Forum Discussion

itslaceylouhoo's avatar
itslaceylouhoo
Explorer II
May 04, 2025

Buying an Alberta registered camper without a title, and its located in Mexico

Hola! I saw on my local craigslist a 1970s camper for sale. It has a registration in Alberta Canada, has permanent plates, BUT no title. I really would like to buy it but I want to know how difficult it would be to get a title? If I can register it in Mexico without a title? 

I read somewhere that some Canadian campers don't have titles/aren't given them but I need the registration and bill of sale.

I just want to make sure how to proceed. I'm realistically going to move forward with this sale as I won't be towing the camper, it will be parked and I want to turn it into a cafe. 

Thanks in advance.

(I'm aware its not smart to purchase a vehicle without a title, so if you're just going to comment that... don't haha)

6 Replies

  • in Canada, registration is your title, you register it in your name.  so if this is a RV with wheels and is towed, you need a bill of sale that is legal where you live and are intending to register it.  so for example in BC we have a form from ICBC which is filled out and includes vin number, a bunch of other info on the unit, like year built color, make model etc.  seller info and buyers info.  in Alberta when I used to live there all you needed was a signed back side of the current registration form to take in.  now to get a US title, it says you need a bunch of stuff, bill of sale, title and registration (they are the same thing in Canada, we just don't use the word title for vehicles) so a copy of the current owners registration papers and proof of insurance and you will have to import it into the US.  so be prepared for lots of paperwork.  best thing to do is go to customs at the boarder and explain to them what you are wanting to do and they should tell you everything you need to know 

  • To be clear; you are in MX, and of all the thousands of RVs for sale, the one you want is in Canada and does not have a title? How will you get it across the Canadian border, through the US and across the MX border? I appreciate your ambition, but I have to imagine there's another RV that will be logistically easier to manage to turn into a cafe. 

    • itslaceylouhoo's avatar
      itslaceylouhoo
      Explorer II

      Totally fair question. It's a sick 1970s pink camper for $1500. It's also in great condition. It's already in Mexico, and I've consulted our DMV and a lawyer already and they are going to help me with the paperwork. 

    • way2roll's avatar
      way2roll
      Navigator III

      So I mis-read the original post. The RV is in MX but with Alberta plates?

      • Grit_dog's avatar
        Grit_dog
        Navigator

        Correct. But don’t know where the “cafe” will be located. Guessing either Mx, US or Canada, lol. 
        That said, if you’re never licensing or registering it, and turning it into a stationary building (ok….sure, maybe not a well hatched plan but none of my business) then there is no worry about registering or titling it as an on road vehicle or trailer. 
        When the cops show up for donuts and coffee at your “cafe”, there will be one of 3 reactions I predict based on the unknown final destination of this soon to be not rolling cafe. 
        In the US they won’t give a f…., in Mexico they’ll probably fleece you, the gringo, for 5000 pesos for, something. In Canada, they’ll be too busy saying “sooory” after bumping into people in a 7’ wide “cafe” to worry about asking for your registration!  
        Id say go for it!  Can’t see any glitches in this plan!