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A California Title Service for Vintage Shasta Camper

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I subscribe to a fantastic quarterly from VintageTrailerCampers.com, and am always excited at its arrival date… which was yesterday!

While perusing trailer owner highlights and news of upcoming rallies, I spotted the ad pictured below. It got my mind back on track – since I’ve been on a cerebral hiatus from Vintage Shasta Camper dreams for the past months.

We bought our camper without a title. We have nothing more than the camper itself and a bill of sale.
Will that get us a title and registration in California?

 

So, I owe Donna a call, and we’ll see if we what we have to do to get our girl street legal in California with nothing but a bill of sale in hand.

Vintage Camper Title and Registration in California

In most jurisdictions, state law stipulates that you have thirty days from the purchase to title and register your trailer. Use this as a guideline and not a rule, because state laws always vary.

Be aware that not every state titles and registers trailers; however, not titling and registering a trailer in a state that does require it will result in a penalty, which grows more severe the longer the trailer goes untitled.

Trailer Title and Registration Requirements

To title and register a trailer, the owner will normally have to submit:

  • The properly signed title. Sometimes you can use other proofs of ownership, such as a bill of sale or a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO).
  • A signed application for title and license.
  • Receipts of paid personal property taxes.
  • Proof of trailer insurance, depending on the state.
  • All applicable title and registration fees.

How to Register Other Vehicle Types in California

If you have a special type of vehicle in CA, such as a custom-built caroff-highway vehicle, or trailer, you will need to submit separate paperwork and pay registration fees based on your type of vehicle. Some vehicle types, like RVs or motorhomes, are registered the same way as you would a standard car or truc

California Trailers

 Ramble On!
Gypsy

4 Responses
  • Julie Wagner
    November 4, 2013

    Hi Betsy – I came across your blog via a google search. It’s exciting to see other vintage trailer renovators out there! Great site!! Looks like we’re in the same boat -I started our blog a few months ago http://www.wagnersshasta.blogspot.com We’re in Wisconsin and are excited to get our trailer on the road (my hope is by next fall) but I dream big 🙂

    Be well,
    Julie
    [email protected]

    • Betsy
      November 4, 2013

      Julie! Hi.
      Look at you guys go! I love it. I can’t wait to show Heffe how far down you’ve stripped. How scary is that, to see her all down to bones!?
      Thanks so much for dropping in and sharing your project.

      We have hit a life snag that I’m sure is going to keep us from even thinking about the project for some time yet…. but in the beginning – I knew it was going to take a long time! We need space to pull the pieces apart as you have done! I’m so inspired though. I’ll be keeping an eye on your progress for sure!

      Where are you guys located? I found my first Shasta from an old rebel hunter dude too! Bought it off of him for $100. It doesn’t work like that here in Southern California though… At least not in so far as I’ve been able to scour.

      Hope to hear back!
      Much Love,
      Betsy

  • Tina (aka Smilie)
    June 12, 2014

    I know very little about travel trailers, but I am embarking on a new adventure and looking forward to amazing discoveries. 🙂
    Where is the ID number on the Shasta trailers?
    I just got one similar to the one in your video, but there is no title with it. I am in PA. I was told I can go to a judge and try to get a title issued.

    • betsyjmoyer
      February 16, 2018

      Hey Tina.
      I described where we found our VIN number on our 1960 Shasta 16-SC here on the blog. See if you can find yours on the trailer tongue too.
      I’m not sure what the rules are in PA but I bet a search on your state’s DMV website will outline exactly what is needed.
      I’m title-less too, all I have is a bill of sale. But guess what. I still haven’t had my camper registered!!!

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