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Oregon DMV

Imported Motorcycle & Moped Requirements

Overview

This page provides information on imported motorcycle and moped requirements. 
 
Use the links below to go directly to any section:
Manufactured for Off Road Use
DMV will not issue registration for a vehicle when the application submitted includes an Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) indicating the vehicle does not meet federal vehicle standards or was manufactured for off-road use. For more information about off-road vehicles, see ATVs.
 
DMV may issue a title for these vehicles.  Registration may only be issued if proof of compliance with federal standards for the vehicle is submitted.

MCO from a Major Manufacturer
Some motorcycles and mopeds manufactured outside of the U.S. do not meet U.S. standards.
 
If a motorcycle or moped is being titled for the first time with an MCO that is not from a major manufacturer, DMV will not issue registration unless proof of compliance with U.S. federal safety and emissions standards is submitted with the application.
 
DMV recognizes the following major manufacturers:
  • Aprilia
  • BMW
  • Bombardier
  • Buell
  • Ducati
  • Harley Davidson
  • Honda
  • Kawasaki
  • Moto Guzzi
  • Norton
  • Piaggio
  • Suzuki
  • Triumph
  • Vespa
  • Yamaha
If the vehicle cannot meet requirements for registration, the owner can still apply for a title only.

Proof of Compliance
DMV must be satisfied that the vehicle meets the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards before issuing registration.
 
There are several ways proof of compliance for an imported motorcycle/moped may be provided:
  • An MCO from one of the major manufacturers above which contains a statement that the vehicle was manufactured to meet U.S. federal safety and emission standards.
  • An Oregon licensed dealer may view the federal safety standards certification label and the EPA certification label affixed to the motorcycle/moped that they are selling. After viewing the certification labels, the dealer may complete a Dealer Certification of Compliance with Federal Emission and Safety Standards (Form 735-7290), for submission with the application for title and registration.
  • A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form CF7501 or CBP7501, Entry Summary that contains:
    • A vehicle description that includes the year, model, make, and vehicle identification number, and
    • An approval stamp or signature of an authorized U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent. 
  • An original letter from the manufacturer or authorized U.S. distributor that clearly identifies the vehicle (including the VIN) and states that the vehicle was manufactured to meet federal safety and emission standards.
  • An original letter from the manufacturer or U.S. distributor that clearly identifies the vehicle (including the VIN) and states that the vehicle meets EPA standards and can be modified to meet federal safety standards. The letter must be accompanied with a certification that the vehicle has been modified and complies with federal vehicle standards. The customer may complete a Certification of Compliance with Federal Emission and Safety Standards (Form 735-7286), for this purpose.
  • For vehicles imported by the U.S. military or U.S. military personnel, a written notice or form issued by the U.S. military that states the vehicle complies with federal vehicle standards.
  • A DMV representative may view the federal safety and EPA labels affixed to the vehicle if none of the proofs listed above are available.
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