While vehicle registration process can be similar throughout all states, each states imposes their own guidance on the requirements to register a new vehicle. Registering passenger vehicle like a motorcycle, car or truck is the most common but other vehicle types require registration as well including motorhomes, RVs, trailers, and boats.
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If a motor vehicles is not registered with the state of the owner’s residence, the governing state department may not allow the vehicle to be driven legally on the road.
Additionally, the operator of any of these vehicles may be required to obtain a specialty license depending on the state’s requirements.
Vehicle Registration Process
Though most states have similar registration laws and processes, the processes required for some vehicles like trailers, motorhomes, modulars or RVs can be quite different from that required for motorcycles, cars or trucks. The basic vehicle registration process for all these other vehicles are as follows:
- Applications for registration: An application has to be submitted to the governing state office for registering and titling vehicles. This can be the Department or Division of Motor vehicles (DMV), the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), the Department of Transportation (DoT), the Department of Revenue (DoR), or some other similar governing body. The application should include the overall information of the vehicle like the VIN (vehicle identification number), make, and model. It should be submitted immediately after buying a new or used vehicle and applying for the title. Without a vehicle title, your will not be able to get the plate and tags or stickers in order to be able to drive the vehicle legally on public roadways. While most states require that you title a vehicle not all require that you register it. Some types of trailers and boats do not require registration.
- Identification of the owner: For individuals, the driver’s license number is used and associated with the vehicle registration. If a specialty license is required for operation of the vehicle being registered like a boating license or specialty class license for larger vehicles (like RVs), this must be attained before attempting to register the vehicle. For businesses, the identification number used for the registration is the tax account number.
- Ownership verification: The owner has to submit legal paperwork that proves they are the legal owners of the vehicle like a certificate, title, or bill of sale.. The owner may also be required to submit proof of identity like an ID card or birth certificate.
- Pay registration fees: The registration fees of motor vehicles vary from state to state. Based on the type of vehicle, use, weight and several other factors, the fees that need to be paid will differ. After the initial registration, registration renewal is required semiannually, annually, or biennially depending on some or all of the factors mentioned above. Moving to another state will require that the owner register his or her vehicle again in their new state of residence. After paying the registration fees, a license plate (or plates) will be issued.
Registration Renewal Processes
While license plates need only be replaced every 5 years or more, the registration of the vehicle must be updated much more frequently. The registration renewal process can be completed in many ways depending on your state of residence. Some general processes are given below:
- Renewal online: Many states offer the option to renew your vehicles registration online anywhere from 30-90 days prior to its expiration. While not all states offer this option, it is the easiest and most convenient option. In order to pay your registration fees, you will need a major credit card. eTags provides an online renewal option for Florida residents and soon residents of California as well. As an alternate to process online through the state, eTags promises faster processing, an immediately available digital copy, a free vehicle history report, comprehensive customer support, and more.
- Renew by Mail: Most states offer a mail-in option for registration renewal. If you are planning to use this method, make sure to send in the request well ahead of the expiration date allowing time for the state to receive the request and for you, in turn, to receive your update certificate and sticker or tab.
- Renewal in person: Most states, if not all, also offer the option to renew your registration in person by visiting your nearest DMV or governing agency in charge of this process. Some states may require that you fill out a form but all states require that you show proper paperwork (like old registration, proof of insurance) and pay the fees with cash, check or money order, or possibly credit card.
265 comments
Hi,
I recently purchased a class A motorhome (used) from a private party in Virginia. I wish to register it in another state, such as Florida, South Dakota, or Texas to take advantage of the savings and convenience these other states provide. Would it Be possible to title and register this RV directly in one of these other states rather than have to put it in my name in VA first? Also, which state out of these would be the easiest and least expensive to deal with? Thanks in advance!
We currently do not title and register vehicles in South Dakota or Texas so we would not be able to provide a comparison but we can confirm that you can register the vehicle in Florida as long as you have a physical Florida address. If you purchased the vehicle within the last 6 months , you will pay sales tax equal to 6 – 7 % of the purchase price. If you already paid sales tax to the DMV in Virginia, you would pay the difference if the sales tax rate in Virginia is less than 7 %. Additionally, the title fee would be $95 and the registration and plates would be between $225 and $360 depending on the size/weight of the RV. If you choose to register your RV in FL, you can do so online by placing an order with eTags at https://www.etags.com/app/fl#utm_source=blog_question
I fell behind on bills and wasn’t able to tag my RV right away. I got it so I could leave an abusive relationship. My plans are to go home soon. I was wondering how the penalty issues work in Oklahoma. Because I’m going 2 need it plated and tagged. I just need the information so I can figure out how to get it done soon.
eTags doesn’t operate in OK, you can contact the OK DMV directly. This article should help: https://www.ok.gov/tax/Motor_Vehicle/OkCARS_-_Online_Renewal/index.html
I want to buy a trailer and live in it on my land. Can I put it in my name without a drivers license since I don’t drive and therefore don’t have one? Would I even need one to own it since it has no motor? A friend is going to haul it to my land. Would a passport or state id be sufficient?
Hey there, this article should help https://www.campanda.com/magazine/rv-special-drivers-license-requirements/
I own a 29’ travel trailer registered, insured and I have a loan on all done in Florida. It is set up as a permanent fixed residence in Alabama. Do I need to renew my registration for it if I don’t plan on moving it?
Typically a title is for ownership proof and registration is to be able to drive on public roads. But it would be best if you checked Alabama rules on their DMV website
I have a hypothetical scenario. A person has property in Mississippi but has lived in a motorhome in Alabama for 7 years. He stays within the same county in AL. He goes back each year to renew his license plates to keep as Mississippi. He is allowed by AL law to live in AL with motorhome and vehicles tagged and registered in another state?
eTags doesn’t operate in AL, you’d have to contact the DMV in Alabama.
I currently live (permanent residence) in Virginia. I am looking to buy a 2000 travel trailer in Georgia and then park it at my brother’s home (also in Georgia). I won’t be renovating and using it until I move back to GA this summer. Can I purchase it now and park it at his home, then wait to register it when I move in June? My biggest concern is that I don’t want to bring it to Virginia or register it here knowing I will be in Georgia in 5 months. I would appreciate the help – thanks!
eTags doesn’t operate in Georgia, so contacting the DMV there would be best. Some states allow you to apply for non operational status but we’re not sure if Georgia operates that way. Contact the dmv https://www.dmvusa.com/state.php?id=11 We’re guessing you’ll have the title so you’ll be owner of the vehicle..registration is more about being allowed to drive it around.
My wife and I live in Hawaii (Oahu) and want to buy and use an RV exclusively on the mainland continental U.S. – the RV would never be in Hawaii. We plan to travel 4-6 months a year in it, and keep it parked in storage the rest of the year. What are our options for registering it someplace on the mainland?
Thanks for any insight or help!
Each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles offers different advantages and disadvantages. A state like Florida or California allow a registered owner to have a primary residence outside of that state. Florida offers better tax rates and minimal regulation on things like emissions testing. California is considerably closer to Hawaii of course. There are many other states you can consider once you weigh out the pros and cons of each. Should you choose to register your vehicle in either Florida or California, visit eTags.com and choose the state you want to register your RV in to complete the title and registration process online. Safe travels!
I have more questions on this. I am a NY resident, buying a 5th wheel in Florida next month. How do I register it in NY or FL? ” A state like Florida or California allow a registered owner to have a primary residence outside of that state.”
How do you register in Florida ( I will be spending half a year there and changing domicile to Florida, but that takes time)? Who can I ask more questions about this or get in touch with you to get help
Yes, Florida allows a registered owner to have a primary residence in another state, but, in order to register the 5th wheel in Florida, you must also have a registered address within the state. You can submit an order to register the 5th wheel in Florida by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blogquestion
Hi, I am building a home built travel trailer in FL. It will be approx 20′ long ,7’6″ wide and 11’6″ tall. Using 2 axles rated at 3500lbs. Will build it so it weighs under 7,000 lbs with electric brakes. What do I have to do to get 1) a new title for it, 2) to register it and tag it and 3) meet what DOT specs??? Thankyou
A title and registration for a homemade trailer can only be obtained in person at your local motor vehicle service center, https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/ . Please contact your county tax collector’s office for more information.
I moved to Arizona in 2017 and am the registered owner of a travel trailer that remains in California. The RV is in the physical possession of a friend who also resides in the RV. I signed for the loan with a credit union in California for the purchase of the RV in 2006. The friend has been purchasing the RV making the monthly payments, registration fees, and insurance fees. The friend made the final payment to the credit union in September 2019. I did not register the RV in Arizona when I moved in 2017 and the address on the registration was still in California. While I was still in California, I would receive the registration and tag for the RV and forward them to the friend to keep with the RV. After the first year in Arizona my mail forwarding stopped and the RV is now in the third year of non-compliance with the RV resort where the friend currently lives. The Friend notified me in November that he will be evicted if the RV hasn’t been registered in California by February 2021. I have made 2 trips to the DMV in California with no success in obtaining a duplicate title except to learn that there was a final document I needed from the credit union to prove final payment had been made. I have requested the document from the credit union and upon receipt will have to make a third trip to California in hopes of finally receiving title to the RV which I will then sign off and send to the friend. Earlier, when the friend did not receive the registration and tag in 2018 he suggested my registering the RV in Arizona to which I declined stating that I believed that I needed the title in order to do that. This has been one hellish nightmare! What do you suggest my course of action should have been?
There are a lot of details on here, but if you wanted a duplicate title for CA, eTags can help you online without you having to do the trip to CA. https://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blogquestion. Service: Replace Title
Hello, this is my first time buying a trailer/ fifth wheel, and i want to make sure i know the costs of registering & getting the title, so your information would be greatly appreciated.
I am looking to buy a 2006 panther fifth wheel in California. Seller has title, but the 5th wheel has not been registered for 6 years. can you give me more information about how to proceed with title transfer and what back fees am i looking at to have this FIfth wheel registered?
(will be moving it from Lake County to Butte County, if that matters)
Thank you!
The CADMV.GOV website provides a registration calculator. You Would enter the plate and last 5 of the vin and if the trailer is still on record with the DMV a list of registration fees due will appear. If the Trailer is still on record with the DMV, eTags can provide transfer services as well as renewal services online athttps://www.etags.com/ca?utm_source=blogquestion
If the Trailer is no longer on file with DMV due to not being registered for 6 years, you will need to complete at a DMV. This will require A vin verification amongst other things that can’t be done online.
My mother is thinking about buying a motor home in california. It has not been regarded. Since 2006. If the motorhome was not on public roads just was stored. Does dmv charge for every year not in opperation , like a car? Or do they work with you if it has not been in opperation, all those years
Most likely the vehicle is no longer in the DMV database. After 5 years of not registering the vehicle generally it is removed. In these cases you will need to have the vehicle verified and smogged if applicable. You will only pay registration for the current year. If somehow the vehicle is on record then you will be responsible for any back fees that have accumulated.
I just inherited a 20 year old Dutchman pop-up trailer. It has not been registered for 20 years. what would the cost be to register it after not having it registered for 20 years?
Can you please send back your question, with more info such as where are you looking to register it? Also do you have the title?
I’m a class A driver,in California can I pull a trailer with out no registration?
This article should help with your question: https://findanyanswer.com/does-california-issue-titles-for-trailers#:~:text=In%20California%2C%20all%20utility%20trailers,titled%20and%20safe%20for%20use.
Hi The RV park is closing in Davie fl where i am… I have a RV with bill of sale only and a 5th wheel with bill of sale and a Canada Paper with vin and all the info. The park is fighting with me telling me i need title. The 5th wheel is anchored down with another room attached…. The ex owner has been gone since 2013. How can I title this to move it???????
Or can the park take the bill of sale in fl i have an pay me for it??????
Please help
Terri
By only having a Bill of Sale for the RV, you would need to go in person to one of the service centers located in Broward county which you can find here. https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/broward/
to obtain a Florida title and registration. As for the 5th wheel with the Bill of Sale and Canada Paper, it is required that you visit the DMV Region 1 Office for an inspection prior to obtaining a Florida title and registration. you can find an office here.
https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/buyingvehicle/bur_field_ops_address.pdf
Hello –
We are purchasing a used park model trailer, 8.5′ x 44′, in Texas. The owners purchased the home used, earlier this year, from the previous initial owner and due to COVID, did not transfer the title or register the trailer. It is in an RV park and anchored down. There is no intention to move it. We live in Minnesota. The title from the initial owner is a Minnesota title. What do we need to do to get this title transferred to us and registered in Texas? Can we even title it being the current owners never did? They are in possession of the original title signed over to them at the time of the sale.
I would appreciate some guidance. Thank you!
etags doesn’t operate in Texas, however this TX DMV website should help. https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/out-of-state-and-foreign-vehicles
I’m moving permanently from CA to CO at the end of this month. Finding a Uhaul trailer to rent is proving difficult so I am considering buying an enclosed trailer instead here in CA and then selling it in a few months in CO once I dont need it anymore. What will I need to register the trailer once I get to CO if I buy it in CA? How long do I have to complete the registration in CO after purchasing it?