motorcycle 101 guides

Can You Change the Color of Your Motorcycle?

Can You Change the Color of Your Motorcycle?

There are several reasons why you may need to change a motorcycle’s color. It can be to restore a motorcycle, give it a custom look, or hide rust or damage on your motorcycle. Changing a motorcycle’s color can improve its aesthetics and resale value. However, you may have to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and make changes to your vehicle’s registration. Read this article to learn whether you can change your motorcycle’s color and what are the procedures and rules for changing your motorcycle’s color.

1. Can You Change the Color of Your Motorcycle?

Yes, you are allowed to change the color of your motorcycle. You are allowed to give your motorcycle a new and different look.

Changing a motorcycle’s color is legal. However, you must do the following when you decide to change your motorcycle’s color:

1.1 Notifying the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

If you have decided to change your motorcycle’s color, make sure to notify the DMV within 30 days. The laws about changing a motorcycle’s color differ between U.S. states. Most states require the rider to notify the DMV about the color change. In any case, it is best to confirm with the relevant authority if changing the motorcycle’s color requires undergoing a legal process.

1.2 Change in the Motorcycle Registration Document

You must also confirm with the DMV if changing a motorcycle’s color requires changing the motorcycle registration number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can check your motorcycle registration document to find out whether its color is mentioned. In any case, visit the DMV if you choose to change your motorcycle’s color.

1.3 Notifying the Insurance Company

Even though you are not legally bound to notify your insurance company, you should still notify them about any change in your motorcycle’s color. If you change your motorcycle’s color without notifying your insurance company and your motorcycle becomes scratched due to a crash, your insurance provider will only pay you compensation for the original factory-made paint job.

1.4 Updating a Motorcycle Registration Document

Updating the color and address on your motorcycle registration document usually only costs a few dollars. However, the cost can differ between U.S. states, with the cost being almost the same amount as renewing a motorcycle registration. For example, a motorcycle registration renewal can cost you $33 in California and $30 in Texas.

2. Takeaway

Changing a motorcycle’s color by giving it a new paint job is a popular modification riders can make after buying a used motorcycle. It gives a motorcycle a completely new look and can help cover any rust and scratches. Giving your motorcycle a new paint job improves its aesthetics and ensures good resale value. However, you must notify the DMV about the color change and update the motorcycle registration document. You should also notify your insurance company so you receive compensation for the new paint job in case of a motorcycle crash. To protect your motorcycle engine and frame from getting damaged, you can install crash bars (engine guard and frame guard).


Viking Bags offer a variety of motorcycle parts available to ensure better comfort and performance, including handlebars, fairings, crash bars, sissy bars, seats, and backrests. Viking Bags also offer several luggage options, including saddlebags, tank bags, and handlebar bags to increase your motorcycle’s storage capacity.

Reading next

At What Age Can You Start Riding a Motorcycle?
Why Motorcycle Riding is an Expensive Hobby

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.