Getting your motorcycle registered can be a little bit of a hassle, depending on which state you live in.
The DMV can be notorious for motor vehicles’ registrations, as they can sometimes have additional fees that you might not be expecting.
Therefore, getting a rough estimate of how much it will cost to get a license plate number can help you save a lot of time.
So, here is a guide on all the applicable fees when registering a bike.
Registration fees for different states
Motorcycle registration fees can be different across various states. So depending on your state, you could pay as much as $100 or go in and get your license plate in $20.
Other than the local laws that govern the changes in prices, there is also the fact many states also focus on engine displacement when looking to register a vehicle.
Registration costs for a much larger bike will be higher compared to bikes that are much smaller.
Another variable for the overall price of registration is that of motorcycle insurance. And the cost of insurance can even depend on the state that you live in. So essentially, you will have to look into the latest information by visiting your local DMV.
Some drivers can even get a discount when they register their bike after taking certain safety courses. You can loom more information about this on the official DMV website.
What you need to provide during motorcycle registration
When registering your motorcycle, you will have to provide proof that you have the necessary liability insurance coverage that your state requires. If you don’t have enough, the state may not register your vehicle.
After meeting that requirement, you will also have to pay a registration fee to have your bike registered and you could even need to pay for your license plate in some states.
Furthermore, to register a motorcycle, you may even have to get regular inspections to se if your bike meets certain safety standards. If you fail to pass any of these tests or simply don’t go, you could face possible fines and a range of consequences.
After you successfully meet all of these requirements, you can be issued a license plate and registration card. You will have to display the license plate on your bike at all times.
Fees that come with registering your motorcycle
When you’re looking to register a motorcycle you will have to pay the necessary out the door price along with any other associated charges.
Registration fees can often be as low as $25, and can go as high as $100 depending on your state, size of the bike, ad if you don’t have certification from certain safety courses.
If you will be riding your motorcycle on public roads, you need to make sure that your vehicle is properly registered.
Registration renewal and how to go about it
Renewing your registration can be a very simple process, especially if you decide to go about it online.
However, you can also get your new registration in california by going to the california DMV and bringing your old california certificate for your registration. You will need this certificate along with payment for renewal and your proof of insurance.
When you provide all of these necessary documents, you will be able to get a new title with ease.
Renewing online
If you choose to renew your motorcycle online, then you don’t have to worry about all of these different requirements. Instead, all you need is your license plate number and an acceptable form of online payment.
You can usually pay for your renewal through your credit or debit card.
After you manage to renew your registration, which also means that you will also be getting a new registration certificate along with a sticker that you will have to attach to your license plates. You might have to pay other applicable fees as a registered owner. Out of state registration can be a little different and you will have to visit the local DMV for advice on that.
Motorcycle title transfer fee
So you finally decided to sell of your motorcycle. Well in order to transfer ownership from to the new owner, you need to follow through on the proper paperwork following the proper vehicle purchase.
Here is how you can transfer the title to the new owner and finish the transaction.
Get the bill of sale
The first thing that you will need is a bill of sale that reflects the accurate purchase price and not necessarily the vehicle value, since you are following through on the transaction as a private seller.
The bill of sale should contain the VIN number of the vehicle along with the model and make of the vehicle. If you are going to the DMV in person, you will have to fill out the relevant form and then provide the relevant documentation.
After you provide all of this information, now you just have to wait for your confirmation letter. And that is about it.
Sales Tax concerns
Since you are selling a taxable object, you may be worried about the possible sales tax that could come with it. However, the truth of the matter is that you will not be responsible for the sales tax, and that is something that the buyer will have to mention in their taxes.
Insuring your motorcycle
One of the major questions that you might have when registering your motorcycle is if it is necessary to insure it.
And the answer is yes. You need some liability insurance before you can get your bike registered.
Since motorbikes are more likely to be in an accident, having insurance can help pay for the damages, but they will only cover as much as your coverage allows for.
Some states may also have specific requirements, which is why you should call them up and ask them if you have any specific questions about your insurance coverage and how much you need for the right circumstances.