How To Get a Title For a Camper Without Title In Virginia (Step by Step!)

Do you know how to get a title for a camper without a title in Virginia? this is one of the questions our readers ask a lot. Well, we´ve got you covered.

There is nothing like hitting the road with your camper and getting away from your work life.

Virginia has plenty of beautiful places to visit, but you need to make sure your camper is properly titled and registered before you can see them.

So, how to get a title for a camper without a title in Virginia? In Virginia, you can apply for a replacement title in person, through the mail, or online. To get a new title for a camper without title in Virginia you will need:

• $15 for the replacement fee
• An application for a replacement title
  • The camper’s make
  • The camper’s model
  • The camper’s year
  • The full name of the owner of the camper
  • The address of the camper’s owner
• Your legal identification (Driver’s License is a recommended identification)

What is a Vehicle Title?

A title is a legal document that can be used to prove ownership of a vehicle. They are required for registering vehicles. Titles are issued for cars, trucks, campers, trailers, ATVs, motorcycles, and more.

Usually, vehicle titles are issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for each respective state.

 Titles have information like the name of the owner, the specifications of the vehicle, the address of the owner, and the state of the vehicle.

What Kinds of Vehicle Titles Are There?

In general, titles have the same information. However, titles can have different labels based on the history and current status of the vehicle.

The four most common vehicle title labels you will come across when working with campers are:

• Clean: Clean titles are assigned to vehicles that are in good, safe driving condition. They have never been totaled, and they do not have significant damage.
• Clear: Clear titles are assigned to vehicles that do not have outstanding debts or liens held against them.
• Salvage: Salvage Titles are assigned to vehicles that have been totaled. They are no longer considered safe to drive. For this reason, they can be difficult to insure.
• Rebuilt or Reconstructed: Rebuilt or reconstructed titles are granted to vehicles or trailers that were previously totaled but have since been repaired. To obtain a rebuilt or reconstructed title, you will need to have the camper inspected to make sure that it was properly repaired and that it is now safe to drive.

Do Campers Need Titles in Virginia?

Campers do need titles in Virginia. This applies to both motorhomes and trailers.

Many states have exceptions to titling rules for agricultural trailers, but all camper trailers will still need to be titled and registered with the state if you want to legally take them on the road.

Read also: How Long Does It Take To Get a Duplicate Title In West Virginia

How to Get a Replacement Title in Virginia?

Campers can be missing titles for any number of reasons. Common causes behind missing titles include damage due to house fires or floods, loss during moves or transfers, and campers that have been salvaged or built from scratch.

If your camper does not have a title, you can apply for a replacement title in two different ways within the State of Virginia. You can apply for a title:

1. In person

2. Online

Selecting which method will work best for you depends on your schedule, location, and comfort with filling out forms online.

Read also: How Long Does It Take To Get A Replacement Car Title In Virginia?

Applying for a Replacement Title In Person

When applying for a replacement title, one of the most traditional ways to obtain that title is by visiting your Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and completing paperwork there. To apply in person:

1. Locate the Virginia DMV office closest to you. You can find that by searching here.

2. Complete an Application for Replacement and Substitute Titles. You can find that application here.

3. Collect the money for your replacement title. The fee for a replacement title is $15.00

4. Bring your identification (A driver’s license is recommended) to the DMV office closest to you with your completed application and the fee. You can complete the application at the DMV office if necessary, but you will want to prepare as much information as possible to help make that process efficient.

5. As long as there is no lien against the camper, you will receive your title either in person when you visit or soon in the mail.

Applying for a Replacement Title Online

If you do not want to travel to a DMV office and wait in line, you can streamline the process by applying for your replacement title online.

To apply for a replacement title online

1. Go to this link to begin your application.

2. Enter your driver’s license number or social security number.

3. Enter your date of birth.

4. Complete the application for title replacement.

5. Submit your payment online.

6. Select whether you want your title online or if you would like a paper copy.

Title Application Items

Whether you apply for your replacement title online or in person, you will want to collect as much information as possible.

This can help you fill out your application speedily, which will help you get your new title sooner.

You should also never guess the information for your replacement title application.

If you answer something incorrectly, you can slow down the processing time of your application.

When filling out your replacement title application, you should know:

• The full legal name of the owner(s) of the camper
• A phone number for the owner(s) of the camper
• The social security number for the owner of the camper
• The owner(s)’s mailing address
• The camper’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• The camper’s license number
• The year of your camper
• The make of your camper
• The model of your camper
• The body type of your camper
• The weight of your camper
• How the title was damaged (if the title was damaged, you also should include the remains of the title)

If you do not know any of this information, you can check the owner’s manual. If you cannot find the weight of your camper, you can visit a local weighing station to find its weight.

You may also want to bring a bill of sale proving that you purchased the camper when you visit the DMV. If there are questions about your application, this can help with the process.

Registering Without a Title

In rare circumstances, you can apply to register your camper without a title.

You should know, though, that to do this you must explain the process you went through to title your camper before registering, so this should only be used as a last resort.

If you want to try this, you need to submit an Affidavit in Lieu of Title Certificate. You can find that form here.

To complete the form, you need to know:

• The full name of the camper’s owner(s)
• The phone number of the camper’s owner(s)
• The year of the camper
• The make of the camper
• The model of the camper
• The body type of the camper
• The camper’s color
• The camper’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• The process you have undergone to attempt to get a title.

You will submit the affidavit and an Application for Certificate of Title and Registration, and the necessary fees to your local DMV.

They will then process your application and determine if you can register your vehicle or if your application will be denied.

Do Campers Need License Plates in Virginia?

Yes, all campers and trailers need license plates within Virginia. If your camper trailer weighs under 4,000 pounds you can save some money by purchasing a small license plate rather than a large one.

 Most campers weigh more than 4,000 pounds, but many teardrop and pop-up trailers will still be small enough to qualify for small license plates.

You should also make sure that your camper has:

• Functioning taillights
• Brake lights
• White light to illuminate your license plate (this applies to both standard and small license plates)
• Mudflaps on the rear tires
• Reflectors on the sides and back of your camper

Final Thoughts

You need a title so you can register your camper in Virginia. A title can also help prove that you own your camper in case anyone ever tries to dispute it.

Your camper may not have a title if the title was lost, destroyed, or damaged. If that happens, you can apply for a replacement title through the Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

You can apply for a replacement title in person at a DMV office or online. You will need to know the specifications for your camper and pay a fee, and then you can get your new title and hit the road.

References

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/#titling.asp

https://dmvconnect.com/va-virginia/virginia-duplicate-title/