visiting the US with my german scooter
 

Hi everyone,

my plan is to take my old Vespa to USA, to take part in a scooter-rally from coast o coast in June.


Its a 1954 scooter with some modifications. I live in Luxembourg, however the scooter is registered in Germany on a friends name as it is easyer to legalize the modifications there.


Airtransport to Los Angeles Airport is my plan. I have a quote that seems ok (1.675,00 €) but I want to ensure I get the bike out of customs before taking a deal on transport.


What do I need to get the scooter out of customs and legaly on the road?


As far as my research goes:

- EPA Nonresident exemption letter to pass customs
- temporary insurance for the US (fernet)
- Letter from my friend allowing me to use the scooter registered in his name and use /transport it to the US(notary-witnessed)
- proof of ownership (sales contract between my friend and me)



Any help is much apreciated. I would like to keep the matters Transport and documentation seperate. I am looking for advice on the paperwork here.

I absoulely need to avoid the bike getting stuck in customs at the airport. I am a US Citizen by birth, but I do not think that makes a difference.


Thanks fellow travelers!

David

I'm confused about the need for both a notarized permission from your friend and a proof of ownership in the form of a sales contract. I should be clear that what follows applies to vehicles in general; I'm ignorant of anything exceptional about 1954 Vespas as opposed to any other motor vehicle.

I don't know whether a permission, notarized or not, will allow you to import a vehicle. A proof of ownership definitely does allow temporary importation, but that would take the form of a registration and/or title document in your name--not a "sales contract." If it belongs to you, you can import it.

You're correct about the need for an EPA document and for insurance valid in the US.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark