How do you move a motorhome purchased from another state

[cross21114]

Suppose you buy a used motorhome from out of state from a private seller. How do you move it to your state? In other words, would the seller let you move it on their license plates and insurance? I guess you could arrange insurance but, for example, I could not get plates until I brought it back to Maryland and had it inspected.

Thanks,

[Trackrig]

We worried about all of that when we bought our used MH. I was still working so we flew down on a weekend to get it. Here's what we were told by the DMVs and our insurance people.

Since the DMV was going to be closed for the weekend, don't worry about it. It did have expired Colorado tags on it. They said to have a signed bill of sale and a phone # that could be called if you were pulled over for some reason.

We didn't want to license it in Colorado again as that was expensive and not our home state. And the CO DMV said not to worry about it, we wouldn't be there long enough to be a concern to bother with temporary plates - it would take longer to go to the DMV and get them than it would to drive out of state.

State Farm said don't worry about it, you're insured just like if you borrowed the neighbor's MH for a weekend trip.

Drove it from Colorado to Washington, parked it at my brothers', flew home for a month, then flew back with plates and insurance paperwork to take it home through Canada.

Bill

[romore]

With the original registration and transfer papers in hand you should be able to purchase a temporary operation permit to move it across the state. You will need to obtain a permit for each state you enter, usually from the first commercial weigh scale you encounter although each state could be different. Oregon required a fax to Salem, the state capital, then the permit was faxed back. It was my bad luck this occurred on a Friday afternoon so I sat until Monday.

[Naio]

Most states will issues a 'trip permit' to allow you to move an unregistered vehicle. As kerrlakeroo said, the cost is low.

Some states will also let you register your new vehicle long distance, by mail.

[LJAZ]

Check the the DMV webpage for state where it's registered now, they should have info on how to do that. For example in Arizona you can buy a temporary tag that is good for three days for a few dollars which gives you enough time to get it inspected and re-registered.

[donn0128]

Your vehicle insurance should normally cover any purchases for 30 days. So thats no problem. If the MH has current tags, simply drive it. Unless your stopped for a traffic violation no one is going to check you. Besides, even if you were stopped you should have a bill of sale.

[kerrlakeRoo]

Check your state DMV website. many now let you you purchase and print temporary or transfer tags. Small fee, you must carry the title with you while moving the vehicle and you will have somewhere between 10 and 30 days to pay the taxes (what they really want) and to register.

[LadyRVer]

Can you contact the DMV of the state you plan to purchase in and ask if you can buy a temporary license tag to get it home? You should obtain your own insurance before moving it.

I, as a seller, would not want to leave my tag or use my insurance for you get it home. Too much can happen, too much legal consequences in case of accident.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

You drive it.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Get your own insurance. Don't depend upon someone else's insurance.

Then drive it home. Make sure you have a notarized bill of sale and a copy of the old registration. If the seller will leave the plates on, fine. If not don't worry. You might get stopped, but the policeman will understand your situation when you provide those documents.