California Motorcycle Registration

Registering your motorcycle in California is a necessary step in order to ride legally on public roads and to avoid fines.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before heading to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Motorcycle Certificate of Title (or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin) – Proof of ownership is required. If purchasing from a private seller, ensure the title is properly signed over to you.
• Bill of Sale (if applicable) – If the motorcycle is bought from a private seller, a bill of sale is recommended to document the transaction.
• California Proof of Insurance – California law requires that motorcycles be insured before registration. Your insurance must meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.
• Valid California Driver’s License with Motorcycle Endorsement (M1 License) – If you plan to ride the motorcycle on public roads, you’ll need an M1 endorsement on your California driver’s license.
• Smog Certificate – Currently, motorcycles are exempt from smog/emissions testing and a smog certificate is not required, no matter the age of the bike or whether it came from out-of-state. Always check with the DMV for current regulations.
• Vehicle Verification – If your motorcycle is from out of state or lacks a title or ownership documents, a physical inspection and VIN verification is required by the DMV.

Step 2: Complete a Vehicle Verification (If Required)

You may need to complete a VIN verification if your motorcycle is newly brought into California from another state, lacks a title, or has unclear ownership records. This can be done at:

1. A California DMV office
2. A California Highway Patrol (CHP) station
3. A licensed VIN verification provider

This process ensures the motorcycle meets California regulations and was not reported as having been stolen.

Step 3: Fill Out a Title, and Registration Application (When Applicable)

At the DMV, you’ll need to submit a fully endorsed Certificate of Title, or if the motorcycle is being registered for the first time (ever), brought into California from out of state, or is being re-registered after it’s been salvaged or removed from the DMV database, the Title and a completed and signed Registration Application (Form REG 343). This form requires details about your motorcycle, including:

1. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
2. Odometer reading (if applicable)
3. Lienholder information (if financed)

Download and complete this form in advance from the California DMV website, to save time.

Step 4: Pay the Registration Fees

California’s motorcycle registration fees vary based on factors such as the motorcycle’s value, county of residence, and additional fees. Common fees (subject to change, check the DMV website) include:

• Title Fee: $23
• Registration Fee: Use the DMV fee calculator
• California Highway Patrol (CHP) Fee: Starts at $32
• Local County/District Fees: Varies
• Vehicle License Fee (VLF): Based on the motorcycle’s value

For an accurate estimate, use the California DMV Fee Calculator on their website.

Step 5: Obtain Your License Plate and Registration Sticker

Once you’ve submitted the required documents and paid the necessary fees, the DMV will issue:

1. A motorcycle license plate 
2. A registration certificate
3. A registration sticker (which must be affixed to your license plate)

Now, your motorcycle is officially registered, and you’re ready to hit the road!