Last Updated on: 14th April 2023, 03:34 pm
Excited about buying a used motorcycle you’ve had your eye on? Make sure you know how to register a motorcycle in California before you complete the sale, especially if you are buying a motorcycle with no title or buying a motorcycle out of state.
You will need specific documents proving ownership before you can title and register the bike in your name. In some cases, this means a specific form signed by the seller and notarized. If any of these steps are missed during the transaction, you can be left with a bike you can’t title or register!
Here’s how to register a motorcycle in CA and everything you will need.
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California Motorcycle Registration Requirements
Registering a motorcycle in California can only be done once you have a California Certificate of Title in your name or the lienholder’s information if you have a loan. When you buy a motorcycle from a dealership, they generally handle the title and registration process for you. Otherwise, you will need to submit additional paperwork.
You can complete the CA motorcycle registration at a DMV field office by bringing the following paperwork:
- California Certificate of Title (or the lienholder’s name and address)
- Proof of insurance with minimum liability coverage
- Valid California motorcycle license
- Applicable registration fees
Buying a used motorcycle in California? To transfer ownership and register a motorcycle, you need:
- Motorcycle title signed by the seller
- Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) if the title is damaged, stolen, or missing
- Bill of Sale (REG 135) signed by the seller and owner listed on title if the seller is not on the title
- Record of mileage (vehicles less than 10 years old) on the title or Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form signed by the buyer and seller
- Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) completed online by the seller
- California motorcycle license
- Proof of minimum California liability insurance
- Applicable fees
How to Register a Motorcycle in California (with Title)
Buying a used motorcycle from a private seller in California is easy if the motorcycle has a clear title already. You will need:
- Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227)
- California Certificate of Title signed by the seller to release ownership
- Odometer mileage reading on the title or on Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form signed by the seller and buyer unless the bike is more than 10 years old
- Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) completed online by the seller
You will simply need to bring in the signed title with odometer mileage reading and the application to a DMV office once the seller completes the NRL to transfer ownership and register the motorcycle.
Don’t forget you will need to show proof of insurance and have a valid CA motorcycle license!
If you have the signed title from the seller, you can start the process of transferring your motorcycle license online.
How to Register a Motorcycle Without Title in California
Be wary about buying a used motorcycle without a title as it may mean the bike still has a lien on it or it’s stolen. You could be left with a bike you can’t register or sell!
If you decide buying a motorcycle without a title is worth the risk, make sure you have all the documentation you need:
- Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227)
- Bill of Sale (REG 135) signed by the seller and the registered owner if the seller isn’t the motorcycle’s registered owner
- Record of odometer mileage (for bikes less than 10 years old) on the title or Vehicle/ Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form signed by the seller and buyer
- Applicable fees
- Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) completed by a DMV employee, CHP, or licensed vehicle verifier may be required
- Lien Satisfied/Title Holder Release (REG 166) if applicable
- Valid California motorcycle license
- Proof of insurance with minimum California liability coverage
After buying a used motorcycle from a private seller in California, you have 10 days to register the motorcycle or there will be late fees. The seller has 5 days from the date of the sale to notify the DMV of the ownership change through a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL). This can be done online with the new owner’s name and address, the license plate number, last 5 digits of the VIN, and the odometer reading on the date of sale.
As long as there are no issues with the title, a new title can be issued in your name and you can register the motorcycle. Beware that there are risks to buying a motorcycle with no title as a lien can turn up or the DMV can inform you that the seller is not the registered owner.
Registering Out of State Motorcycle in California
Due to strict California emissions laws, registering a motorcycle in California from out of state can be difficult or even impossible depending on the bike’s mileage! Here is how to register an out of state motorcycle in California and what you need.
You must register a used motorcycle within 10 days of purchase and provide the following to the DMV:
- Motorcycle compliant with California emissions laws, specifically the 7,500 mile rule for “new” vehicles
- Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) form signed by all registered owners on the out-of-state title or registration
- Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form completed by authorized DMV employee, CHP, or licensed vehicle verifier
- Most recently issued out-of-state title
- Most recently issued out-of-state registration certificate or current year renewal notice (or a letter from the last jurisdiction verifying the registered owner(s) name(s) and the last registration expiration date for the motorcycle)
- Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form or Bill of Sale (REG 135) signed by the buyer and seller if the seller is not the registered owner on the out-of-state title
California’s 7,500 Mile Rule
The California 7,500 mile rule presumes a vehicle is new if it has an odometer reading of less than 7,500. You can’t register a vehicle with less than 7,500 miles unless it’s California-certified. You can check for an emission label stating it conforms to California regulations or is legal to sell in California.
There are some exceptions. A street motorcycle model year 2005 and older with an engine under 50cc can be registered regardless of its mileage. There are special requirements for importing vehicles from out of the country, and for people moving to California with a non-California-certified motorcycle or car.
Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) Form
This form must be completed by a DMV employee, CHP, or a licensed vehicle verifier during a physical inspection of your motorcycle. It’s used to verify the VIN number, odometer mileage reading, and emission label.
If your motorcycle is registered as an off-highway vehicle (OHV) or has a “C2” type license (title only), your REG 31 verification form can only be completed by a DMV employee. You can check here if your motorcycle can be registered in CA for highway use.
Registering a Motorcycle in California from Out of State Without a Title
If you are able to meet the other requirements to register a motorcycle in California but you do not have a title for the motorcycle, you will not be able to get a CA Certificate of Title. Instead, you will get a non-transferrable registration. The motorcycle cannot be sold, transferred, or issued a CA title until you provide proof of ownership and convert the non-transferrable registration.
How Much Is Motorcycle Registration in California?
Your motorcycle registration cost in California is based on the purchase price, county, date of purchase, gross vehicle weight (GVW), and other factors. To register a motorcycle in CA, be prepared to pay:
- Registration fee
- CHP fee ($28)
- Vehicle license fee (VLF): 0.65% of purchase price
- Transportation improvement fee ($28 to $196 based on vehicle value)
- County or district fee
The fees are different for new motorcycles, used motorcycles purchased in CA, and used motorcycles purchased out of state. Here are tools from the California DMV to estimate registration fees:
- New motorcycle purchased in CA
- Out-of-state or nonresident motorcycle
- Used motorcycle purchased in CA
- Vehicle license fee estimate
- CA motorcycle registration renewal estimate
There may be additional fees to register your bike:
- Late penalty: $30 plus 40% of the VLF and 40% of the weight fee due for the year
- Replacement title fee: $23
- Non-resident service fee: $23 (original registration/title from out of state)
- Transfer fee: $15 (applied separately to any buyers between you and the registered owner)
Can You Register a Motorcycle Without a License in California?
The California DMV requires a valid California motorcycle license to title and register a motorcycle in CA. You are also required to have minimum liability insurance to register your bike. If you buy a used motorcycle before you get your license hoping to register it later, be aware you will pay late fees!
Now that you know how to navigate the CA motorcycle registration process, are you ready to search for the bike of your dreams? Make sure you read our guide to buying a used motorcycle that covers what to look for then give us a call at Federal Motorcycle Transport or request a free quote if you need dependable California motorcycle shipping services!
