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This page will cover the motorcycle registration and title process in Texas and provide some tips on how to register if you bought the motorcycle with no title.
Learn more about motorcycle title transfers in Texas.
Texas Title & Inspection Requirements for Used Motorcycles
- Does Texas have an equipment/safety inspection?
- Periodic safety inspection required.
- Does Texas require VIN Inspections for motorcycles bought out of state?
- Required.
- Does Texas require a title for old motorcycles?
- Yes, all motorcycles are titled.
How to Title and register a Motorcycle in Texas
To register and title your motorcycle in TX, you’ll need the following:
- Signed over title.
- Bill of sale and old registration if bought in a state that doesn’t issue titles.
- Proof of insurance.
- Application for Title
- Vehicle Inspection Report.
- Registration and title fees and sales tax.
Find more information about Texas motorcycle registration and registration renewal.
How to Register a Motorcycle with No Title in Texas
To register a used motorcycle without a title in Texas, you can either:
Option 1: Motorcycle from Texas
Before sale is complete, ask previous owner to get a duplicate title:
Learn how to replace a lost motorcycle title in Texas.
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.
Texas Street Legal Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Texas requires motorcycles to have:
- Rearview mirrors.
- Handlebars not higher than 15” above seat.
- Passenger footrests and handholds when riding with a passenger.
- Daytime headlights.
- Horn.
Learn more about street legal motorcycle requirements.
This information was correct at the time of writing it, but state laws are subject to change.
Can you register a used Texas motorcycle with title in Texas without a motorcycle license? Also I have a California drivers license not a Texas license because my primary residence is not in Texas just have a second home in Texas.Texas allowed me to register vehicle’s here that stay in Texas. Difference is I have a drivers license.
There is nothing that explicitly states you can’t, however, there is always the chance they cross check with your license type and won’t process the registration. Good luck!
I live in TX and purchased an out-of-state motorcycle. It needs some work prior to the inspection and registration process. What is the penalty for registering after 30 days? Is there a leniency period for a non-running vehicle that require repairs prior to the registration process? I have the out of state title, bill of sale etc.
There is typically not going to be a penalty. What may happen is that the DMV will set the start of the registration to that initial 30-day period. However, this may vary from county to county.
What do you do when you just bought a used bike and it doesn’t have a title ? Where do you start in order to register it ?
Our page on buying a no-title bike should be a good place to start. Good luck.
Where do you get your motorcycle inspected here in Houston ?
Most Texas vehicle safety inspection stations should be able to complete a VIN Inspection out for you. Give them a call beforehand to confirm.
Bought a used motorcycle from texas, The seller’s bank is waiting on giving him the title. so can i register it in the meantime or do i have to do something else?
You’ll want to wait to receive the signed over title before you can register it.
I purchased a Hellcat 125 motorcycle from an on-line dealer out of state. I don’t have a VIN for the bike. How do I title / register the motorcycle in Texas without this information?
Most dealers have a process for forwarding title/registration information to the DMV. I’d contact your dealer for next steps.
When the bike arrives, you should at least receive a Manufacturers Statement of Origin (MSO) along with your VIN.
If I purchase a small motorcycle from Walmart what must I get from them in order to apply for an offical title. I will add mirrors, lights etc. in order to pass an inspection in Texas.
If buying a new motorcycle out of state, can the dealership send in the required paperwork if your working out of the state for a few months but still want to ride the new bike? Thank you in advance
It sounds like that’d be fine in most places. I’d double check with the dealership before buying the bike – they’ll probably have some experience with out-of-state purchases.
is an inspection required to register motor cycle in Tx?
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I am in the state of Maine and possibly selling my 15+ scooter to someone living in Texas. We are a no title state.I never received a title when I bought the scooter 12 years ago,it is registered in the state of Maine.Will the buyer need a title to register the scooter in Texas? Thank you
Considering the bike is from a no-title state, you should be go to go with your existing registration and a bill of sale.
I bought a used kit bike with no title and the vin is coming up invalid. Is it possible to title it here in Dallas Texas?
That’s going to be tough. With an invalid VIN and no paperwork, you don’t have much to work with. You may look into going with a custom-built registration route, but it may be more trouble than it’s worth.
Ive got a 1970 Ct70h ive got current VT plates and reg, all i need to do is get a state inspection and a green sheet (vin verification VI30a). Then take that and my VT registration to the DMV (TX) and get plates?
Yes, along with the registration/title application and fees. It’s the same process as registering a vehicle from out of state.