The state we live in does not require a license plate to be displayed on a travel trailer. We have it registered and have a plate inside the camper. We are camping in other states this summer - CO, KS, AR, MO, NM, TX. We are wondering if those states require the plate to be installed on the travel trailer?

I don't think you'll get a definite answer here, just peoples guesses and conjectures as the answers are state by state specific.Are you#1 Moving from you're state that does not require a plate to a different state that also does not require a plate and you're curious about the states in between along your route?In this case I would just drive it and deal with it at the time in the unlikely event you get pulled over,Or#2 Moving from your state that does not require a plate to a new state that does require a plate.In that case I would reach out to the Department of Motor Vehicles of your destination state and ask what you need to do to register the trailer once you arrive. Then make the move. Once moved, do what it takes to register and receive a plate in your new state.

This is your 1st. post since joining today. What state do you live in?

Why would your state give you a plate when you registered the trailer if they didn't want you to install it on the trailer.

OK You are pulled over for no plate and hours pass, searches, etc and then you are on your way. Why bother? Just put the plate on the outside.

Travel Trailer License Plate Necessary? | Good Sam Community

GrandpaKip
Explorer II
May 31, 2019
Tvov wrote:
buta4 wrote:
Guy Roan wrote:
I think some one is pulling some ones leg!

Guy

I agree. No one could be that dumb to think that an issued license plate does not have to be displayed. He's trolling, lol.

Yea, it's been a couple days. Now I want to know why someone would make a "troll" post about license plates! lol, I understand (in a humorous way) trolling about camping at Walmart, hitches, campfires, generator use, etc... but about license plates?

Yeah...but they got 4 pages out of it.
jamesu
Explorer
May 30, 2019
2oldman wrote:
OP is gone.
l

“Elvis has left the the building.”
Tvov
Explorer II
May 30, 2019
buta4 wrote:
Guy Roan wrote:
I think some one is pulling some ones leg!

Guy

I agree. No one could be that dumb to think that an issued license plate does not have to be displayed. He's trolling, lol.

Yea, it's been a couple days. Now I want to know why someone would make a "troll" post about license plates! lol, I understand (in a humorous way) trolling about camping at Walmart, hitches, campfires, generator use, etc... but about license plates?
- HillbillyGkGrl
  Explorer
  Dec 28, 2024
  Wow y'all. I just googled the same question and I'm not a troll just an inexperienced owner fixing to move. I have a small pull behind camper that does not require it in my state as far as I know, jeez can y'all give us newbies a break and give a straight answer. Like how does one obtain one, what are the requirements..PLEASE
  - opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Jan 09, 2025
    I don't think you'll get a definite answer here, just peoples guesses and conjectures as the answers are state by state specific.
    Are you
    #1 Moving from you're state that does not require a plate to a different state that also does not require a plate and you're curious about the states in between along your route?
    In this case I would just drive it and deal with it at the time in the unlikely event you get pulled over,
    Or
    #2 Moving from your state that does not require a plate to a new state that does require a plate.
    In that case I would reach out to the Department of Motor Vehicles of your destination state and ask what you need to do to register the trailer once you arrive. Then make the move. Once moved, do what it takes to register and receive a plate in your new state.
Atlee
Explorer II
May 30, 2019
2oldman wrote:
Guy Roan wrote:
I think some one is pulling some ones leg!
That may be. I googled this and could only find VA that issues a one-time plate to the owner. OP could return but I'm not holding my breath.

Yes, Virginia does issue a permanent trailer plate, but it still must be attached to the outside of the trailer.

I have a permanent plate on my trailer. If I keep my trailer 3 years, then I'm slightly ahead $ wise. Fourth year and forward, it's all gravy.
- GS101
  Explorer III
  Jan 09, 2025
  Louisiana also has the option for permanent plate
buta4
Explorer
May 28, 2019
Guy Roan wrote:
I think some one is pulling some ones leg!

Guy

I agree. No one could be that dumb to think that an issued license plate does not have to be displayed. He's trolling, lol.
- HillbillyGkGrl
  Explorer
  Dec 28, 2024
  That's just mean
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
May 28, 2019
Not to come to the defense of the OP but, I seem to remember a little know regulation here in CA that exempts trailers under 13" in length from registration.

It seems unlikely but it was in a post regarding Teardrops. My point being, it is possible and therefore LEOs are not that inclined to just stop someone for maybes.
philh
Explorer II
May 28, 2019
rbpru wrote:
A quick call to law enforcement should answer any questions.

I learned a long time ago to never ever ask LEO for legal advice. They are not trained in the law.

WRT MI plates, I have a park model that does not require a plate, as it never travels on the road. to move it, I would be required as a minimum to get a temp plate. My travel trailer has a lifetime plate on it.

Tinting is an interesting discussion in MI. I had a discussion several times with law enforcement on tinting. Tinting for all practical purposes is illegal in MI... and remember my comment about asking LEO for legal advice??? Every single cop I've ever had this conversation with has stated they will write a ticket to an out of state vehicle with tinted windows. HOWEVER, the published state law specifically EXCLUDES vehicles NOT registered in MI.
2oldman
Explorer II
May 28, 2019
Mickeyfan0805 wrote:
While the OP is long gone and likely had no actual interest in this to begin with, ..
x2
ktmrfs
Explorer II
May 28, 2019
PNW_Steve wrote:
CA Traveler wrote:
2oldman wrote:
yes they do
That would be my guess. It's well established that you you have to obey all driving laws when in another state. Only your drivers license has reciprocity.

The subject of reciprocity has had a lot of discussion on another board that I frequennt.

The concept of drivers license reciprocity is well understood but equipment is a big question.

I have traveled all over the US and settled on the idea that, when it comes to equipment, that I have to comply with the regs of the state that I am in.

Some dissagree with me. They are claiming that reciprocity extends to equipment as well.

Neither of us has been able to find documentation to back up our view.

Can you point me to any material that speaks to the subject?

Thanks.

S.

I agree it is a grey area. From what I have gathered, reciprocity applies to drivers licenses for sure. It does NOT apply to things like overall length, towing doubles, window tinting, what is on front windows.

I believe it does apply to registration and insurance requirements as well as license plate location and plate requirements.

I just go by common sense. In another state what would be expected that I follow, speed limits, lane useage, traffic rules, length and weight etc. vs. what I really don't have control over.

Then there are laws that I wish were country wide vs. state. Example some states allow a left turn on red if both streets are one way, others don't.

Some states allow U turn unless no U turn sign is up. Other states don't allow a U turn unless a sign says U turn permitted.

These and some others would be nice to be consistent across the country, rather than trying guess what the law is.
Mickeyfan0805
Explorer
May 28, 2019
CA Traveler wrote:
2oldman wrote:
yes they do
That would be my guess. It's well established that you you have to obey all driving laws when in another state. Only your drivers license has reciprocity.

While the OP is long gone and likely had no actual interest in this to begin with, I will say, for those who are beginning to consider other implications (ie - tinting, etc...), it's not quite as clear as this post implies.

Many states, for example, only issue one license plate to be mounted on the rear of the vehicle. If you drive that vehicle into a state that requires two, you don't have to put a second plate on your car (in fact, you don't have a second one to put on).

Again, this has nothing to do with the OP, but there clearly are some things where reciprocity applies and some that don't, and it goes beyond the driver's license. If you are worried about a particular issue, research that issue, don't assume any generalities apply either way.