Like any vehicle, mobile homes must be registered in order to be street legal. Whether you’re buying a new or used home, you need to update your registration once a year. It’s not entirely different from the process of registering a car, but there are some important things to know. Here is our guide to registering a mobile or manufactured home.
Buying a Used Mobile Home
The first step to registering a used mobile home is collecting paperwork that proves it’s in your name. Get a copy of the bill and sale and the title. Fill out the back of the title, and have the seller print and sign their name. Make sure the date of the actual sale is listed on the title. List your name as the buyer, and include your address. In most cases, you have 30 days to register your mobile home. The paperwork will take time to process, so get your mobile home registered at your earliest convenience.
Registering a Used Mobile Home
Now that you have the necessary paperwork to register your mobile home, the next step is to bring it to the county courthouse or tax collector’s office. Bring the completed title and bill of sale with you to get the registration and title officially transferred, then pay any necessary fees. The clerk will mail your title to the state, where it’s officially registered and mailed back to you at the provided address.
Registering a New Mobile Home
Buying a new mobile home is a pretty straightforward process. To get it registered, you need to follow a few more steps than you would with a used mobile home. First, bring the bill of sale and certificate of origin, provided by the dealer, to the local courthouse or tax collector’s office. Complete a registration application to register the mobile home, and provide the title clerk with the HUD certification and sales price in order to determine taxes due. Pay the required fees and taxes. The clerk will mail your application and documents to the state, and the state will issue new titles and register the mobile home in your name.
Things to Know in Florida
Mobile homes in Florida get decals instead of license plates, and double and triple wide trailers are considered two and three separate units, respectively. These decals, which expire December 31 each year and need to be renewed by January 10, must be displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the window closest to the street.
Things to Know in Alabama
In Alabama, like in Florida, mobile homes must be registered every year. Registration expires October 1 and must be renewed by November 30 each year. Mobile homes must be registered within 30 days of purchase or within 30 days of entering the state. Once the mobile home is registered, the decal needs to be displayed at eye level facing the street.
Whether you’re in Florida or Alabama, tag agency OATA is here to help dealers and tax collectors process paperwork for mobile homes. We make registration processes quick and easy with a friendly, experienced staff. Give us a call at 407-574-5484 or get in touch with us online.
