Travel trailers in most cases do need a title and it will depend on the state in which you are living. If your state demands a title, then you need to obtain it from your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. The process is similar to getting a title for any type of vehicle.
If you have other vehicles, you can follow the same procedure to obtain the title. Below is the detail of how to get a title for your travel trailer.
- Get a form from the local DMV office or download it from the state DMV website. Fill the form with all the accurate information including your name, driver’s license, address, and camper’s license plate number.
- Include the manufacturer’s certificate or original title with the form. In the absence of these documents, you can notarize the form. This is required to prove that you are the legal owner of your camper and legally eligible to obtain a title.
- Submit or mail the application to your local DMV branch.
Do I Need to Register My Travel Trailer?
Yes, you need to register non-farm trailers. The registration requirement will vary depending on the trailer type and weight. The weight of your trailer will have a great role during the registration process.
How Do I Register a Camper?
You will need a completed application form, smog certificate, proof of ownership, registration fee, tax transfer fee, and vehicle license fees for registration. Your trailer will be eligible either for permanent registration or regular registration.
For permanent registration, you will have to pay a one-time fee. There is no need for annual billing for your vehicle license tax. When a trailer has a special plate, you will have to pay a bill for the plate annually. Also, you need to pay public safety bill for each transfer of ownership and during the initial process of registration. However, all the trailers are not eligible for permanent registration. If your trailer belongs to the following category, then you cannot apply for permanent registration.
- Travel camper or tent trailer
- Trailers designed for commercial use but not used for the same
- Commercial trailers with a GVW of 10, 000 or less, vary from state to state
How Can I Check Title to a Travel Trailer?
Before buying a trailer, it is important to verify the ownership. The process is easy and less time-consuming. You just need to contact the right authority. You can contact a certified VIN inspector to check the title. With the right information, you can avoid buying a stolen trailer. Here are a few steps that can help to check the title of a travel trailer.
Step 1
Examine the trailer Vehicle Identification Number. The VIN of the trailer works as a fingerprint and it must match the VIN listed on the title. The VIN is placed on the front of the frame, near the front of the trailer, or on the side of the trailer. If you do not find the VIN in these places, then it might be difficult to know the title.
Step 2
Take an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles to inspect the trailer. Some states might allow you to do the inspection without taking an appointment. So, you can check the website of your state’s DMV to know the requirements.
Step 3
Take the trailer to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The inspector will compare the VIN listed in the title with the VIN printed on the camper. The VIN must match exactly. The inspection will be done by a Department of Motor Vehicle employee specialized in VIN inspection or a law enforcement officer.
The officer will compare and verify both the numbers. After completing the process, he will sign a title verification form given by the DMV. You will have to pay a nominal fee for this title verification. The fee will be less than $10 and will vary depending on the state.
How to Transfer a Camper Trailer Title?
You can transfer a camper title without much hassle. But make sure that you have all the required documents. You will need the right paperwork and information to transfer a camper title. You can visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles to know the process and steps. The requirements will vary a little depending on your state. So, do proper research about your state’s requirements to avoid multiple visits to your local DMV.
The information above is general information. Title and registration for travel trailers, campers, and RV vary from state to state. I have compiled the list below with links to all 50 states’ Department of Motor Vehicle office. When available the link takes you to their travel trailer title and registration information. Some states have exceptions to either registration or title requirements. The exceptions may depend on weight or age. Most likely though if you are going to be towing it on public roads there is a very high probability you will need it titled, registered, or both.
If you have experienced a different requirement please let me by commenting below.
Always check with your state’s DMV to confirm your RV title and registration requirements.
