Camper Registration Costs In Michigan: All You Need To Know

how much is a camper registration in Michigan

Camper registration fees in Michigan are based on the weight of the vehicle. For a trailer coach attached to a motor vehicle, the registration tax is assessed as follows:

- 2,500 to 9,999 pounds: $200

- 10,000 pounds and over: $300

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Trailers over 2,500 lbs require a title

In Michigan, trailers weighing more than 2,500 pounds require a title. This includes trailer coaches, such as pop-up campers, travel trailers, and fifth-wheel campers.

To register a trailer in Michigan, you must visit a Secretary of State office. The registration fee is determined by the trailer's empty weight:

  • 2,500 - 9,999 lbs: $200
  • 10,000 lbs and over: $300

The registration plate issued for trailers is permanent and non-transferable.

If you are purchasing a trailer in a private sale, you will need to transfer the title into your name at a Secretary of State office. You will need to provide:

  • A valid driver's license or ID
  • Payment for title and registration fees
  • Proof of ownership, such as the assigned title with the seller's portion and signature completed, previous trailer registration, manufacturer's certificate of origin, dealer's bill of sale, or a bill of sale from the seller including the trailer's year, make, vehicle identification number, buyer's name and address, and seller's name and address.

If you do not have a title for the trailer, you may present one of the following as proof of ownership:

  • Assigned ownership document
  • Bill of sale from the dealer
  • Bill of sale from the seller
  • Lien termination document showing any loan was paid off

Additionally, trailers weighing more than 9,999 lbs should contact the Secretary of State for rules pertaining to larger vehicles.

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Trailers must be registered with a permanent plate

Trailers and trailer coaches (for example, pop-up campers, fifth wheels, and travel trailers) must be registered with a permanent trailer plate, which is not renewed. This means that once you have a permanent trailer registration and license plate, you will not need to renew your registration or replace your license plate.

To register a trailer, visit a Secretary of State office and provide the following:

  • Your valid Michigan driver's license or ID
  • The trailer weight or scale weight receipt
  • Proof of ownership, such as:
  • Assigned trailer title with the seller's portion and signature completed
  • Previous trailer registration with the seller's signature
  • Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
  • Dealer's bill of sale
  • Bill of sale from the seller with the trailer:
  • Year and make
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Buyer's name and address
  • Seller's name and address

After your trailer is registered, your permanent trailer registration and license plate will be issued.

Registration fees are set based on the empty weight of the trailer:

  • 2,500 - 9,999 lbs.: $200
  • 10,000 lbs. and over: $300

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Registration fees are based on trailer weight

Camper Registration Fees in Michigan

In Michigan, camper registration fees are based on the weight of the trailer. The fees are as follows:

  • For trailers weighing between 2,500 and 9,999 lbs, the registration fee is $200.
  • For trailers weighing 10,000 lbs and over, the registration fee is $300.

These fees are paid at the time of registration and are non-transferable. The registration plate issued for trailers does not need to be renewed and will remain valid until the Secretary of State reissues a new registration plate for all trailers.

In addition to the registration fees, there may be other taxes and fees that apply, such as a $15 fee for a new vehicle information number (VIN) sticker for assembled vehicles. There is also a 6% sales tax that is collected at the time of registration, unless proof of sales tax payment is provided or the sale was made to a family member who qualifies for an exemption.

It is important to note that trailers must be registered with the Secretary of State and may require a title depending on their weight. Trailers weighing more than 2,500 lbs, including trailer coaches such as pop-up campers, travel trailers, and fifth-wheel campers, will need a title.

For those who own trailers weighing more than 9,999 lbs, it is recommended to contact the Secretary of State for rules pertaining to larger vehicles.

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Trailers over 9,999 lbs require a call to the Secretary of State

In Michigan, trailers weighing more than 9,999 lbs require a call to the Secretary of State for rules pertaining to larger vehicles. This is because the registration fees for trailers in Michigan are set based on the empty weight of the trailer. Trailers weighing between 2,500 and 9,999 lbs are charged a registration fee of $200. Meanwhile, trailers weighing 10,000 lbs and over are charged a registration fee of $300.

Trailers in Michigan must be registered with the Secretary of State and if a trailer weighs more than 2,500 lbs, including trailer coaches, a title is also required. Motorists must have both registration and title for all trailer coaches, including pop-up campers, travel trailers, and fifth-wheel campers.

A trailer's weight may be found on the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) or on the registration. If you don’t have either of these documents, you will need to have the trailer weighed at a certified scale. Certified scales are typically found at truck stops, grain elevators, scrap metal recyclers, and junk yards. Bring the scale weight receipt when you visit a Secretary of State office.

License plates issued for trailers are permanent and non-transferable.

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Trailers must display a current license plate

In Michigan, trailers must be registered with a permanent trailer plate, which is not renewed. This means that trailers are issued a registration and permanent license plate that does not expire. The plate and registration cannot be transferred to another trailer.

To register a trailer, you will need to visit a Secretary of State office and provide the following:

  • A valid Michigan driver's license or ID
  • The trailer weight or scale weight receipt
  • Proof of ownership, such as:
  • Assigned trailer title with the seller's portion and signature completed
  • Previous trailer registration with the seller's signature
  • Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
  • Dealer's bill of sale
  • Bill of sale from the seller with the trailer:
  • Year and make
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Buyer's name and address
  • Seller's name and address

License plates issued for trailers are permanent and non-transferable. This means that trailers must display a current license plate at all times.

Frequently asked questions

Camper registration fees in Michigan are based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price for the vehicle; for trailers, it is based on the weight. There’s a fee calculator on the Michigan Department of State website to help you estimate the cost.

Camper registrations in Michigan are renewed every year.

Michigan has the following minimum coverage requirements for auto insurance:

- Bodily injury liability: $20,000 per person; $40,000 per accident

- Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident

- Personal injury protection: $250,000 per person per accident

- Property protection: $1 million

- Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $20,000 per person; $40,000 per accident

To register your camper in Michigan, you will need to provide the following documents:

- Title

- Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale

- Vehicle Registration Application Form

- Driver's license or another form of ID

- Proof of insurance

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