Registering Your Camper: Navigating Utah's Rules And Regulations

If you're looking to register a camper in Utah, there are a few things you need to know. First, it's important to note that all RVs must be registered before they can be taken on the road. This includes both self-propelled RVs like motorhomes and towed RVs like travel trailers. The registration process can be done in person at your local DMV office, and you will need to provide proof of insurance, as it is required for all vehicles. There is no fee for a camper registration in Utah, however, property fees must be paid. Additionally, campers with a model year of 2015 or newer will require a title to be issued. The registration and titling process for a camper in Utah is similar to that of a standard automobile, but with some differences in fees. It's also worth noting that the fees and requirements may vary from county to county within the state.

What is a camper?

A camper is a towable unit that provides living accommodations for travelling or camping. Campers are designed to be affixed to a motor vehicle, such as a pickup truck or an SUV, and contain a floor and spaces for sleeping, cooking, and other human habitation needs. Campers can be a compact and convenient way to expand the capabilities of a truck for short trips or weekend getaways. They come in various types, including truck campers, travel campers, and fifth-wheel campers, each offering different features and amenities.

Truck campers are designed to be loaded onto the bed of a pickup truck and often include sleeping areas, a small kitchenette, and sometimes a bathroom. They are compact and convenient for short trips or weekend getaways. Travel campers, or travel trailers, are towable units suitable for family vacations or road trips. They come in various shapes and sizes, offering amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping spaces. Travel campers require a suitable towing vehicle, such as an SUV or truck.

Fifth-wheel campers are the largest and most luxurious type of camper, intended for those seeking a spacious and comfortable living experience. They are mounted on a special hitch in the bed of a pickup truck and feature luxurious interiors with multiple slide-outs, full kitchens, bathrooms, and even separate bedrooms. Due to their size and weight, they require a more powerful towing vehicle than other types of campers.

The main difference between a camper and an RV (recreational vehicle) is that an RV is a self-contained motor vehicle, while a camper is a towable unit designed to attach to another vehicle for transportation. Campers offer the flexibility of being towed by a separate vehicle, making them a good choice for those who prefer a detachable living space or already have a capable towing vehicle.

Camper registration fees

To register a camper in Utah, you must follow the processes outlined for standard automobiles. However, there are no registration fees for campers. Instead, property fees must be paid as part of the registration transaction.

For campers with a model year of 2015 or newer, a title must be issued. This requires the completion of Form TC-656, Utah Title Application, and Form TC-661, Certificate of Inspection. New campers sold by a Utah dealer are exempt from the latter.

Registration fees for other vehicles in Utah vary depending on the type of vehicle, its weight, the county, and other factors. For example, the registration fee for a motorcycle is $46, while the fee for a motor vehicle of 12,000 pounds or less gross laden weight (excluding motorcycles) is $44.

There are also various taxes and fees assessed by the DMV, such as the Air Pollution Control (APC) Fee, the Automobile Driver Education Fee, and the Uninsured Motorist Identification Fee. These fees vary by county and vehicle type.

Camper registration forms

To register a camper in Utah, you will need to fill out and submit several forms to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Here is a detailed guide on the camper registration forms:

Form TC-656: Utah Title Application

This form, also known as the Vehicle Application for Utah Title, is required for titling your camper. It needs to be submitted to the DMV as part of the registration process. You can obtain this form from the DMV office or their website.

Form TC-661: Certificate of Inspection

Form TC-661 is necessary if you are titling your camper in Utah for the first time. It must be completed by a DMV employee, designated contractor, peace officer, licensed dealer, or a certified safety inspector. New campers sold by a Utah dealer are exempt from this requirement.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection

If your camper is being titled in Utah for the first time, you will need to undergo a VIN inspection. This inspection can be performed by a DMV employee or other authorized individuals, such as a designated contractor or peace officer.

Registration Requirements

In addition to the forms mentioned above, there are other requirements for registering your camper:

• Payment of registration fees: You will need to pay the registration fees, which are based on your camper's weight and size.
• Uniform fees: Along with the registration fees, you will also need to pay uniform fees, which are taxes based on the age of your camper.
• Safety and Emissions Certificates: You may need to provide proof of passing a safety inspection and/or emissions test if applicable in your county.
• Current UT Driver's License: Ensure you have a valid Utah driver's license.
• Proof of Utah Car Insurance: You will need to show proof of car insurance that meets the state's requirements.

Steps to Register Your Camper

• Prior to registration, take your camper to an inspection station for an emission test if required in your county.
• Visit your local DMV office and submit all the required documents, including the forms mentioned above.
• Pay the registration and uniform fees.
• The DMV will mail you your plates and decals displaying your expiration details. This process can take between 8 days and 4-6 weeks.

Please note that new residents of Utah are allowed 60 days to transfer titles and registrations, and you can obtain a temporary registration permit if needed. Additionally, campers with a model year of 2015 or newer will require a title to be issued.

Where to register a camper

To register a camper in Utah, you must visit your local Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

The DMV website provides a general guide to registering various vehicles, including campers. It states that a camper is defined as any structure designed, used, and maintained primarily to be mounted on or affixed to a motor vehicle, with a floor, and designed to provide a mobile dwelling, sleeping place, commercial space, or facilities for human habitation or for camping.

The website also notes that there is no fee for registering a camper; however, property fees must be paid as part of the registration transaction. Additionally, campers with a model year of 2015 or newer require a title to be issued.

The following are the requirements for titling and registration, as outlined on the DMV website:

To register your camper, you must visit your local Utah DMV office. You can find the nearest DMV office by searching online or checking the official DMV website. It is recommended to schedule an appointment in advance to avoid long wait times.

When visiting the DMV office, bring the following documents:

• Form TC-656, Utah Title Application. This form can be found on the DMV website or obtained at the office.
• Form TC-661, Certificate of Inspection, if the camper is being titled in Utah for the first time. New campers sold by a Utah dealer are exempt from this requirement.
• Payment for property fees and any other applicable registration fees. The registration fee is based on the vehicle's year, weight, and county of residence.
• Your current UT driver's license.
• Proof of Utah car insurance.

It is important to note that you may also need to provide a safety inspection certificate and/or an emissions inspection certificate, if required for your camper. These inspections must be completed before registering your vehicle.

After submitting the required documents and paying the fees, the DMV will process your registration. You will receive your license plates and decals displaying your expiration details by mail. This process can take up to 4-6 weeks, but you may receive them sooner.

Camper registration exemptions

In Utah, campers are defined as structures designed, used, and maintained primarily to be mounted on or affixed to a motor vehicle, providing a mobile dwelling, sleeping place, or commercial space. While camper registration is free, property fees must be paid during registration.

• Campers sold by a Utah dealer are exempt from the Form TC-661, Certificate of Inspection requirement for titling.
• Campers with a model year of 2014 or older may obtain a title at the owner's request, but it is not required. Only campers with a model year of 2015 or newer must be titled.
• If you are a non-resident of Utah, you are not required to register your camper in the state.
• If your camper is owned and operated by the United States government, it is exempt from registration.
• If your camper weighs less than 750 lbs, it is not required to be registered.
• Single-axle camping trailers that are not commercial or used for hire and have an unladen weight under 750 lbs are exempt from registration.

Frequently asked questions