Can You Register a Motorcycle in Colorado without a License?
As with all motor vehicles, you must register a motorcycle with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you can legally ride it. If you’re ready to purchase a motorcycle but haven’t taken the steps to get a valid Colorado motorcycle license yet, you may be wondering whether you can register your new bike without a license.
You can register a motorcycle in Colorado without a license, but you’ll still need to get a motorcycle endorsement for your driver’s license before you can legally ride the bike on public roads. If you attempt to ride your motorcycle without a proper license, you may face fines or potentially even jail time.
While you can technically register a motorcycle without a license, it is often difficult to do so. In Colorado, you need to provide proof of insurance before you can register your motorcycle. Most insurance companies will not insure a driver to ride a motorcycle without already having a valid motorcycle license. Therefore, the best way to approach the process is to complete the required steps in the following order:
- Get your motorcycle endorsement for your Colorado driver’s license
- Obtain insurance for your motorcycle
- Register the motorcycle with the Colorado DMV
This will provide the smoothest and easiest path to being able to legally ride your motorcycle on Colorado roads.
What Are the Requirements for Registering a Motorcycle in Colorado?
If you’ve recently moved to Colorado, you must register your motorcycle within 90 days of establishing residency. To register your motorcycle, you must meet the following requirements:
- Proof of ownership – You will need to provide the title or current out-of-state registration for your motorcycle.
- Proof of insurance – You must provide proof of valid motorcycle insurance coverage that meets Colorado’s minimum requirements. Proof of insurance can be established by providing your insurance card, policy or other documentation from your insurer.
- Identification – You’ll need to provide your driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification.
- VIN verification – If the motorcycle was previously titled/registered out of state, you will need to get a VIN verification completed.
- Registration application – You must fill out the Application for Title & Registration (Form DR 2395).
- Fees – You will need to pay the applicable registration fees, which are based on the motorcycle’s weight, age and other factors.
Requirements for Registering a Motorcycle That You Just Purchased
After purchasing a motorcycle, you have 60 days to register it in Colorado. The registration process differs slightly depending on whether you bought the motorcycle from a dealer or a private seller, but the core requirements remain the same.
If you bought a motorcycle from a dealer, the dealership will generally handle the titling and registration process for you. You’ll receive a temporary motorcycle registration before leaving the dealership with your new bike. Once the dealer has submitted all the paperwork to the Colorado DMV, you’ll receive the official registration in the mail.
If you bought a motorcycle from a private seller, you’ll need to register it yourself. In this situation, you’ll need to follow all the steps outlined above.
Can You Register a Motorcycle in Colorado with an Out-of-State License?
You don’t need a Colorado driver’s license to register a motorcycle here. You can use a valid out-of-state driver’s license as proof of identification. The registration process is the same whether you have a Colorado license or an out-of-state license. Once the motorcycle is registered, you’ll still need to obtain a Colorado driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement to legally ride the bike on public roads.
How Long Does It Take to Register a Motorcycle in Colorado?
When you purchase a motorcycle from a dealer, you receive your registration the same day you take possession of the motorcycle. The temporary motorcycle registration you receive from a dealer the day you leave the lot with your motorcycle will allow you to ride the motorcycle right away. However, you won’t receive your official registration and plates until they are mailed to you.
Since you need to register the motorcycle yourself when you purchase it from a private seller, the process may take a little longer. If you choose to register the motorcycle online, it may take up to 21 days to complete the process. However, if you need the registration and plates sooner, you can complete the process at your local DMV office. This will allow you to receive your registration and plates the same day, without having to wait for them to be mailed.
Pushchak Law Can Help if You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Once your motorcycle is properly registered, you can enjoy the many exhilarating rides along Colorado’s scenic mountain highways. Even when you adhere to safe riding best practices, there’s always a chance you can get into an accident. Due to the lack of protection afforded by motorcycles, the injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic in nature. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. At Pushchak Law, we’re here to help.
You may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another driver. Brian Pushchak has made motorcycle accidents a primary focus of his practice. He knows the complex laws governing these cases, and he understands the ways in which motorcycle accident injuries can impact your life. This specialization will give you the edge you need when seeking to maximize the value of your compensation.
When you work with Pushchak Law, you’ll benefit from our exclusive Informed Decisions™ Approach focused on helping you receive the best possible outcome to your case. This unique approach to motorcycle accident lawsuits keeps you in control of the entire process. Mr. Pushchak will talk to you in detail about your goals for the outcome of your case and advise you of your legal rights and options. Then, he’ll recommend the best strategy to achieve your desired outcome.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you have, ensuring you fully understand your options and the recommended strategy. You’ll then have the final say on how your case is handled. This collaborative process ensures Mr. Pushchak remains aligned with your best interests every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Pushchak Law serves clients in Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado.
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