Registering Your Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Registering a camper is a necessary step before taking it on the road. The registration process varies from state to state, but there are some common requirements. These include submitting an application to the relevant state office, providing proof of ownership, verifying your identity, and paying registration fees. In some states, you may also need to obtain a specialty license and pass safety and emissions inspections. It's important to refer to your specific state's DMV for detailed information on registering your camper.

Check your state's requirements

The requirements for registering a camper vary from state to state. In California, for example, you need to register your camper at the DMV. You will need a California Certificate of Title (also known as a pink slip), a completed Certification of Vehicle for Human Habitation form, and the commercial license plates that are currently on the vehicle.

In Washington, a camper is defined as a recreational lodging unit that is designed to be mounted on a truck, provides facilities for human habitation, and has an overall length and height of 5 feet or more when fully extended. Campers must be licensed in Washington if the truck they are attached to is registered in the state.

In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has strict guidelines for reclassifying a van as a campervan. The original vehicle must be registered as a multi-purpose vehicle, a specially fitted van, or a van with side windows. The converted campervan must also have two or more windows on at least one side of the vehicle, a separate door that leads into the living area, and certain interior features such as a seating area and a table.

It is important to check the specific requirements for your state or country before attempting to register a camper.

Provide proof of ownership

To provide proof of ownership when registering a camper, you will need to provide some form of ID, usually a driver's license, to prove your identity to the DMV. If you are a new resident in the state, be sure to update your ID first.

You will also need to provide some kind of proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale. Other states might require a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.

If your camper does not have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you can use your Certificate of Ownership from the manufacturer as proof of ownership. Take this to the DMV to get a title issued and pay the licensing fee.

In some states, you will also need to provide an odometer disclosure statement, which records the mileage on the odometer at the time of the sale.

Submit an application

To register your camper, you will need to submit an application to the governing state office. This is usually the Department or Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but it could also be the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), the Department of Transportation (DoT), or the Department of Revenue (DoR).

The application should include:

• Overall information about the vehicle, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, and model.
• Your driver's license number.
• Proof of identity, such as an ID card or birth certificate.
• Proof of ownership, such as a certificate, title, or bill of sale.
• Proof of insurance.

Identify yourself as the owner

To identify yourself as the owner of a camper, you will need to submit legal paperwork that proves you are the legal owner. This could include a certificate, title, or bill of sale. You may also be required to submit proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or ID card. It's important to note that the requirements may vary depending on the state in which you are registering the camper.

In some cases, you may also need to provide a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as part of the registration process. The VIN can usually be found on the trailer tongue, frame, exterior sidewalls, interior cabinets, or storage compartments. If you are unable to locate the VIN, you can check your documentation, such as the vehicle's title or bill of sale.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the registration process may differ depending on the type of camper you own. For example, in some states, pop-up campers may be exempt from certain requirements due to their small size. However, it is generally recommended to register and title your camper to establish ownership and comply with legal requirements.

It is always a good idea to consult the specific guidelines and requirements of your state when registering your camper to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and information. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient registration process.

Pay registration fees

Paying registration fees is the final step in registering your camper. The fees vary depending on the state you are in and the type of camper you are registering. For example, in California, registration fees are based on the vehicle type, purchase price, weight, location, and other factors. On the other hand, in Connecticut, the registration fee for a camper is $112.50, plus additional fees such as a $15 Clean Air Act Fee, a $10 Greenhouse Gas Fee, and a $10 Administrative Fee.

In general, the registration fees for motorhomes and trailers differ. For instance, in Illinois, registration fees for motorhomes range from $78 to $102, while fees for trailers range from $18 to $50. Similarly, in South Carolina, the registration fee for a motorhome is $40, while the fee for a trailer is $10.

It is important to note that some states have additional requirements for registration. For example, in South Carolina, property taxes must be paid on the trailer before it can be registered. Additionally, some states offer online, mail-in, and in-person options for registration renewal.

Frequently asked questions