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Motorcycle Registration
AdvertisementNobody insures more riders than Progressive. Quote online instantly.progressive.comIn Michigan, the law defines a motorcycle as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with a saddle or seat that can attain speeds greater than 30mph and that has a gasoline engine bigger than 50cc with a manual transmission.
Motorcycles are registered for one year, expiring on the owner's birthday. "Pocket rockets" and "mini-cycles"―which lack much of the equipment to be road legal in Michigan―don’t need to be registered and may not be ridden on public roads.
To register a motorcycle, you’ll need to have your motorcycle title and proof of insurance. Motorcycle insurance, unlike auto and truck insurance in Michigan, is not part of the no-fault program. But you will need at least $20,000/$40,000 liability insurance and $10,000 property damage coverage.
For a new registration, you’ll need to visit a Secretary of State branch office. Bring your insurance certificate, title, and cash or a check (branch offices do not accept credit or debit cards).
A Michigan title costs $15; registration costs will vary depending on the year, make, and model of your bike. Michigan registration fees are based on the original MSRP for your bike new and are adjusted downward as your bike ages.
Renewing Your Registration
If you already have your motorcycle registered in Michigan, renewing is a snap. You’ll need your proof-of-insurance certificate and your renewal notice.
In Person or by Mail
You can renew at any Secretary of State branch office or by returning your notice, proof of insurance, and payment in the mailer provided.
Online
You can renew your registration online if:
- Your address is correct on your renewal notice.
- Your name and vehicle information is correct.
- Your renewal notice has a PIN.
- You have a valid Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit card.
By Phone
You also can renew by touch-tone telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (517) 334-9444. You can renew by phone if:
- Your address is correct on your renewal notice.
- Your name and vehicle information is correct.
- Your renewal notice has a PIN.
- You have a valid Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit card.
A PIN will be printed on your renewal notice if your insurance company electronically verifies your insurance with the Secretary of State. Not all companies do, so check with your agent.
If any of your information needs to be changed or is incorrect, or if you do not have a PIN, you’ll need to go to a Secretary of State branch office.
Your license plate tabs should arrive within seven days.
Related Questions from DMV Answers
What are the scooter laws in my state?
Scooters are small, efficient alternatives to motorcycles, but their size doesn’t mean states don’t place regulations on them. When checking out the scooter laws in your state, pay close attention to: How your state classifies scooters. Some states lump moped and scooter laws in with motorcycle laws and use engine size to differentiate. Minimum age requirements. Can you operate a scooter at any age? Or, do you have to be old enough to have a regular permit or drivers license? Whether your state requires a license or endorsement to operate a scooter. How – if at all – your state handles the registration process for scooters, including license plates, tags, tabs, and stickers. Click on your state in the list below to find out specific information about scooter laws. AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMisso...
Read more >>Does my state require snowmobile registration?
Snowmobile registration requirements vary by state. You may need to register the snowmobile as you would a motorcycle, or do nothing. Certain states, such as Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, require snowmobile registration. This means you go into your motor vehicle department and register the snowmobile as you would any other vehicle. Registration fees vary depending on the age of the snowmobile, just as the registration fee varies for cars. In addition, as in the case of Wyoming, the state also charges a small annual user fee in addition to the registration fee.How often you have to register the snowmobile is also up to the state. Montana, for example, only has you register it once in a lifetime for a fee of $60.50. Washington state requires an annual registration; the period covered is October 1 to September 30. Washington charges $15.75 for snowmobiles 30 years or older and $33.75 for newer snowmobiles. North Dakota charges a $35 trail tax and a $5 registration fee every odd y...
Read more >>
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