Entering Central America without Title and only Registration

[shanekost]

I purchased a G650GS about 4 months ago bike using BMW Financial Services, so I don't hold the Title outright as they still have a Lien against it. I do have the Registration paperwork, copy of the loan agreement, Passport, drivers license, etc. I've read different theories about whether a Title is absolutely mandatory-- some have said the Title and Registration are interchangeable.

Do you think this will be a problem leaving the United States without the title? What about entering each and every Central American country (Mexico, Panama, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica?)? I am most grateful if anybody might be able to shed light on this topic and what experiences you have had in the past. Thanks!

[Sjoerd Bakker]

"Title" is a funny concept limited to certain US states. In Ontario there is only a registration form which carries bike data and numbers and the name of the registrant. If you bought the bike then Yours wil be that name.
All you need is Registration which shows the data of the bike and the owner's name- YOU- which should be same as on your drivers license, Passport and credit cards.
The other countries really don't care if it is your bike, they just want to make sure that you do not import it illegally and try to avoid paying the taxes related. Therefor they get all this info ,and check it when you leave. If you get into problems with your lien holders / renters that is yours to clear up when they drag you into court, so you get to pay for the bike .

[Jamie Z]

In my experience, I was asked for the title to my bike at every border in Mexico and Central America. I had my registration with me and none of the border officials wanted to see it.

Jamie

[shanekost]

Wow-- thanks so much for the great information. I decided to keep it safe and pay off the lien so I can receive the Title before leaving for my upcoming trip. Thanks so much for your advice gentlemen!

[tricepilot]

Registration typically used, although title will work. Must have one or the other. Most people with a lien avoid using the title as the lien holder is typically listed on the title but not the registration. A fussy official may ask to see the letter from the lien holder giving permission to take the bike out of the USA. You are going through the process of eliminating the lien holder and obtaining a clean title, but bear in mind your title, in and of itself, is not absolutely required if using your registration. Most riders typically use registration.

[Jamie Z]

When ya'll are talking about registration, you mean the papers I get when I put plates on my bike?

I've seen lots of people say that they used the registration when crossing the border. The registration papers I get in my state are a carbon copy of some small form. It looks like someone printed it out at home on crappy paper. I can't imagine any border agent accepting it as official.

In any case, if it works, it works. I just never found mine to be asked for, even though I had it in my hand and offered it several times.

FWIW, a few times (not every time, but almost every time) my bike was personally inspected. The agent wanted to see where the VIN on the bike matched the VIN on the title, and he always wanted to see the "DL650" sticker to match the model listed on the title. And a couple of then questioned my personalized plate, which reads "ZEN." They wanted to know why there weren't any numbers on my plate.

In the end though, I got through every border without much trouble. Entering Honduras was exceptionally time consuming and a bit confusing, but weren't any problems. Just lots of paperwork which had to be signed and copied and then initialed and stamped by several different people.

Jamie

[tricepilot]

Originally Posted by Jamie Z

When ya'll are talking about registration, you mean the papers I get when I put plates on my bike?

IOW: The document you would hand over with your drivers license in response to the demand: "License and Registration, Sir" here in the U.S.

I've seen lots of people say that they used the registration when crossing the border.




FWIW, a few times (not every time, but almost every time) my bike was personally inspected. The agent wanted to see where the VIN on the bike matched the VIN on the title, and he always wanted to see the "DL650" sticker to match the model listed on the title. And a couple of then questioned my personalized plate, which reads "ZEN." They wanted to know why there weren't any numbers on my plate.

What you are describing kicks the word "official" into the phrase "border official"

In the end though, I got through every border without much trouble.



Entering Honduras was exceptionally time consuming and a bit confusing, but weren't any problems. Just lots of paperwork which had to be signed and copied and then initialed and stamped by several different people.

Your experience is nothing like what Manuel Zelaya has to endure

Jamie

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[tricepilot]

PS Jamie, evertime a pizza arrives we give a very nice tip, thanks to what was learned in the "Confessions" thread

[Captbb]

Just got back from Mexico. I had registration, it worked, but since I did not have (clear title) I was required to post some sort of bond. Officials required a Visa or Mastercard, which I did not have I had Amex & Discover, I then had option of not taking vechile or posting cash bond which would be returned when I was leaving Mexico. Took cash option for one day. They gave me money back next day.
So leason learned, Get Visa or Mastercard. Cash bond was $450us

[tricepilot]

Your issue of having to post a cash bond had nothing to do with not having a clear title, and everything to do with not being able to use a credit card.

[tricepilot]

PS, trip photos?

[ChangoGS]

yeah, any pics?