California, home of some of the most scenic routes in the country, is host to nearly one million registered motorcycles. In fact, one of America’s most beloved roadways for bikers, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), covers a long and beautiful stretch of California’s coastline.
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But before you can hop on your motorcycle, scooter, or cruiser and explore the Golden State, your set of wheels must be titled in your name. And in order to make that happen, you’ll need to transfer the title from the previous owner. Here, we’ll walk you through the process of transferring a motorcycle title in California…so you can get registered and on the road in no time. In this guide, you’ll find:
* Reasons for Transferring a Motorcycle Title in California
* Documents and Info Needed to Perform a Motorcycle Title Transfer in California
* How to Transfer a Motorcycle Title in California Online
* How to Register Your Motorcycle After Completing a Title Transfer
* What Makes Motorcycle Ownership in California Unique
Reasons for Transferring a Motorcycle Title in California
There are several reasons you might need to perform a motorcycle title transfer in California. Some of the most common ones include:
- Private sale – If you buy a bike from a private seller, the seller will need to sign over the certificate of title.
- Loan payoff – When you have fulfilled your loan, your lender will transfer the motorcycle title to you.
- Inheritance or gift – When a motorcycle is gifted to you or when you inherit a bike
It’s good to keep in mind the reason behind your title transfer, as it will determine which documents will be required.
Documents and Info Required for CA Motorcycle Title Transfer
To complete a motorcycle title transfer in California, you will need all of the following documents and information, regardless of the reason for the transfer:
- Certificate of Title. To transfer ownership of a motorcycle in California, there needs to be a certificate of title from the previous owner. If the seller is not in possession of the title, they’ll need to complete Form REG 227 (Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title) and obtain an official Duplicate title.
- Odometer Reading. If the motorcycle is under 10 years old, an odometer disclosure document will be necessary.
- Smog Inspection Certificate. If your bike is eight model years old or more, you will need to pass a smog inspection. Bikes newer than this no longer need biannual smog inspections.
While the above documents and information are standard and always necessary, there are some documents you will only need in certain situations. For example, you ‘ll need a Form REG 256 if you are inheriting the vehicle. So be sure to keep in mind the reason you’re initiating a title transfer before you start submitting documents.
How to Transfer a California Motorcycle Title Online
Transferring a motorcycle title in California is easy with eTags. As soon as the title passes from buyer to seller, you can head on over to our California title transfer page to get started with your transfer. Here are the steps you’ll take:
- Click on “Get Started”
- Answer the following questions and prompts as they come up. You’ll need to have the following information handy:
*In which state the car is currently titled
*Type of transfer (in this case, a purchase)
*VIN (vehicle identification number)
*Sale price, sale date, odometer reading
*First and last name of buyer
*Email address and phone number
- You’ll have a chance to review your order, and if everything looks good, head to Checkout
- Enter your payment info, read over the terms and condition and place your order!
How to Register Your Motorcycle After Completing a Title Transfer
Once the transfer of ownership has been completed, you’ll need to register your motorcycle before you can ride it in California. To register your bike, you’ll need the title, proof of liability insurance, and a valid CA motorcycle (Class M1) license. You can also get this done easily with eTags!
It’s good to know that if you own a motorbike but aren’t ready to ride it yet, you can place it on planned non-operation status by completing Form REG 102.
Fun Facts About Motorcycle Ownership in California
Motorcycling has a rich history in the Golden State. Here are some key facts about motorcycling in California that might surprise you:
- California has more registered motorcycles than any other state.
- California allows lane splitting, permitting motorcyclists to share a lane and pass slower-moving traffic.
- All motorcycle riders and passengers in California are required by law to wear a helmet.
And most importantly, if you need a hand at any point, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
