Replacing Lost Camper Titles: A Quick Guide

If you've lost the title to your camper, the process of replacing it will depend on the state in which you reside. In Washington, for example, you can replace your vehicle title by completing an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest form, having all registered owners sign it in the presence of a notary public, and then mailing or bringing the completed form and fee to a vehicle licensing office. The standard fee for replacing a vehicle or trailer title in Washington is $35.50, and you will receive your title in 4-6 weeks. If you need your title sooner, you can apply for a Quick Title, which costs $85.50 for a vehicle or trailer, and you will receive it immediately. It's important to note that campers in Washington are considered separate from the vehicles they are attached to and must have their own titles and registrations. In other states, such as Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington, campers are also required to have titles. To replace a lost title in these states, you may need to follow a similar process as Washington or contact your local DMV for specific instructions.

Complete an Affidavit of Loss form

If you've lost the title to your camper, one of the first steps you'll need to take is to complete an Affidavit of Loss form. This is a sworn statement confirming that a document has been lost and requesting a replacement. Here's a step-by-step guide to completing the Affidavit of Loss form:

• Get the Form: You can find the Affidavit of Loss form on your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. Download and print the form, or obtain a paper copy from your local DMV office.
• Fill Out the Form: The form will require basic information, including:

• Your full legal name
• Your date of birth
• Your address
• Details of the lost title, such as the make, model, and vehicle identification number of the camper
• The date you lost the title or discovered its loss
• An explanation of the circumstances surrounding the loss

• Sign Before a Notary Public: Once you've completed the form, you'll need to sign it in the presence of a notary public. Be sure to bring valid legal identification with you when you go to sign the form.
• Submit the Form: After notarization, submit the completed form to the DMV, along with any other required documents and applicable fees.

It's important to note that requirements and processes may vary slightly depending on your state and specific circumstances, so be sure to check with your local DMV for any specific guidelines or instructions.

Gather all documents

To gather all the documents you need to apply for a lost camper title, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to complete a Title Application form. You can download this form from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) website, or you can pick up a paper copy from your local DMV. Make sure to complete all areas of the application.

Once you have completed the application form, you will need to gather all the required documents before you head to the DMV. These typically include:

• A bill of sale or certificate of origin from the manufacturer
• Your driver’s license
• A lien status document
• A certificate of inspection from the RV dealership or the Department of Transportation

If you are buying an RV from a dealer, you can expect to receive your paperwork in good order. Older campers may not have a title available, so it is important to check. If you are buying from a private seller, especially for a vintage (pre-1985) or neo-vintage (1986-2017) camper, it is more likely that the title may be missing.

One of the required documents needed to get your new title is a bill of sale. This document must include specific information, which varies by state, but generally includes:

• The date of the transaction
• Personal information of the buyer and seller
• If required, a valid notary stamp and the personal information and signatures of two witnesses
• If an inspection is required, a statement to that effect
• If a deposit or down payment was made before the inspection, the amount paid
• The year, make, and model of the vehicle
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and any other identification numbers
• The amount paid for tax purposes, if known

Both the buyer and seller should keep a copy of the bill of sale. The seller will need it for tax purposes, and the buyer will need it to change over the title.

Other documents you may need to include with your application are proof that there is no lien on the camper and the weight of the vehicle. Some states require proof of weight when applying for a title, so it is a good idea to get a certification of weight from places like truck stops, garbage dumps, recycling centers, or other locations with scales.

Finally, some states will require a Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection certification to be included with the title application. This inspection will cover items such as brakes, brake lights, license plate and lights, clearance lights, side and rear reflectors, and tires and wheels. Many RV dealerships offer this inspection service, so be sure to shop around.

Pay application fees

When applying for a lost camper title, you will need to pay various application fees. The fees for applying for a camper title are set by the specific state in which your camper is located. Depending on the state, you may be charged a title fee, registration fee, surcharge fee, lien fee, and other fees as required. For example, in Tennessee, it costs around $11 to replace a lost vehicle title, while in Nevada, it costs between $20 and $35. There may also be additional charges depending on your situation. If you need to replace a title that has not yet been transferred to your name, you may need to pay for a change of ownership. If you purchased a camper without a title, you will need to get a title bond to prove you are the rightful owner before obtaining a bonded vehicle title. The cost of a title bond varies per vehicle and state, but it is typically $10 for every $1,000 worth of coverage. The amount of coverage required for a title bond is set at 1.5 times the appraised value of the vehicle.

In Washington state, the fees for replacing a lost title vary depending on the type of vehicle. A replacement title for a vehicle or trailer costs $35.50, while a replacement title for a boat costs $26.75. If you need your title immediately, you can visit a Quick Title office, but this will cost $85.50 for a vehicle or trailer and $76.75 for a boat.

It is important to note that the fees mentioned above may not be inclusive of all charges. There may be additional costs, such as notary fees, that you will need to consider when applying for a lost camper title. Be sure to contact your local DMV or relevant government office to understand the specific fees applicable to your situation.

Submit the form and fee

Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documents, you are ready to submit your application for a lost camper title. The application form can be downloaded from your state's Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) website, or you can pick up a paper copy from your local DMV. The specific documents you will need to submit alongside the application form will vary depending on your state, but generally include:

• A bill of sale or certificate of origin from the manufacturer
• Your driver's license
• A lien status document
• A certificate of inspection from the RV dealership or the Department of Transportation

You will also need to pay the application fees, which vary depending on the state and the type of camper you own. The fees may include a title fee, registration fee, surcharge fee, lien fee, and other fees as required.

You can submit your application and supporting documents by mail or in person at your local DMV office. If you are submitting by mail, be sure to include a check or money order for the correct fee, payable to the Department of Licensing or the relevant authority.

After submitting your application, it will typically take the DMV around 6-10 weeks to process your request and mail you the replacement title. In some cases, you may be able to request expedited processing for an additional fee.

Receive your title

Once you've completed the application, gathered the necessary documents, and paid the required fees, the final step is to receive your new title. Depending on the state you live in, there may be different options for receiving your new title. Some states allow you to register online and then mail in your paperwork and fees, while others require you to physically deliver the documents and pay the fees in person at your local DMV office.

If you choose to mail in your application, be prepared to include a copy of your driver's license and expect the process to take around 6-8 weeks or more. On the other hand, if you opt to visit your local DMV office in person, you may be able to receive your title before you leave or have it mailed immediately through a Quick Title service, although this option tends to be more expensive.

It's important to note that Quick Titles may not be available for certain situations, such as vehicles or campers that have been reported stolen or destroyed. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check with your local DMV to understand the specific requirements and options available to you.

After receiving your new title, remember that you typically have a limited time frame, such as 30 days, to register your camper. During this period, your bill of sale may serve as a temporary substitute for registration, but it's important to complete the registration process as soon as possible to avoid any fines or penalties.

Frequently asked questions