How To Get A Title For A Camper Without Title

Many people like to buy second-hand or pre-owned campers to save money. Indeed you will be able to find some great deals in the market and will definitely like one for yourself.

However, sometimes you may find a great camper that does not have a title.

Now, what does this mean? Is it okay to buy it? Is it possible to get a new title for the camper?

To answer these questions, we have created this guide to help you understand why you should have a titled camper and how you can get a title in case your camper doesn’t have one. Keep reading to see the details that will help you understand the situation better.

What’s a Certificate of Title?

The certificate of title is a legal document that is required in the United States. It also goes with the name “title” or “pink slip.” The aim of this certificate is to provide the proof of ownership of the vehicle.

The title will also contain detailed information about the camper. It is extremely important legal paperwork that needs to be accurate to avoid getting into legal troubles. It will also make the camper easier to sell if required some time.

You will be able to get title certificates from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), as is the case in most states in the USA. They are generally issued by the Secretary of State.

Why Does A Camper Have No Title?

Now, you may wonder why a camper doesn’t have a title because it’s such an important document of the camper. It is true that now every new camper will require a certificate of title, but there are some reasonable explanations as to why some may not have it.

There are many reasons that can happen. 

If you want to know more about some of these common reasons, then here is a brief list:-

• Old Camper or Lost Paperwork

A common reason why a camper may not have a title is that it’s old or the paperwork is lost. It’s quite common in some states that campers over 30 years old are not necessary to be titled. These campers can fall under the vintage category, which doesn’t require this paperwork at all.

Another possible explanation is that the paperwork of the camper is lost or has been damaged. This can definitely be the case for old campers as documents can be difficult to maintain and may not be easy to keep safe for a long time.

• Purchase Made From A Private Seller

Private dealers who sell campers do not have the obligation of providing a title certificate. In case a person buys from a private dealer, they will need to apply for the title separately.

• Owner Didn’t Know It Was Necessary

In some cases, RV owners don’t actually know or understand that campers should have a title for legal reasons. The confusing and varying rules in each state are responsible for this misinformation.

While these are some reasonable cases, sometimes the camper might not have a title because it is possibly stolen or abandoned. 

How to Get a Title for a Camper Without Title?

While many of you may freak out if a camper doesn’t have a title, it is actually fairly easy to get one. Even if the camper you buy doesn’t have a title,  you can individually apply for one. To do this, you need to gather all the required paperwork and legal documents and then present them to the DMV during application. 

The DMV will then inspect the camper while confirming the following parameters:-

• The camper is legally in the clear
• The camper is not on a lien
• The camper is not stolen
• The camper meets the state’s requirement for safety

They will verify everything and then approve the application, after which you’ll be granted the title. You might also have to wait 30 days to register the camper.

How To Apply For A Camper’s Title

The primary step that is similar to all states is going to the local DMV office to physically present all the stipulated legal documents along with the title fees. You might also get the option to register online and mail the paperwork and title fees.

Here is a standard list of legal documents that you will need in the application process:

• Title Application
• Driver’s license
• Original title, a certificate from the manufacturer,  bill of sale
• Certificate of Inspection (can be obtained from the DOT or RV dealership)
• The lien status document

What is a Title Application Form?

You should be able to download the title application form, which you will find on your state DMV’s website. If you want, you can also stop by your local DMV office to pick one up in person. Here are some details the application may ask for:

• The type of vehicle
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• The vehicle’s specifications
• The owner’s name, date of birth, address, and social security number
• The employer identification number
• The driver’s license number
• A valid notary stamp (if required)
• Transfer on death beneficiary (TOD)
• Lien information (if applicable)
• Mileage
• Brand and model
• Year of manufacture
• The camper’s tax status
• The camper’s license plate

It is not compulsory to fill every single box for your application to be accepted. The signatures and mileage fields can be left blank if you get them notarized. If you are unsure about some details, it’s better to confirm them before you submit the application. 

After you have all the information ready, you have to follow these steps:-

1. Download the application form through the state’s DMV website or visit the closest branch.

2. Fill in the form with the required information.

3. Supply the bill of sale, certificate of inspection and the lien status.

4. Pay the application fees as stated in the form.

5. Mail the application to the DMV (or take the documents back to the local office) and wait for their approval.