Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Erling Foshaugen, Curious kid in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Erling Foshaugen,
Curious kid in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Sep 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 16
Specialized plate in CA

Hey, I'm doing all my paperwork, photocopies, etc and just realized I have a specialized plate on my bike. The title matches the frame #'S but the license plate is the old original number on the title.
Do they match the title and license plate? ( central/South America) to the title? My registration of course shows the correct license plate. Title does not.
Anybody have experience?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
I have been asked to point out my "numero de placa", license plate number, on the title at more than one border crossing in Central America. It matched, so not sure what would have happened if it didn't. If you have time, I would get an updated title. On the other hand it usually does't come up, depends if you feel lucky.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Sep 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 16
Thanks Andy,
Yep....California DMV doesn't send an updated title with a personalized plate and I just noticed this discrepancy. I'm at the DMV as we speak. The quoted time is 4-6 weeks to get a new title. The problem is that I need to surrender the title I have and put my faith in th CA DMV, then wait for them to perform.
Not a good spot to be in, but beats getting turned around and having a trip ended or other bureaucratic problems.
Learn from my experience!!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Sep 2017
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Agree with Andy, I think having title updated is wise. Don't give local "officials" any excuse to screw with you at the border.
This is just the sort of thing they use to extort BRIBES.

You may be able to PAY MORE to CA DMV and get your title expedited to speed up handling?? Ask!

If you have a reliable stop over along your route and a reliable person to post your new title to you ... you could start off with the Temp title DMV will give you, then pick up new title at FedEx or DHL somewhere en route. Big towns usually best.

You may be able to send your "document" directly to a FedEx or DHL office for pick up. Send your Title as Priority Overnight shipment.

Just check ahead at local office where you are to make sure they do this and that they will HOLD your package for you.

If you pay enough, this usually works out OK.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
Just don't use the title - not compulsory to have it in the USA anyway and not all countries have a title system and they manage OK. We crossed all borders in North and South America using just the registration document for our Montana reg camper
BTW some titles show the expiry date of the initial registration and I've heard of two people getting pulled up on it and then having to produce the registration papers to prove that the registration is current.
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Sep 2017
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
That's a good point and I'm sure in many countries the registration document would pass as your title no problem.

One country it may not work in is Mexico ... at least not all the time. In Mexico many border officials know the difference between a CA title and CA registration document.

One one trip years ago they actually REJECTED my registration and wanted original title (and would not accept my perfect color copy!) And they knew what they were looking at, knew about water marks and such and knew that the Pink Slip (Title) was two sided.

Luckily I had my title along but was keeping it packed safely away. Had to dig it out to get TVIP for my bike.

So, since then I bring my title, but in the meantime have heard of travelers getting their Mexican TVIP with just registration document and others using a Temp title document ... which seems very unofficial but it's a LEGAL document valid in CA and all 50 states.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
I was at one border crossing, I believe it was from Guatemala into Honduras, where they had a 3 ring binder with what looked to be a sample title from every US state in a plastic slip case. When I presented my title they pulled out my states sample title (Wisconsin at the time) and held it up looking for watermarks and scrutinizing it very closely. Again, it was legit so I don't know what would have happened if it was not.

I'm not sure why so many people go on trips with half assed documentation. I say just get it right when you are at home and save the stress of wondering if you are going to get across the next border. Obviously it is different if you buy a bike in some foreign country where it might not be easy or even possible to get it legit.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
Yes Mollydog, yet more proof that the only thing constant about crossings is inconstancy. I got my 10 year TVIP to Mexico using just my registration documents (because at that time I didn't have a title and didn't even know they existed) plus I used a DIY permission note, that the official did ask for, because it was registered to a montana LLC.

As Andy recommends, take all the documentation you have, but get perfect photocopies made and submit them first because they will rarely reject them and if they do you can just go and dig them out from your secret spot. Same with licenses and passports at roadside stops - hand over copies telling them they are copies and mostly that will be good enough.

What I did too was have a sheet of paper with all my details and all vehicle info written out but with Spanish headings for each item so they didn't have to hunt through unfamiliar documents in English - and that was was very gratefully received
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Sep 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 16
There was no way to expedite the title, and I had to surrender the old title yesterday at the DMV. Which means I have NO TITLE, and I wait for the new title and then verify it as being accurate before I depart. I reasoned that I'd rather take the delay here before I depart.
Californication.....
Now I wait.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
Advice on Argentina border crossing for license plate swap! howlatthemoon South America 33 11 May 2015 06:24
H&B crash bars with Kedo bash plate DiverBones Yamaha Tech 0 8 Mar 2015 20:42
Aftermarket bash plate for KLE and rear disc guard MadM Kawasaki Tech 14 2 Jan 2013 11:02
Lost my German Export Plate On The Road!!! Clayton00 Trip Paperwork 1 28 Jun 2012 17:51

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 10:29.