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This page will cover the street legal requirements and registration and title process in Minnesota and provide some tips on how to register if you bought the motorcycle without a title.
Learn more about motorcycle title transfers in Minnesota.
Minnesota Title & Inspection Requirements for Used Motorcycles
- Does Minnesota have an equipment/safety inspection?
- Period motorcycle safety inspection required
- Does Minnesota require VIN Inspections for motorcycles bought out of state?
- Not required.
- Does Minnesota require a title for old motorcycles?
- Titles required for all motorcycles.
Title and Register a Motorcycle in Minnesota
You’ll need the following:
- Signed over title
- For motorcycle from states that don’t issue titles:
- Statement of Facts
- Photos of the motorcycle
- For motorcycle from states that don’t issue titles:
- Application to Title and Register
- Bill of Sale
- Registration and title fees.
Notarization Required on the following documents in Alabama:
- Bill of sale.
Find more information about Minnesota motorcycle registration and registration renewal.
How to Register a Motorcycle with No Title in Minnesota
Option 1: Motorcycles from Minnesota
Before sale is complete, ask previous owner to get a duplicate title:
Learn how to replace a lost motorcycle title in Minnesota.
Option 2: Bikes from out of state
If the motorcycle was bought in a state that requires motorcycle titles:
- Have the previous owner request a duplicate title in that state.
- Find motorcycle registration and title details for all states here.
Option 3: Register in a No-Title State
Register the bike in a non-title, no residency requirement, mail-in registration application state, such as Vermont.
- Follow the registration requirements in Vermont.
- Transfer your registration to your own state.
Minnesota Street Legal Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Minnesota street legal motorcycle requirements include:
- Rearview mirrors.
- Passenger footrests when riding with a passenger.
- Daytime headlights required.
- Brake lights must not display a blue light larger than 1” diameter.
Learn more about street legal motorcycle requirements.
This information was correct at the time of writing it, but state laws are subject to change.
I purchased a motorcycle from a private owner. He gave me the title for the bike. I went to register the bike and the DMV is asking for the VIN and Engine Number. I provide the information from the bike directly. The VIN is a match but the Engine Number appears to be a number that was not the engine number. I do not know what number the previous owner gave for Engine number… He did not tell me he changed the engine. So I believe the engine is original to the bike from previous owners discussions. The state will not allow me to register the bike for tabs due to the engine number not matching their number on file. I now have to take my bike in for an inspection which due to COVID-19 I have to wait until October 20th! Has anyone else had this kind of issue? I provide photos of the bike, the VIN, the engine number and they say I have to pay for an inspection which is way after the riding season. What a HUGE pain!!! I just want to get the bike registered so I can ride this year.
Are you sure you are looking at the correct number? It is not the one on the bottom of the engine but the one just below the two jugs on the left side.
Did you get you situation figured out? In the same deal with an Indian scout i recently bought. What’s the procedure?
Yes and there rud at the DMV, AND absolutely no help. What ever bike you have Google to find out were engine number is.
I bought a motor cycle with no title previous owner did not have it either I wanna register and title my bike can I get info ??
I’d recommend taking a look at Vermont’s requirements to see if that will work for your situation: https://www.motorcyclezombies.com/register-title-motorcycle/register-old-motorcycle-vermont/