How to register an out-of-state vintage bike in CA with only a bill of sale?

[jmillington]

Hopefully, someone here has registered an out-of-state vintage bike in CA with only a bill of sale.

Is this possible, and what do I need to do to get it registered?

Thanks!
Jim M

 

[Phaedrus]

It's easy if you're certain the bike's not stolen and the bill of sale is legit. Go down to the DMV with your bill of sale and tell them the deal. They will have you fill out a application for a new title and a statement of facts. The statement of facts is where you will write something like "I purchased this from Mr. Blahblah in the state of Whatever. Mr. Bleahbleah informed me that he had lost (or did not have) the pink slip for the vehicle, and I did not receive one with the vehicle"

You will probably have to bring the bike to the DMV to have the VIN number verified, and you may have to take it to the CHP to have the lights checked. After which you can receive your new title and tags.

 

[codger]

Be sure the bike has over 7500 miles on it! age doesnt matter milage does the bike could be a 1973 if it doesnt have over 7500 miles on it they will consider it new.

 

[maxandgrinch]

It's pretty easy.

You can go in prepared using the online forms that allow you to type in the statement (in my case it is legible then) remember to go in with the right attitude and an appointment, and expect to have to drag the bike there 7 times. Then when it only takes 3, you'll be happy.

Know where the VIN/engine numbers are and they're clean legible (white grease pencil smeared into the stamping works well) and if it isn't obviously from a long time ago (like how some cruisers could be 3-40 years old) take along some way to show that it is vintage.

Some local PD's do inspections so you can go in prepared.

EDIT - Mileage: I'm happy to argue that for a bike that is this old, how can the mileage be real?

 

[jmillington]

Thanks for the info guys. :thumbup

I went ahead and bought the 1969 Honda CB160, in great condition. It's being shipped here from Montana.

This is the exact year and model of my very first motorcycle! :ride
(And yes, I am an Olde Fart!)

Thanks again!

 

[Junkie]

Be sure the bike has over 7500 miles on it! age doesnt matter milage does the bike could be a 1973 if it doesnt have over 7500 miles on it they will consider it new.

Except that I'm pretty sure there were no smog regs for bikes before '78