Vehicle registration and titling, especially for self-built campervans, varies from place to place. You'll want to learn how to register your vehicle in the most advantageous category, and be aware of how vehicle titles work and what to watch out for when purchasing a vehicle. This can help you save money and avoid potential seller scams.
United States
In the United States, you may want to get your converted vehicle titled as an RV, especially if it is currently titled as a commercial vehicle. This generally means you can get cheaper insurance rates, lower title taxes, and qualify for more roadside assistance programs. In some states, an RV title may mean fewer regulations on vehicle inspection and exhaust emissions.
The requirements for RV titling vary by state. In general, your vehicle has to have certain items like a permanent bed, toilet facilities, and cooking facilities.
Titles
When buying a vehicle, learn what the vehicle's title should look like (from its issuing state). A clear title in the seller's name is mandatory.
Most people will want a normal title. Some with mechanical skills and a sense of adventure will accept a "Salvage" or "Lemon" title. Some other lower grade titles can be "Rebuilt", "Flood", "Theft Recovery", etc. Some states lump these all into the single type of “Salvage”, while some states have individual designations. Regardless, it has to be in the seller's name.
Some states don't do Salvage titles at all. Nefarious sellers may be able to register a Salvage vehicle in a state that doesn't do branding, obtain a clean title from that state, then use that clean title to re-title the vehicle back in their local state with a clean slate. This is called "Title Washing" and it is one of the reasons you want to have a VIN check done.
Check your own state's laws regarding registration of out of state Salvage titles. Some states allow registration of Salvage titles to individuals; some only allow it to licensed repair shops who have to certify that they've fixed the vehicle and can therefor issue a "Rebuilt" title.
Tales of woe like these about the title are red flags:
- "I don't have it." Translation: "The van is stolen."
- "I have the title somewhere, I'll send it to you later." Translation: “I don't have it.” (see above)
- "I never registered it." Translation: "I don't legally own it and therefore cannot legally sell it to you," or "The van is stolen."
- "I lost the title but you can get a replacement easily." Translation: "Getting a replacement title is expensive and/or a PITA so I never did it," or "The van is stolen."
- "Well, it actually belongs to my mom/friend/dog/etc." Translation: "The van is stolen."
California
For those in California, there is a minor chance that a vehicle from out of state may not be able to be legally registered in California due to California-specific emission controls. However, this hasn't been a major problem since the early 90s due to most manufacturers making their vehicles CARB (California Air Resources Board) complaint. However it is worth researching if you do plan on registering the vehicle in California.
Trucks prior to 2010 may have additional restrictions if they have a commercial title.
Texas
In Texas, normal titles are blue. Salvage titles may be red, green, or have a red SALVAGE stamp (“brand”) on them.
Some or all of the content on this page was originally sourced from RVWiki