If you’ve just bought a pop-up camper, you’re probably wondering, “Do pop-up campers have titles?” Better yet, “Are titles legally required in the United States?”
The short answer is yes, pop-up campers have titles. Pop-up campers are a type of towed recreational vehicle, and like any vehicle, they require titles.
This article discusses everything you need to know about pop-up camper titles, including how to secure one yourself.
Why Do Pop-Up Campers Need Titles?
A certificate of title or a ‘pink slip’ is required for insurance and proof of ownership purposes. Without a title, you won’t be able to legally prove that the camper is yours in the event that it’s moved or stolen. It’ll also be increasingly difficult to have an insurance policy taken out in your name without it.
In some states, pop-up campers aren’t legally required to have a title and instead only need basic registration. Others don’t require titles for ‘vintage’ campers or campers that are over 30 years old or weigh under 8,000 pounds. Some of these states include:
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- Washington
- Nebraska
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Montana
- Maine
- Indiana
- Utah
- Idaho
With that said, it’s still in your best interest to get a title for your pop-up camper—just in case something disastrous or unexpected happens. You can never have too much paperwork; they always come in handy one way or another!
How Do I Get a Title for My Pop-up Camper?
People usually register a new title for their pop-up camper because of one of two reasons: if it was lost or misplaced, or if the vehicle came without a title at the point of purchase.
Replacing a Lost or Misplaced Title
A duplicate copy can easily be created if you’ve previously owned a title. As long as you have proof of insurance and a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) composed of 17-alpha-numeric characters, you’re all set. You can find your camper’s VIN on the metal plate mounted on the camper’s tow bar
Bring both of these documents to your local Department of Motor Vehicles and apply for a duplicate or replacement. After filling the necessary application and paying the required fees, the duplicate title will be mailed to you within one to four weeks depending on the state.
Generating a New Title From Scratch
If you bought a camper without a title, the process is a bit more complicated. The best way to get a title for your pop-up camper is to contact the person or dealership that has sold you the vehicle.
In most cases, they’ve probably simply forgotten to hand you over the document. Ask about the title’s whereabouts, and if all goes well, you’ll be able to meet with the previous owner and skip the hassle of generating a new title from scratch.
If you can’t contact them, not all hope is lost just yet. As long as you have the proper documentation, you can register the pop-up camper’s new title under your name with the required documents.
The required documents are as follows:
- Title application
- Valid driver’s license
- Certificate of Inspection from the RV dealership or the U.S. Department of Transportation
- Original title, certificate of origin (from the manufacturer), or sale’s receipt
- Lien status document or any proof that the camper is lien-free
- VIN
With all the documents listed above, visit your local DMV and apply for a new title. So you won’t waste a trip, it’s best to call your DMV and ask them about the required documents as some applications require other related paperwork.
While you’re there, you can also register a license plate for your camper if it doesn’t have one. Applying for a new certificate is almost the same as getting a title for a regular vehicle.
Once you’ve submitted the application, the DMV will run the pop-up camper’s VIN into their system to make sure that it isn’t stolen or isn’t on lien over some debt. They’ll also make sure that your camper is within the safety regulations of the state.
If everything’s clear, your application will be approved by the DMV and you’ll be sent the new title within 30 days.
Can I Sell a Pop-Up Camper Without a Title?
Technically, you can. However, untitled pop-up campers can be increasingly difficult to sell because buyers are wary of possible liens, retitling fees, and the risk of the camper being stolen. Moreover, the lack of title opens questions to the camper’s history.
If you’re planning to sell your pop-up camper, consider contacting your DMV so you’ll be aware of the retitling process before you sell the camper.
It’s important to note that pop-up campers over 30 years old don’t necessarily require a title because they’re considered a collector’s item by the state.
Similarly, if the vehicle is 8,000 pounds or less and manufactured in one of the last 6 model years, it doesn’t require a title. If it’s over 8,000 pounds, the same rule applies, but the vehicle needs to have been manufactured in one of the last 16 models.
On the other hand, slide-in truck campers don’t require titles in states such as Mississippi, Idaho, Rhode Island, Washington, Oregon, and Nebraska.
If the pop-up camper you’re planning to sell was built by your own hands, you’ll need a scrap title. This title allows you to not only get a proper certificate but also give you a VIN for the vehicle.
How Much Does Title Registration for Pop-Up Campers Cost?
Depending on the state, fees may cost upwards of $20 but not more than $100. Title transfer fees are either free or can be waived by the DMV, again depending on the circumstance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to buy a pop-up camper, always ask for its title. The title guarantees that the camper isn’t stolen and isn’t on lien over some debt.
Thankfully, it’s relatively simple to retitle a pop-up camper. As long as you have the right documentation, the process is nothing more than filling up several applications. Good luck!