Problems getting title to your manufactured home

How do I normally get proof of mobile home ownership?

We use the term “manufactured home” interchangeably with “mobile home.”

Even though some mobile homes are hard or impossible to move once they are installed, they still have to be titled like a vehicle because they are considered to be “moveable” property. Movable property is property like vehicles and mobile homes. Real property is property like land and buildings that are permanently attached to the land.

A mobile home’s buyer and seller must both give paperwork that reports the sale to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) within 5 days of the mobile home’s sale. The seller signs over the title to you. The DOL then issues you a new title.

What if the seller lost the title?

A seller who has lost or misplaced the title can apply for a new copy and sign it over to you. The seller should use the DOL’s Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest form.

What if the title is in some other registered or legal owner’s name?

You can ask the last registered or legal owner to sign and file an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest form.

Example: You finished making your payments on the home. You can ask the legal owner to sign and file a release of interest.

What if the title to the mobile home was lost? 

You can ask the last registered or legal owner to sign and file an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest form. 

​You might need to submit a Vehicle Record Request form if you don’t know who all the registered owners are.

Do campers need their own registration and title?

Yes. Cab-over campers and other campers are living spaces that sit on your truck. Even if your camper is permanently attached to your truck, they each need their own title and registration. Even if the camper and truck were previously registered as one motorhome, now they have to be titled and registered individually. You will need to register and retitle them at the same time.

What if my mobile home is homemade or DIY built?

DIY built mobile homes like tiny homes might not have a VIN number assigned to them automatically. This includes conversion kits. You will need a VIN number to get a title for the mobile home. You might have to get a VIN number assigned to your mobile home if the trailer you used for the build doesn’t have one. There are a lot of requirements to pass the inspection that is required if you need a VIN number assigned or are otherwise required to have an inspection. The vehicle must be roadworthy according to state laws. There are other strict requirements for documentation of the build that you will need to provide. 

If you bought a finished homemade mobile home, you need a notarized bill of sale from the person you got it from. You will also need all of the original documentation for the major parts that were used to build the mobile home. Make sure the person who sold or gave you the homemade mobile home has all the original parts documentation.

Will I have to get a Washington State Patrol vehicle inspection?

If your mobile home doesn’t have a VIN number because it is homemade or for some other reason, you must have an inspection. If you have to have a VIN number assigned to your mobile home, you must have an inspection from WSP. If you do need to have a WSP inspection, these are required as original documents (not copies):

• If you bought the mobile home or trailer from a private party, the bill of sale must be notarized.
• Receipts and invoices for major parts made out to you or a family member as the buyer or the licensed shop that built the trailer. If you bought the major parts from a third party, then you need a notarized bill of sale and the original parts receipt. If you provide internet receipts, they have to be for new major aftermarket parts and must also include the original shipping invoice to you.
• Original receipts for any parts bought from a licensed business.
• Any parts bought from a vehicle wrecker or tow yard must have original receipts that include the VIN number for the vehicle that the parts came from.
• Any parts you got from a private party by purchase, trade or gift, must include the signed and released title for the vehicle the parts came off of or a notarized bill of sale. The notarized bill of sale, gift or trade must include the information about the vehicle the parts came off of.
• A weight slip from a certified scale for the completed trailer weight.
• A Washington State Patrol Inspection Request form
• If you plan to register it as an RV camp vehicle or Recreational Vehicle, you will need a completed Labor & Industries RV Inspection and to have the L&I Inspection insignia on your trailer. 

Your mobile home might require a WSP inspection for other reasons even if it already had a VIN number. You might need an inspection for roadworthiness or for other reasons if required by WSP or DOL. If the vehicle was salvaged or the vehicle was rebuilt, an inspection might be required. You will be required to have an inspection if your ownership documents don’t list the year, make and model of the home. If you can’t pass the inspection or don’t have the required documents, you can try to get title by using the 3-year “ownership in doubt” registration process.