License Plate Requirements For Campers: What You Need To Know

Whether or not your camper needs a license plate depends on where you live. Each state has different laws and regulations for licensing vehicles. In most states, you'll need a license plate for your camper, but there are exceptions. For example, in some states, trailers used for farming may not require a plate. If you're unsure, contact your local DMV to find out the specific requirements for your state.

Pop-up campers and license plates

If you're new to towing trailers, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your vacation goes smoothly. One of the most important things to know is whether or not you need a license plate for your pop-up camper. So, do pop-up campers need a license plate?

Yes, pop-up campers do need a license plate to be towed. Most trailers that are pulled, including pop-up campers, boat trailers, and other travel trailers, require a license plate. The specific requirements depend on the state you are in, so it's important to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to understand the regulations in your area.

How to Get a License Plate for Your Pop-up Camper

To get a license plate for your pop-up camper, you will need to prove that you own the trailer. This can usually be done with a bill of sale or a title. If you don't have the title, you may need to fill out an application for a replacement title, which can be obtained from your state's DMV. In some cases, you may also need to get VIN verification, especially if your trailer was purchased in a different state than the one you reside in.

Once you have the necessary documentation, you will need to register your trailer with your state's DMV. This typically involves filling out a form and paying a registration fee. In some cases, you may also need to undergo a safety inspection to ensure that your trailer meets the required lighting and brake requirements.

Maintaining Your Pop-up Camper's License Plate

It's important to keep your pop-up camper's license plate clean and legible. If it becomes caked in mud, simply wipe it off with a damp rag. You should also check that the light illuminating your license plate is functional, as driving with an obscured plate can result in a ticket.

Additionally, remember to keep your registration up to date. In most states, trailer registrations need to be renewed every few years, and the license plate may need to be updated every five years or more.

State-specific requirements

In California, there are several types of trailers, and depending on their classification, you may have to renew registration yearly. If you are getting the title, an inspection of the trailer may be required to verify its VIN at the DMV. "Park trailers" are those designed for human habitation for recreational or seasonal use only, containing 400 square feet or less of gross floor area, excluding loft area space. These cannot exceed 14' in width at the maximum horizontal projections and should have a "permanent plate" stamped on the license plate. These plates need to be renewed every 4-5 years.

In Florida, trailers weighing under 2,000 pounds are not titled. If the trailer is new, you will need to bring a manufacturer's statement of origin, bill of sale, or invoice from the seller, and taxes will be collected if applicable. If the trailer is used, you will need to bring the seller's registration and a bill of sale. If the trailer is homemade, you will have to weigh it at a certified weight station.

In New York, travel and utility trailers over 999 pounds must be titled. NY license plates for trailers expire on December 31 and must be renewed annually. Campers and utility trailers in New York must pass a safety inspection and receive a sticker. The NY DMV provides a certificate of title for trailers model year 1973 and newer. Trailers under 999 pounds or older than model year 1973 are issued a transferable registration as proof of ownership. A trailer used as an office on a job site in New York State does not need a license plate.

In Texas, registration is required for all non-farm trailers operating on public highways. Registration and titling requirements vary according to trailer type and weight. If a manufactured trailer's gross weight exceeds 4,000 lbs., it must be titled. To do this, submit a completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) and evidence of ownership to your county tax assessor-collector office. Trailers in excess of 34,000 lbs. must be titled and registered with trailer license plates.

In Washington, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle equipped with a camper on a public highway without a current and proper camper license and license plate. An application for an original camper license must be made on a form furnished for this purpose by the director. The application must include the name and address of the camper's owner, the trade name of the camper, its model, year, and serial number, and any other information the director requires.

The registration process

Step 1: Check State Requirements

Firstly, you need to check the requirements of the state you reside in. Most states require you to register your camper trailer and obtain a license plate. However, some states may not require this, so it is important to verify this information with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Additionally, some states have different rules for specific types of trailers, such as those used for farming or hauling.

Step 2: Obtain Necessary Documents

The documents required for registration will vary depending on your state and trailer type. In general, you will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or a previous title. If you do not have a previous title, you may need to complete an affidavit of ownership and a vehicle identification verification form. Other documents that may be required include proof of insurance, a receipt of paid property taxes, and a signed application form.

Step 3: Submit Application and Pay Fees

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can submit your application to the DMV. This can often be done online, by mail, or in person. After submitting your application, you may need to undergo a safety inspection to ensure that your trailer meets the required standards. There may be specific requirements for lighting, such as brake lights, turn signals, and a light to illuminate the license plate. You will also need to pay the relevant registration and title fees, which vary by state.

Step 4: Obtain License Plate

After your application has been approved and you have passed the safety inspection, you will be able to obtain your license plate from the DMV. Be sure to display it securely and visibly on the rear of your camper, ensuring that it is clean and legible. You will need to keep the plate tags up-to-date and renew your registration periodically, which is typically done annually or every few years, depending on your state.

Visibility of license plates

The visibility of license plates is a crucial aspect of road safety and law enforcement. In most states, the law requires that license plates be visible from a certain distance, typically around 200 feet away. This is to ensure that law enforcement officers, as well as other drivers, can easily read the plate and identify the vehicle.

For truck campers, the visibility of license plates can become an issue due to the overhang at the rear of the camper, which can obscure the license plate of the truck. This has led to some owners receiving tickets for having an obscured or hidden plate. To avoid this, there are a few solutions that truck camper owners can consider:

• Get two license plates for your truck and place one on the camper. This ensures that there is always a visible plate, regardless of whether the camper is attached or not.
• Switch the license plate back and forth between the truck and the camper before and after each trip. This can be a hassle, but it ensures compliance with the law.
• Create a laminated copy of the license plate and place it on the camper. However, this may not be legal in all states, and it is important to check local laws before doing so.
• Obtain a personalized license plate, as some states that offer this service typically provide two plates.

It is important to note that the requirements for license plates may vary depending on the state. In some states, such as Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Montana, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington, truck campers are classified as recreational vehicles and require separate registration and licensing from the truck. In these states, displaying two different plates is standard practice. However, in the remaining states, truck campers are considered cargo and do not need their own registration or license plates.

Regardless of the specific requirements in each state, ensuring the visibility of license plates is essential for road safety and compliance with traffic laws. It is always a good idea to check with local law enforcement or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to understand the specific requirements and recommendations for license plate placement on truck campers.

Insurance for your camper

RV insurance is a specialised insurance policy designed to protect owners of camper vans, trailers, and other recreational vehicles. It provides coverage for bodily injuries and damage to your vehicle or property.

RV insurance coverage varies based on the coverages you need and the type of RV you own. Most states require RV drivers to carry liability insurance that often mirrors the minimum requirements for cars.

If your RV is your primary residence, you may need more protection than what you can get with a standard recreational RV insurance policy. Policies for permanent RV residents include extra protections such as personal liability, medical payments, and loss assessment.

RV insurance with Progressive can cost as little as $125 per year. GEICO also offers affordable RV insurance with a wide range of specialty coverage options designed for motorized RVs, towable RVs, and travel trailers (including toy haulers).

Your driving history, the condition of your RV, the type and extent of your coverage, and your location will all influence your RV insurance premiums.

Frequently asked questions