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16 Apr 2013
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I think Markharf does raise a good point: the laws and processes in each of the states will vary, so narrow down exactly what point you are starting out from... I would guess that if Grug's group is flying in from Sydney the starting point will be Los Angeles, California, but maybe not.
As Markharf says, do a search for something like "foreign registration California" or some-such. That will narrow things down a lot, and then the O/P can ask more specific questions about the process.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
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16 Apr 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Two Moto Kiwis
just check with with state you want to start from/buy a bike from and you won't have any issues.
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Yes that is why I said the above, need to be more specific as to the start line.
grug any ideas where you intend to start/buy?, this will help with what info we can give.
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17 Apr 2013
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Location: Desert, SoCal, U.S.A
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Two Moto Kiwis
In some states if the bike is over five years old you will have to get an emissions test done, this I know at least for AZ and Cali but I can not say for others sorry.
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It would make more sense logistically to enter via Oregon/Washington. Az. will definitely be the least onerous in terms of taxes, licensing fees etc. and I suspect that Oregon will be the least punitive of the 3 coastal states. But if we're assuming California registration:
Cali does not smog test motorcycles. If buying new the bike will already be Cali-approved and if buying used as long as the bike was previously registered in California there will be no issues. If the bike is purchased outside of Cali and then registered to a Cali address it must either have at least 7500 miles on the clock or it must be a Cali-approved model.
Unless things have changed recently AFIK Arizona's smog testing requirement only applies in specific counties. If the bike is registered to an address within those counties you will be subject to a smog test.
Last edited by lizrdbrth; 17 Apr 2013 at 17:40.
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18 Apr 2013
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Examples for 2 states. If your buying in california you can use the dealers address to register if buying new or used or if your buying private ask to use their address.
I remember in a previous thread that in Colorado you can buy, register and ride away same day as non-US resident.
Quite a few detailed threads on this. Use Google to search the HUBB forum on this topic
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21 May 2014
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Washington State
Around this time last year my father and I purchased some bike in Oregon hoping to enjoy the %0 tax on offer. Although we were allowed to purchase the bikes in Oregon we had to register them in Washington State as only Oregon locals can enjoy the %0 tax.
This was easily done we just needed to provide an address from Washington State which was fine as one of the guys from the bike shop in Oregon let us use his.
We are planning on going back this year to purchase bikes from the same dealership as we sold the bikes back to the dealership at the end of out last trip.
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16 Jul 2014
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Washington State
Hey Grug,
I've been looking into buying and registering a bike in Washington this year. I noticed one of the requirements on the Washington State dmv site for registering a bike was an unexpired Washington Drivers license. Were you able to use an international license for that?
Also which dealership did you go to?
Thanks,
Josh
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16 Jul 2014
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Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joshjb
I noticed one of the requirements on the Washington State dmv site for registering a bike was an unexpired Washington Drivers license. |
Read it more closely. The website actually says "You’ll need to present your unexpired Washington driver license so they can register the vehicle in your name, unless you’re exempt from getting a driver license under RCW 46.20.025." Click on the link and you'll see that if you're over 16 years old and possess a valid license from another country, you're good to go.
Mark
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16 Jul 2014
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Miss read
I read that three or four times but somehow missed that sentence, my bad.
Thanks,
Last edited by joshjb; 16 Jul 2014 at 08:10.
Reason: Miss read
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3 Dec 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joshjb
Hey Grug,
I've been looking into buying and registering a bike in Washington this year. I noticed one of the requirements on the Washington State dmv site for registering a bike was an unexpired Washington Drivers license. Were you able to use an international license for that?
Also which dealership did you go to?
Thanks,
Josh |
Hey Josh,
Very late reply, sorry. I don't think I had to show a international license, although I do have one. Just the Australian license. I had to sign a form that said I was not a US citizen and that was all. The staff at the DMV in Vancouver, WA, were amazingly helpful and friendly. We went to Hillsboro Motosport in ORegon, just outside Portland.
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29 Mar 2015
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I read comments about buying a bike in nevada or arizona and registering (some said it was quite easy. )
I contacted a NV dealer to check what I would need to buy and register the bike. He said a permanent address.
I only have friends in states of CA or TX. However, the adress needs to be in NEVADA. How did you solve this? Anyone who registered a bike as non US citizen, What address did you use??
I also will need insurance in order to ride in US legally and to register. They also require an address.
Please, any info you could give me on this, will be really appreciate.
Thanks!
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29 Mar 2015
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Third party vehicle registration agencies Phoenix Arizona
I bought a bike in Iowa, rode and registered in my name being an Australian citizen at a third party vehicle registration agency in Phoenix Arizona. No emission test or checks, they dropped them late 2013, $90 for the year, plate in hand in under 10 minutes flat.
It would have been quicker had they had the KTM 950 Adv S on their register, I was blown away at how fast it was, it could not have been easier, just gave them a friends address, handed over the cash, bolt the plate on and hasta la vista baby!
Google 'Third party vehicle registration agencies Phoenix Arizona" You've got 30 days to find insurance too, Bob's you fathers brother 
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25 Sep 2014
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Florida
I did it in Florida in Sept 2014. I registered a Brazilian bike of my ownership. My passport is from Spain but that had little to do with it.
But, be aware of the taxes! it´s 6% of the commercial value, so I suggest you to bring a Proforma Invoice (done by yourself and signed) with the value you want to declare.
Also, you will need an address in Florida. Probably is the same procedure in any state.
Good luck!
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30 May 2021
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Buy a bike in the US
Hi,
How can I buy a bike in the US, as a foreigner? Not living in the US, but want to buy and ride the bike in the US and down south America?
Djin
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30 May 2021
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There is nothing restricting you from buying a bike in the US.
But registering it and getting a license plate is another matter. All of the legal paperwork is done by the individual states and their rules all differ.
For example in Colorado you have to have a permanent address to register it to. I believe there are several states that do not require this (Arizona? Washington? Oregon? and maybe Vermont or New Hampshire?)
You will have to check with individual states to find out.
Actually my advice would be to post your question on ADVRider in the Regional sections. I think there are a lot more US riders active there.
.............shu
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30 May 2021
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Hello Djin:
That's a tough question to answer, because the regulations for motor vehicle registration in the United States are set at the state level - so, you have 50 different sets of regulations to sort through and research before you can get an answer.
Of greater concern - in other words, what is likely to be more of a problem than simply purchasing and registering (getting a license plate) the motorcycle - will be getting insurance for the motorcycle. Most North American insurance companies require that a person purchasing insurance have a USA driver license.
I think the easiest way forward for you might be to contact a friend in the USA and have them purchase, register, and insure the motorcycle for you, taking care to ensure that the insurance is valid for all riders (meaning, you), not just for the owner of the motorcycle.
There have been several other discussions here on the HUBB about the same question you have - perhaps do a little research here on the forum and you might find some useful information from the experience others have had.
Michael
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Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere
