Last Updated on March 22, 2018 by Jason Mason
You can conduct your California motorcycle registration online and receive official registration certificate and stickers within two business days. The benefits of registering your motorcycle application online include:
- Saves you a trip to the DMV.
- Helps you avoid late fees.
- You will get your registration papers within two business days.
- You don’t need a renewal notice.
There several agents who have been contracted by the state to offer motorcycle registration and renewals. One of these agents is CarTagz. This company provides an easy and quick alternative for motorcycle registration for only $29 plus the DMV fees. You don’t need to spend your time standing in long queues at the DMV.
Registration and Titling Fees and Renewals
You will receive a registration renewal notice each year. Depending on your qualification and location, you can then proceed to renewing your registration online, by mail or in person at any local DMV office. The paperwork required to renew your motorcycle registration are the same as that of renewing a car.
Once you submit your application and all the applicable fees and taxes, you will receive your motorcycle registration stickers with expiration date. You must mount the stickers on your motorcycle license plates.
Changing Owners
If you purchase a new or used motorcycle, you will need to transfer the certificate of the title to your name with the DMV. If you purchase a new motorcycle from a California dealership, the dealer will handle the paperwork and fees for motorcycle registration and titling on your behalf.
If the motorcycle is used, you will need to handle the paperwork for registration and titling by yourself. You will need to visit your local DMV to do so. Make sure you complete the Application for Title and Registration and bring it to your local DMV office along with the applicable fees and documentations.
New to the State
If you are a new resident in California, you must register and title your out-of-state motorcycle within 20 days of establishing residency. You will face penalties if you fail to register your motorcycle within this period.
Scooters and Mopeds
You must register your scooter and moped, regardless of their capacity. A motorized bicycle with electric motor less than 1,000 watts and pedals is exempted from mandatory registration.
Specialty Plates
You can request personalized and specialty license plates for your new motorcycle. The costs of these plates are more than the cost of regular plates.
Title Info
To transfer the title to your name, you will need to pay $15 title transfer fee. If the title is missing for whatever reason, you can apply for a duplicate. If you are financing a motorcycle, the lender may decide to keep the certificate of the title or have the DMV store it electronically. Once you pay off the loan, the title will be sent to you.
Nonoperational Motorcycle
If your motorcycle is broken but you still want to keep it, you may register it with the DMV.
