Forum Discussion

RVNewbie5's avatar
RVNewbie5
Explorer
Apr 04, 2016

Where to register travel trailer

I have created a vehicle registration mess and need help sorting it out, please!

I was originally living in state "A" (had drivers license and registration for car there).

- originally to move to state "B", so moved there and obtained drivers license and registration there.

- am purchasing a trailer in state "C", where I will need to get a temp permit to pull it out of state

- will be parking trailer in state "D", where I will be for 3 months.

- intend to be "domiciled" in state "A", so will have to get a new driver's license and register my car there.

Question: Where can/should I register the trailer? In state "A", where I will have my driver's license and car registration? Or can I register a trailer in a different state than where I have my DL and car registered?

This has all come about because I'm ending my corporate career and doing volunteer work.
  • blangen's avatar
    blangen
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2016
    Without getting into the timing of what you have going on, the short answer is all licenses, registrations, insurances should be in your domicile state. Numerous reasons.
  • RVNewbie5's avatar
    RVNewbie5
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2016
    Thanks, blangen.

    How quickly should I transfer the title over? (think it depends on where registering it)
  • blangen's avatar
    blangen
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2016
    Personally, I did it all on the same day. Anything not done when the Driver's License is transferred leaves the other states with potential claims to money due. It's just much cleaner to do it once.
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2016
    RVNewbie5 wrote:

    - will be parking trailer in state "D", where I will be for 3 months.


    Where are you legally domiciled now ?? If it is B, then that's where the trailer should be registered too.

    What happens to the trailer at the end of the above 3 months ??

    P.S. You should NOT have changed your documents until AFTER you were really moved. (Hint for the future).
  • RVNewbie5's avatar
    RVNewbie5
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2016
    I am paying income taxes in state "A". Have DL and car registration in state "B". Want to domicile in state "A" again (will have to get new DL and car registration there.

    After 3 months, I hope to get another volunteer position perhaps in another state, and do this type of volunteer work repeatedly.

    Yes, I am aware that I should not have changed my docs, but at the time, I anticipated staying in state "B". Now B is pretty much out of the question.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2016
    Are you saying that you are a licensed driver in two states? If so I am pretty sure that would be criminal.

    You need to register vehicles and have your driver's license in your state of residence.
  • RVNewbie5's avatar
    RVNewbie5
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2016
    I will only have one drivers license. Based on my experience, you have to surrender one to get another. Although I obtained a license in state "B", I will surrender it when I get a new one in state "A."

    The gist of it is, I planned on moving to a new state but it didn't work out, so I'm moving back to my original state.
  • hohenwald48's avatar
    hohenwald48
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2016
    If you intend to move around from state to state on a regular basis you might want to do a little reading here:

    https://www.escapees.com/support/domicile-options
  • Tax_Man's avatar
    Tax_Man
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2016
    The way I read it, you are now a resident of state B. This is where you will register and title all vehicles.

    If you have a "permanent" address in state A, you could transfer everything (DL, registrations, etc) to state A now. If not then State B is your only option.

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