How to get a title for a camper without a title
How to get a title for a camper without title is an important issue concerning the RV world. When purchasing any vehicle, it is a formality to receive all the paperwork. Here in America, that would be a pink slip. In the United Kingdom, it’s a document called a logbook. Either way, the title and proof of ownership contain the vehicle specification and owner history. It’s this information that is legally needed to tax a vehicle. To get the correct insurance, a title is needed. Of course, if you run into law enforcement, the correct paperwork is also a necessity. But not all campervans have titles, and this is the issue this article addresses.
How can a camper have no title?
Like any road-legal vehicle, you would expect a full set of paperwork. Imagine going to a dealership, paying the money, then getting the keys and driving off. Nothing to sign. No proof of the sale. No history of any transaction. No accountability should ensure you get pulled by law enforcement. You would likely be given a time frame to present the paperwork, but how could you do this if you don’t have any.
Missing paperwork
The most obvious reason for no title is that the paperwork was lost. An innocent mistake, but this doesn’t excuse its potential issues. If you purchase an RV privately, you should demand to see all the paperwork as a basis to confirm the sale. Otherwise, it’s your word against there’s. For example, a title can have previously recorded damage. Basically, it would show if the vehicle had previously been in an accident. An MOT and service history is a true insight into the condition of the vehicle. The last thing you want is to buy a vehicle with unknown issues; a title deed can solve this issue. Older vehicles sometimes don’t have titles or paperwork due to their old age. This is rare but still a potential explanation.
Getting a title and the paperwork
When arranging to sort out a title, you must go to the relevant authority. In America, it’s the Department of motor vehicles (DMV Driver), whilst in the United Kingdom, it’s the driver and vehicle licensing agency (DVLA) in the United Kingdom. Each have their own process which is rigorous and set criteria must be met.
American RV Title Process
Strap yourself in as this process is far from just a quick box-ticking exercise. A self-contained RV has certain criteria that differentiate it from the likes of vans and cars.
The process varies from state to state. This process was usually done in person. Due to the pandemic, mail and email are accepted instead of in person. Regardless of whether you do the process online, there will be fees, but original documents must be presented. The documents needed to make a title application include your driver’s license for a start. Some proof of sale, such as the receipt. A certificate of inspection and the lien status document. So it’s important to gather all these documents as they must be presented at the point of application. These documents are standard practice for any application, but each state may require additional documentation:
- Vehicle weight
- Age of vehicle
- Tax
- Employment
- Vehicle specifications
- Modifications
Bill of sale
Once you have the application filled out, it must be accompanied by the bill of sale. This legal document records the financial transaction and change of ownership. This legitimised the application and made you accountable for the vehicle. It’s the title that acts as a passport for the vehicle. It shows exactly what the vehicle is, who owns it and what it’s worth. Without a title, a vehicle essentially doesn’t exist. It’s illegal; that’s the bottom line.
Success
All being well, you get a successful application and have a title document in your glove compartment. With a title, you have the ability to great insurance. You can sleep at night knowing there won’t is any legal punishment should the Police pull you. You can get the correct insurance for your RV and know you are completely covered. It’s always best practice to make sure you have all the correct paperwork. I hope this article helps you get this pink slip!