but there could be some issues. For example Oklahoma doesn't issue temporary tags so you're forced to ride without plate and you will be stopped and harassed by cops doing so.. especially outside of Oklahoma.

Second on some states besides the title you would need to present a notary certified bill of sale which seller usually doesn't provide or rather you would have to take seller to notary public and have his signature certified if you're buying from private party. Stealerships will give you BOS so there isn't any problem.

Other option some states issue temporary tags for non-resident for 30, 45 and in some cases even 90 day (AZ) so you could just ride on temporary tag for awhile. Dealers unless really small can do paperwork and issue one for you.

Also besides DMV most states now have private tag&title companies they charge you for paperwork but it is usually much faster and painless and they may accommodate you if you have some paperwork missing.. FWIW.

I’m very interested in this.
So is there anybody willing to share their experiences with

https://www.visitor.us/resources/how...on-us-resident

?
Arnulf

Hi All! For those still interested, Natasza is/was travelling with her polish plated bike. I guess the risk and time pressure was to much and she decided to ship her bike to the states.
In the second half of April I will fly in and try to register a bike in Arizona. DMV confirmed on the phone I will be able to register with my german driving license and passport. I hope there will be no surprises here and I will be able to report back a successful registration.
If someone has a DMV office recommendation in Phoenix or close to I would be grateful, Prescott and Flagstaff are quite far from Phoenix

Success! I already did 900 miles and slowly moving north. Registration was done by the dealership as I bought a brand new bike. As far as I know they are using third party DMV (AZMVD) which everyone can use. One thing to note is that Arizona doesn't let you have the metal plates the same day. They will be mailed to you, so if you are out of state you just put your out of state mailing address. It can take up to 6 weeks to get the plates. I've heard from the dealer around fifth week I should be expecting mine to arrive