Motorcycle Registration in California

Title and Registration Fees & Renewals

Each year, the DMV sends you a registration renewal. Depending on your situation, you may renew in person at your local DMV office, by mail, or online. Your renewal options and paperwork requirements are the same as for renewing a car registration.

After you pay the current fees, you'll get registration stickers with the expiration date printed on them. You must affix the stickers to your license plate.

Changing Owners

Once you purchase a motorcycle, new or used, you will need to transfer the title into your name at the DMV within 10 days. If you buy your new ride from a dealership, the dealer should complete the DMV paperwork to transfer the title and register the motorcycle for you.

If the sale is between private parties, then you must handle the title transfer and registration paperwork yourself. You'll need to fill out an Application for Title and Registration and take it in person to your local DMV office (to save time, it's best to make an appointment).

Depending on the circumstance, you might also be required to pay a use tax (see below) and provide additional documentation, especially if the motorcycle is a custom bike.

New to the State

You must register your motorcycle within 20 days of establishing residency. Failure to do so will result in penalty fees.

Scooters and Mopeds

All scooters and mopeds, regardless of how many cc's, must be registered. A motorized bicycle with pedals and an electric motor not more than 1,000 watts, is the lone exception to mandatory registration.

Specialty Plates

Just like with cars, you can get specialty and personalized license plates for your motorcycle in California. These plates cost more than regular plates, depending on the design you choose.

Title Info

For the title itself, you'll have to pay a $15 transfer fee. If the title is lost, it costs $17 for a duplicate. If you have a loan on the bike, the lender will either hold onto the title or store it electronically with the DMV; it'll be sent to you when the bike's paid off.

Nonoperational Motorcycle

If your bike's broken but you can't bear to part with it, you may register your nonoperational motorcycle for the low, low price of $17 annually. For more details on nonoperational registration, see the DMV's Fast Facts brochure.

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