I got an antique today

[Jess from VA]

VA license plate for my bike.... sort of.

I did my homework, filled out my forms, had an 8AM appointment, and went in the door right to a DMV guy.

Clearly he hadn't done too many of these as he patiently typed away on his computer, then went and asked a supervisor for help.  

Then he went and brought out an antique car plate, and I said that's a bit large for a motorcycle.

Oh yeah, then he came back and said they didn't have any for bikes on hand, and it would have to be ordered.  (Crap)  

Do you want black or yellow? (I want black, the bike's black).

Do you want any special tag number/words? (no, I want purely random because those are always harder to remember than something cute).  

It will take take one or two weeks to arrive by mail, and now they must issue me a temporary tag (no cost to me).

Why? The plate that's on there has 2 more years on it?

The plate that's on there is now cancelled.

But I will get credit for the cost, but have to bring it in to get it.  (The web said nothing about this, I could have taken it in with me, instead of another trip down there).

The plate that's on there has been transferred from other bikes and is really worn out (and hard to read, just like I like).  

This is going to be a cool plate on my vintage black and chrome '99 Interstate.  


No more annual safety inspection PITA, no more personal property taxes, just annual registration.

A one time fee of $50 for a lifetime plate.

An antique plate for an antique rider.  




  

[Oldfishguy]

Good.

I’ve been running antique plates in MN since 2021 in MN.  MN allows after 20 years old; you pay the one time for registration and then done.

There are a few written rules on usage of the vehicle once registered as an antique but I have found if one doesn’t abuse it your left alone.  The only ones I’ve heard that the local constable has is if it is used as a daily vehicle to work or similar.

The machines don’t look 20 years plus old these days.  Mother Honda had the paint system perfected with these machines.

[Chrisj CMA]

Congrats Jess you and your bike are officially old. I still have a few years to wait. They changed the requirement in Florida to 30 years for an antique plate. So, I’m officially old but my bike hasn’t got there yet

[Jess from VA]

There are a few written rules on usage of the vehicle once registered as an antique but I have found if one doesn’t abuse it your left alone.

There's actually a number of rules in VA.  It cannot be a daily driver, and they make you list the make, model, VIN and tag of your real daily driver, or no antique tag.  And not more than 250 miles from home.   And in VA, violation of these antique rules is a class 4 misdemeanor and standing before a judge.  But you're right, if you give them no reason to pull you over, no questions will be asked.  My buddy put one on his Valkyrie and rode it to Sturgis ND   (course only VA can write you for a violation)


Congrats Jess you and your bike are officially old.

Well, it's 25ys old in VA.  And 25 sounds pretty darn young to me (at 72).    

[Pluggy]

Jess, have you looked into antique vehicle insurance?  You set the value of the vehicle (within reason) and the coverage also costs less.  Several companies offer this.  I have a Hagerty policy on my 1980 Honda.

My understanding is the exact details vary state-by-state.  In NC, Hagerty says the bike must be 25 years old to get a policy.  An antique tag is not required.

[Jess from VA]

Thanks for the tip Pluggy.   

I've never carried anything but minimum liability and uninsured motorists on any motorcycle (new or used) my whole life.  Never been sorry either.  So my rates have always been pretty low, but I will look into it. 

I have USAA on everything else, but they won't insure bikes.