Motorcycle Registration in California

Motorcycle registration in California follows most of the same rules as a car, with a few differences: no smog check, a small motorcycle safety fee, and stricter emission label rules on bikes from other states. We help riders in North Hollywood prepare the paperwork for a new bike, a used one from a private seller, or a motorcycle from out of state, including when a VIN verification is needed first.

Request an Appointment Call (818) 649-3232

369 Registration Services is a private registration service licensed by the California DMV. We are not the DMV or a branch of the DMV. You can complete these transactions directly with the California DMV without paying our service fee.

What this service covers

This is the DMV transaction that puts a street motorcycle in your name with a California plate and a current sticker. The DMV asks for the title or lienholder information, proof of insurance, a valid California motorcycle license, and the fees. A motorcycle in DMV terms has two or three wheels and an engine over 150 cc; motor-driven cycles at 149 cc or less are registered too, while mopeds get a one-time plate with an ID card. Motorized scooters are not registered at all.

Who needs it

Riders who just bought a new motorcycle, whether the dealer handled registration or not.
Buyers of a used bike from a private seller who have 10 days to transfer it.
New residents bringing a motorcycle from another state, with 20 days to register it.
Anyone whose motorcycle needs a VIN verification before the DMV will complete the paperwork.

What to bring to your appointment

Sourced from the DMV's requirements. Bring originals where the DMV asks for them. We confirm the exact list when we set your time.

What to bring: Motorcycle Registration

Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
For new motorcycles, out-of-state motorcycles, and any bike with no California record.
California Certificate of Title, or the lienholder's name and address if there is a loan
Proof of insurance
A liability policy, a DMV self-insurance certificate, or a surety bond from a company licensed in California.
Valid California motorcycle license
Out-of-state title and proof of the last registration
For motorcycles last registered in another state.
Verification of Vehicle (REG 31)
For out-of-state bikes, engine case changes, and any motorcycle with no California record.

Based on DMV requirements as published on dmv.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-12. The DMV may ask for more depending on your vehicle. We confirm your exact list when we set your appointment.

When you might need this service

New motorcycle from a dealer

A licensed California dealer often handles the title transfer plus a temporary registration while the plate and sticker come by mail, though not every dealer does. If yours did not, you complete the Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) yourself, pay the use tax, and the registration fees.

Used motorcycle from a private seller

The DMV gives the buyer 10 days to transfer ownership. You need the California title signed by the seller, a bill of sale if the seller is not the person named on the title, and an odometer reading for a bike under 10 years old. If the title has no mileage line, the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262) is used, a security paper form not available online. Our title transfer page covers the ownership side in more detail.

Motorcycle registration for a bike from out of state

Once you become a California resident, the DMV expects the motorcycle to be registered within 20 days. Bring the out-of-state title, proof of the last registration, and a REG 343 signed by every owner on that title. A Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) is always required for a vehicle last registered in another state. Motorcycles need no weight certificate or smog certificate, but 1978 and newer models must carry an emission label showing on-highway certification; a label marked off-road use only means the DMV will not register the bike for the street. See our out-of-state registration page for the general process.

Which motorcycles can be registered for the street

Pocket bikes and mini choppers are off the table for street registration, since they fall short of the federal safety rules for motorcycles. Off-highway bikes such as trail bikes, racing motorcycles, and electric eMotos get an OHV identification plate instead, renewed every two years. An OHV with a red sticker cannot be converted to street use, and a bike manufactured only for off-highway use cannot be converted either. Dual-purpose bikes converting to street registration need a REG 31 completed by a DMV employee, not an outside verifier.

Racing motorcycles: the Motorcycle Transportation Permit

A motorcycle used only in organized racing on a closed course cannot be registered as an OHV, but the DMV offers a Special Motorcycle Transportation Permit (REG 712). It is a numbered sticker that covers hauling the bike on public roads to and from events. No title comes with it, no REG 31 is needed, and it stays valid until the bike is sold or dismantled.

How it works with us

Call or request an appointment
Tell us whether the motorcycle is new, used from a private seller, or from another state, and whether it has ever had a California plate. That tells us which forms apply.
We confirm what to bring
We list the documents for your case, flag whether a REG 31 is needed, and set a time at our North Hollywood office. If a verification is required, we explain who can perform it; our VIN verification page covers the rules.
We complete the forms with you
At the appointment we fill in the REG 343, check the title signatures, review the emission label on an out-of-state bike, and confirm the fees the DMV will charge.
We handle the paperwork for the transaction
We assemble the full package for the DMV transaction. When the next sticker comes due, our registration renewal service covers motorcycles too.

Fees

DMV fees are set by the State of California, not by us. Only the DMV decides the final total, which depends on your vehicle, the transaction, and any penalties already on the record.

The DMV adds a motorcycle safety fee of $2 at original registration and at each renewal, plus a one-time motorcycle cross index fee of $1 at original registration. (DMV source, checked 2026-10-12)
The Motorcycle Transportation Permit (REG 712) for racing motorcycles is $28. (DMV source, checked 2026-10-12)

Our service charge

Every transaction is different, so our service charge depends on the paperwork your case needs. Tell us about it when you call or send a request and we will explain our charge before you decide to proceed. DMV fees, taxes, and penalties are separate.

DMV fee calculator

How California registration fees add up

Common issues and special cases

Emission label says off-road only

For 1978 and newer motorcycles, the DMV reads the emission label to decide street eligibility. A label marked for off-road or off-highway use only blocks on-highway registration, and emission systems cannot be altered to qualify. Bikes of 2006 or newer model year under 50 cc need an EPA on-highway label.

Used motorcycle with no California record

Licensed vehicle verifiers are not allowed to verify a motorcycle that was last registered in California but no longer shows in DMV records. The DMV handbook sends those bikes to the CHP for inspection, so expect an extra stop.

Questions about motorcycle registration

Does a motorcycle need a smog check to register in California?

No. Unlike cars or trucks, a motorcycle has no smog inspection requirement at registration, according to the DMV's motorcycle page. Out-of-state bikes still need an emission label that shows on-highway certification.

When does a motorcycle need a VIN verification?

Whenever it was last registered in another state, whenever the DMV has no record of it, and after an engine case change. The REG 31 can be completed by a DMV employee, a peace officer, an auto club employee, or a licensed vehicle verifier.

Can I register a dirt bike for the street?

Only if it was manufactured for both on-highway and off-highway use. Motorcycles made after 1978 with engines of 50 cc or more need a CARB compliance label and the manufacturer's on-highway certification. A red-sticker OHV cannot be registered for the street, and ATVs cannot be converted at all.

What is a Motorcycle Transportation Permit?

A DMV permit for racing motorcycles used only in closed-course competition. The REG 712 sticker lets you transport the bike on public roads to and from events. It cannot be renewed or transferred, and it ends when the bike is sold or dismantled.

Ready to set an appointment?

Call or send a request. We will confirm what to bring and a time that works.