Exploring Temporary Tag Options For Your Camper

The number of temporary tags you can get for a camper depends on the state you're in. In Texas, you can get a One-Trip Permit for a commercial vehicle with a camper unit mounted on it, which is valid for 15 calendar days. You can also get a 72-hour or 144-hour permit for an unregistered commercial vehicle, which can be purchased in advance and used sequentially. In Connecticut, you can get a temporary registration for a camper or camp trailer, which costs $21 for every 10 days. In North Carolina, you can get a 30-day temp tag as part of a title, tag, and tax service for $249.

Temporary registration for campers in Connecticut

If you are a resident of Connecticut, you must register your vehicle with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.

Initial Registration

When you purchase a new or used camper in Connecticut, you have specific time frames for completing your registration. If you do not purchase your camper from a dealership, you will need to register it with the DMV.

Registration Process

To register your camper, you will need to provide proof of ownership and insurance, a completed application, and payment for registration fees. The amount you will pay depends on your camper's type, weight, and use.

Temporary Registration

You can obtain a temporary registration for your camper if you need to get a safety inspection and/or emissions test but do not yet have your permanent registration. Temporary registrations are available for various vehicle classes, including campers and camp trailers.

Requirements for Temporary Registration

To obtain a temporary registration, you must make an appointment at a DMV office and provide the required documents. If the camper is not previously registered in your name, you will need to bring the following:

• Title Certificate of the former owner, showing assignment of ownership
• Bill of Sale (Form H-31)
• Application for registration and Certificate of Title (Form H-13B)
• Your current Connecticut Insurance Identification Card
• Identification

If the camper is already registered in your name, you will need to bring:

• Your current Connecticut Insurance Identification Card
• Identification

Fees for Temporary Registration

Temporary registration fees are as follows:

• $21 for every 10 days for passenger vehicles
• $27 for 10 days for commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 6000 pounds or less
• $49 for 10 days for commercial vehicles with a GVWR of more than 6,000 pounds

In-Transit Registration

If you are an out-of-state resident who has purchased a camper in Connecticut and plan to drive it to another state for registration, you will need an in-transit registration. This is a special-use registration that cannot be used for vehicle inspections, renewed, or transferred. It is valid for 30 calendar days from the issue date.

To obtain an in-transit registration, go to any DMV hub or branch office and provide the following:

• Properly assigned certificate of origin or title, bill of sale (Form H-31), or Supplemental Assignment of Ownership and/or Bill of Sale (Form Q-1)
• A Federal Odometer statement if the camper was purchased from a licensed dealer or repairer
• A current insurance identification card in the name of the registered owner (purchaser) or lessee
• An out-of-state insurance card or declaration page if it meets or exceeds Connecticut's minimum liability insurance limits
• Complete an Application for Registration and Title (Form H-13B) with your out-of-state address
• An out-of-state driver's license with an address matching the application

Temporary permits for vehicles in Texas

Temporary permits are available for vehicles in Texas that are unregistered or registered in a state without a reciprocity agreement with Texas. These permits are also available for vehicles that are registered in a state with a prorate agreement with Texas but lack the necessary prorate sticker or registration card. Temporary permits can also be used to increase the allowable weight of a vehicle if it is not registered for its maximum weight.

There are four types of temporary registration permits available to motor carriers in Texas: 72-hour, 144-hour, one-trip, and 30-day permits. The 72-hour and 144-hour permits are available for the movement of commercial laden trucks, truck-tractors, trailers, semitrailers, or motor buses on Texas highways. These permits are valid only in Texas and require a valid USDOT number. The permits cost $25 and $50, respectively, with an additional non-refundable processing and handling fee of $4.75.

The one-trip permit is valid for the temporary movement of an unladen vehicle subject to Texas registration laws. This permit is valid for 15 calendar days from the effective date and allows the vehicle to travel from a single origin to a single destination point. The point of origin or destination must be in Texas. The one-trip permit costs $5, plus the $4.75 processing and handling fee.

The 30-day permit is available for the temporary movement of qualifying, non-commercial, or light commercial vehicles subject to Texas registration laws. This permit is valid for 30 calendar days and expires on the date reflected on the permit. It can be purchased up to 60 calendar days before its effective date. The 30-day permit costs $25, plus the $4.75 processing and handling fee.

In addition to these permits, there is also a Vehicle Transit Permit, which is valid for five calendar days from the date of printing. This permit is available for passenger vehicles of 6,000 pounds or less and light trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less. Only one Vehicle Transit Permit may be issued per vehicle, and it is valid for one trip between the point of origin and the destination, with any intermediate points specified in the permit. There is no fee for obtaining this permit.

Camper trailer registration in North Carolina

In North Carolina, camper trailers must be titled and registered, much like cars. Failure to do so may result in penalties. Even if you're moving from a state with different requirements, it's essential to comply with North Carolina regulations. Certain trailers are exempt from registration requirements in North Carolina, including those used for agricultural purposes or tow dollies. However, most trailers require a North Carolina license plate.

To initiate the titling and registration process for your camper trailer, you'll need the following documents:

• A valid North Carolina Driver's License
• Proof of Insurance on the Tow Vehicle
• Insurance card showing provider and policy number
• Declaration page or other proof including the provider and policy number
• Bill of Sale: Include all necessary details, including buyer and seller’s full name and address, date of purchase, amount of purchase, and signatures
• MCO (Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin) or Title
• If new, a notarized MCO assigned to the purchaser
• If used, a properly re-assigned and notarized title
• Damage Disclosure Statement (Required if the trailer is 5 years old or newer)

If you don't have a title for your camper trailer, you can follow these steps:

• Gather Essential Documents: Valid North Carolina Driver's License, Proof of Insurance on the Tow Vehicle, and Bill of Sale
• Visit the NC DMV Tag Office: Bring your documents to the local tag office, and they will inform you if additional documentation is needed based on your specific case
• Get Additional Forms and Inspections: You will likely need additional forms completed by an NCDMV License & Theft Officer. Schedule an appointment for an officer to inspect your trailer and verify it's not stolen. This process often requires the trailer to be appraised and bonded to complete the inspection
• Complete the Process: Once the inspection is done and forms are completed, return to the tag office to finalize titling and registration

In North Carolina, temporary tags can last anywhere between 10 and 60 days. Ten-day tags cost ten dollars, while temporary tags lasting up to 60 days cost the same as licensing the vehicle. All temporary tags may have additional fees on top of the cost of the tag itself. If you license your vehicle within the time limit of a temporary tag that lasts more than 10 days, you won't have to pay the licensing fee since you've already paid the same amount for the temporary tag.

To obtain a North Carolina Temporary Tag, you typically need proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, and the vehicle's title or bill of sale. Additionally, North Carolina requires an inspection before registration or licensing.

Temporary tags for untitled campers

Temporary tags or permits for campers are available in some states, such as Texas and Connecticut, and are typically used for vehicles that are unregistered, recently purchased, or in transit. These permits are usually valid for a specific period, such as 72 hours, 144 hours, or 30 days, and may be obtained from the relevant Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or an authorised service centre.

In Texas, the Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) offers various temporary permits for vehicles, including campers and trailers. The 72-hour and 144-hour permits are designed for the movement of commercial vehicles, trucks, trailers, and semitrailers within the state of Texas. These permits require a valid USDOT number and proof of liability insurance. Additionally, a One-Trip Permit is available for the temporary movement of an unladen vehicle within Texas, valid for 15 calendar days. This permit includes vehicles with camper units mounted on them.

Connecticut also offers temporary registrations for campers and camp trailers. To obtain this registration, an appointment must be made at a DMV office, and certain documents must be provided, including proof of insurance and identification. The temporary registration fee in Connecticut is $21 for every 10 days.

In North Carolina, while trailers must be titled and registered, temporary tags are available as part of a title, tag, and tax service for a fee. This service provides a 30-day temp tag along with handling the necessary paperwork.

It is important to note that requirements and regulations for temporary tags or permits may vary from state to state. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the relevant state's DMV or an authorised service provider to understand the specific rules and procedures for obtaining temporary tags for untitled campers.

Getting a permanent plate for a camper trailer

Check State Requirements:

Firstly, it's important to understand the specific requirements of your state. While most states require trailers to be registered and have license plates, there are some exceptions. For example, in North and South Carolina, tow trailers used for hauling, transporting livestock, or transferring farm items are exempt from license plate requirements. Additionally, the weight of your trailer may also be a factor, as some states mandate registration for trailers weighing over a certain amount.

Gather Necessary Documents:

The documents you'll need to register your camper trailer may vary by state but typically include:

• Proof of insurance on the tow vehicle
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Bill of sale or title
• Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO)
• Driver's license

Submit Application:

Once you have the required documents, you'll need to submit an application for registration and titling to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. This can often be done online, by mail, or in person, depending on your state.

Pay Registration Fees:

After submitting your application, you'll need to pay the registration fees, which vary by state and are typically based on factors such as vehicle type, weight, and use. In some cases, there may be additional fees or taxes.

Obtain Permanent Plate:

After completing the above steps, you should be able to obtain a permanent plate for your camper trailer. It's important to note that permanent plates are typically non-transferable, and you may need to re-register your trailer if you move to a new state.

Frequently asked questions