How to Register a Custom-Built Motorcycle

It’s exactly two years since I, a skilled vehicle builder, started the construction of my dream motorcycle. Along the line, I had wanted to throw away the idea into the trash, but for the encouragement I received from friends. I felt discouraged, having repeatedly heard of the difficulty I had to face before I could register his custom-built motorcycle. But thanks to my listening ears, dogged spirit, and determination to have something to my name as a custom motorcycle constructor.

In this article, you’ll learn, relearn, and unlearn all the essential information you need to register your custom-built motorcycle and make it road-worthy and ride-ready. It would be best if you remembered that (depending on your state of residence) causing your custom-built masterpiece to become an official property can be tricky or demanding.

But don’t worry—once you read this post—you will clear your doubt and have a straight and clear understanding of how things work in different states across the United States. The information here does not cover the registration of antique motorcycles. The reason is that most of what we have as custom bikes today are not built from antique parts. Two, the process of registering antique bikes is rather complex.

What Does a New Custom-Built Motorcycle Mean?

Now, we shall take my case as a typical example for review. When I, as an individual, assemble different new aftermarket motorcycle parts made by authorized manufacturers, the end product is called a new custom-built motorcycle.

Other than a manufacturing plant or company, an individual who brings together new motorcycle components produced by registered manufacturers is a custom motorcycle builder. The motorcycle parts the builder purchased from the authorized manufacturer often come with a receipt and the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO).

The second thing you must know is that a new custom motorcycle is built for private use, not resale. That is why it is not built by licensed manufacturers but by individuals with the requisite skills and expertise to build a custom motorcycle.

Where Does The Process Start?

To make the process less cumbersome, finding out how to register a custom motorcycle or chopper should begin long before you present your finished motorcycle at the local registration center. Before you buy any part of the motorcycle or continue with the build process, the entire registration process should have begun. The direct advice is that the moment you conceive the idea of piercing a motorcycle in your garage, you should also start thinking of how to register the final product.

How Do I Register?

Registering your new custom motorcycle begins with knowing the regulations that guide motorcycle registration in the State of the Union where you live. This is because each State’s DMV operates its law and requests custom bike registration and different legal documents.

Essentials to Register New Custom Motorcycle

To avoid getting into the DMV and having your registration delayed or difficult, you must prepare some things beforehand. These details, however insignificant they may appear to be, if not adequately attended to, can cause you your vehicle registration.

1. Title of Ownership

Your title is proof that the motorcycle belongs to you. It’s also the official document that confers ownership of you. When purchasing the frame or engine parts, ensure the Vehicle Identification Number is the same as what you have on the Title of Ownership. It eases you off the stress of proving your ownership. Also, when you decide to transfer ownership, it makes the process seamless.

Naturally, whether you purchase a frame or you build it yourself, there are procedures you must follow. When you get to the FAQs section of this article, all your questions concerning these two issues will be adequately attended to. Keep reading.

But suffice to bear in mind that you have no worries if you buy a frame with VIN. Two, take the role of your local registration office seriously. They are an important partner in this whole process. Don’t sidestep them.

Third, ensure you have all documentation of all the components and parts you purchase or build. If not, you may have difficulty processing your new custom-built motorcycle registration. Even if all the parts you’re buying have been insured, try to find out where the documentation originates and the parts’ sources.

2. Custom Motorcycle Safety Inspection

This is another important detail you need to pay close attention to. I remember in the 2000s when I took my first custom motorcycle for registration. The registration officer first asked me, “Hey, Mr. How safe is this brand new custom-built motorcycle.” I never knew what he meant by the question, and with my naïve answer, I lost a golden opportunity to launch what remained one of my best builds in the market.

Safety inspection involves looking at the road readiness and ride-worthiness of your custom-built vehicle. The local vehicle inspection officer and law enforcement agent want to know if the VIN numbers on your parts are the same as what you have on the Manufacturer’s Certificates of Origin. It is advisable to acquire all the papers and do all necessary documentation during and after the building process. Your papers must include MSO, VIN, receipts, invoices, and bills received from the purchase of the engine, transmission, body, and frame.

Road readiness also requires that the motorcycle is built in accordance with the specifications and standards required of a custom motorcycle. Ensure you use standard and top-quality materials that have undergone requisite quality control checks.

To save yourself a headache for a law enforcement agency, you may first and foremost hire the services of a local custom motorcycle shop owner or licensed manufacturer to do a pre-inspection and tell you what is right or not right. They can also advise on what to do ahead of the official inspection from the law enforcement agency.

3. Emissions Certification

Many custom motorcycle builders try to avoid or evade this all-important documentation. The consequences of this avoidance trust are not worth all the stress and difficulty you will be subject to after that. Do not join that clique. It is a dangerous path to thread.

Emission validation includes tailpipe exhaust emissions and sound level limitations. Generally, it can mean the sound and air pollution that might result from using a custom-built motorcycle. Usually, tests are carried out to know the level of emissions. If your bike meets the standard, you’re certified; otherwise, such certification is revoked.

Even if your state’s law does not require emissions validation on your custom-built motorcycle, there is a way the law requires standards from you. It is advisable that you have it to avoid unnecessary headaches. The best thing to do as you plan to build a custom motorcycle is to make prior inquiries from your local DMV registration department to make sure you know the requirements and procedures for emissions certification.

4. Builder Title Limitations

That you’re allowed to build a custom motorcycle does not mean you can build as many as you want within a year. States limit the number of titles you can own within a year. If you build past the threshold, you will not have titles for as many custom motorcycles you build.

Generally, some states limit the number to six; for others, the threshold is 10 titles per year. Again, if you plan to build multiple custom motorcycles, seek advice; find out the number of titles you can apply for in your state. Some states will register you as a dealer or business owner if you exceed the threshold.

5. Finalizing the Details of Your Registration Process

We are gradually heading to the end of the entire registration process of your custom-built motorcycle. I assume you’ve acquired all the items and documents mentioned earlier and are ready to move to the next phase with me. Interestingly, we can’t move to the final lap of our discussion unless you fulfill the initial criteria.

Given that we have closed in on the homework and are fully prepared to go for the registration, the next thing is to book an appointment with your local DMV office. You’ll need to hold some cash because registration is not free, regardless of whether you are a first-timer builder or you’re there for title renewal.

There is always a registration fee to be paid to the DMV office. Still, the benchmarked amount varies from state to state, depending on the degree of leniency or flexibility granted or available in each state. Never overlook the exact policies your local registration office offers.

6. Insuring is as Important as Building Your Motorcycle

Insurance is the key that unlocks peace of mind while riding a motorcycle. You can’t complete your vehicle registration without a policy.

You must be ready to show your level of preparedness to have your motorcycle registered by showing all information and documents regarding your custom motorcycle insurance policy to the registrar at the DMV office.

How to Renew Motorcycle Registration

You can renew your registration documents every year. Typically, the DMV office will send you a reminder to bring to your awareness that your papers have expired or are edging towards expiry.

You need to renew the registration yearly, and there are four different means through which you can renew your registration. They include personal information by mail, phone, or online. Depending on your state, each of these methods is viable and effective. Contact your local DMV office to determine which method applies to your state.

Renewal in Person

This is the best-advised way to get your custom-built motorcycle registration done with little hassle. All you need to do is to show up at your local DMV office with the renewal notice you receive. Added to that are your license and proof of renewal fee payment. At that point, you’ll get your new registration certificate and stickers.

Renewal via Mail

If you can’t go to your DVM office, a series of mail exchanges with the office can help you renew your motorcycle registration and lower tailbacks. All you need to do is to respond to your renewal notice. Get a copy of your proof of insurance and post it via mail to the local office of your state’s DMV. In return, you’ll receive your new registration certificate and stickers.

Renewal via Phone

You must have your VIN identified with your registration renewal notice and license plate number. Once these are ready, put a call through to your local DVM office. Remember that you’ll be asked to provide a payment method (credit/debit card). After the whole process, you’ll be given your new registration certificate and stickers, but they will be in the mail.

Online Renewal

Every one of your DMV offices has a website through which you can carry out one of two things. Registration renewal is one of those things some states provide for. The first thing is that you’ll receive a renewal notice. It doesn’t matter if you’re eligible for online registration renewal. All you’ll be required to provide is proof of insurance and smog certification on file with the DMV. In addition, you will need to include your Vehicle Identification Number and your payment method (credit/debit card). After completing the renewal process, the office will mail your new registration and stickers.

Documents and Items Required at Motorcycle Registration Offices

You have made all necessary arrangements, and it is time to visit your local DMV office for the final appointment. What documents and items will the office require of you as you step in? Here are the things you shouldn’t forget to accompany to the motorcycle registration center. Remember, some states may require more or less. You’ll need to find out what the local registration office needs.

A completed Title or Registration Application
A Vehicle safety inspection certificate
A filled-out Statement of Construction.
Proof of insurance
Emission Inspection certificates
Proof of payment of the registration fee
Your Out-of-State Registration (applicable to a new builder or someone who buys his components and parts outside the state of his residence)
Documents showing Proof of ownership, such as receipts and bills for sale. Depending on the state, a notary may be asked to review and verify the documents you present.
Sales tax and registration fees are due.

What’s more, the motorcycle registration application form is right here. The sample below is for Oregon; there may be variations when you compare it to other states’ application forms. You can check with your local DMV office to have an accurate application. The internet is also there for you to use if you need to download the application as it applies to your state of residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are related common questions.

Can I register a bike with no frame number?

It asks if a candidate can become US president without the Electoral College. Your guess is as good as mine. Regardless of the legal jurisdiction or the laws of the State of the Union, you cannot register an unfinished frame. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) considers the frame as being the bike. At every point in time, a new frame requires a new number. It becomes difficult to prove how old your frame is if the serial number doesn’t have a serial number.

What does a Q-registration mean?

You’ll need to visit DVLA website to get the full details of the process of a Q-registration. A Q registration stands for a kit motorcycle or rebuild, which differs from an original registration.

How do I recover a lost motorcycle title?

First, your motorcycle title is the document that confers ownership of the vehicle on you. When you sell the bike, your signature is also needed on the title to sign it over to the bike’s new owner. And even though replacing and recovering your lost motorcycle title may seem seamless and simple, it is better to avoid losing the proof. Keep it safe and secure in a fireproof or water-resistant safe or a safety deposit box at a bank.

Now, let’s get back to your question. There are three steps to replace your lost motorcycle title. Ensure you have copies of the following documents: Vehicle Identification Number, Photo ID, Year and make of motorcycle, and License plate number.

Go to your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website
Search for “Title Replacement” or “Request a Title.” Page and open the application form.
Complete the application form by entering your name, address, city, and state. Fill in the field for the vehicle identification number of the motorcycle, as well as, the year and make of the bike and the license plate number.

What do I do if I purchase a frame without a VIN?

It is simple. If you buy a frame or engine with no VIN, you need to acquire the MSO from the seller. This will show that you have legally acquired those components. Temporarily, you can use the MSO pending the time the VIN will be issued to you. But do not forget to discuss with your local registration center how you can obtain your VIN.

Do I need a VIN if I built (not bought) my own frame?

That’s a brainer. You won’t need a VIN if you’re the builder of your frame or engine. No local registration office will demand a VIN or MSO from you if the frame it’s built. But you must follow the procedure. Typically, the registration office will issue you a home-built VIN permanently attached to the vehicle’s frame. Do not take that for granted. You can be the first to approach the registration for this home-built VIN. Ensure you ask for a conspicuous location where the VIN will be pasted on your frame for easy identification.

What if my components have different titles?

There is nothing to worry about if you have multiple parts with different titles. It doesn’t mean you have been scammed or won’t be able to get your new construction registered. You’ll approach your local registration office for advice on what to do. Usually, you should complete all inquiries regarding this before you go ahead and buy the salvaged part.

Conclusion

You now have all the information at your fingertips concerning registering your custom-constructed motorcycle across states. You know it is not so much about your passion for building a custom motorcycle. The legal framework and operational guidelines of your state of residence and local DMV offices are important considerations when building a custom motorcycle.

How to Register a Custom-Built Motorcycle

What Does a New Custom-Built Motorcycle Mean?

Where Does The Process Start?

How Do I Register?