Registering Your Converted Camper Van as an RV

by Aug 02, 2021

Do I need to re-title and register my van conversion to an RV?

This is a no brainer. You should absolutely change the registration of your camper van into an RV.

Re-titling your conversion van accomplishes a few things:

It helps insurance companies understand what the vehicle is being used for and provide the proper coverage. Cargo vans are not full of expensive add ons. The last thing you want is to get in a crash and have your claim denied because the plan does not cover all of the awesome upgrades you’ve made to your van. .

Commercial vans are driven a lot more and typically used in busier areas such as cities. RVs have a lower risk profile because they are driven less and most travel is on larger, less busy roads. Lower risk profile equals lower premiums.

How do I register a converted camper van?

This can vary from state to state but the process is similar no matter where you are. We’ll use how it’s done in Colorado as an example

In Colorado, the process involves getting a VIN inspection from the Colorado State Patrol. There is only one step but you need to bring a few things with you to the VIN inspection.

Documents needed for the inspection:

Registration and title or dealer purchase papers
First and foremost you need to prove that you are the legal owner or an authorized person that can initiate the re-titling process.
Certified weight slip

Truck stops, landfills and landscaping companies have large scales. Most of them will charge around $10 to provide a certified weight slip. It’s important to make sure they have a certified scale and can provide the proper document that will be accepted by your local government. Here’s where you can find certified CAT scales in your area.

Statement of fact

This is where all the improvements that make this vehicle an RV should be listed. To qualify for an RV re-title, a camper van must contain at least 4 out of the 6 “permanently installed and independent life support systems” for:

Cooking
Refrigeration or icebox
Self-contained toilet
Heating and/or Air conditioning
Potable water supply system including a faucet and sink
Separate 110-125 volt electrical power supply and/or LP gas supply

After the VIN inspection is completed and the vehicle has been reclassified it’s important to obtain the proper RV insurance. This will complete the process and properly convey the use of your camper van for the DMV and insurance companies.

State specific requirement resources

The example above is just for Colorado, all states have slightly different laws regarding requirements for registering a converted van as an RV.

The list below contains links to each state's licensing of motor vehicles websites. Within each site you can find the specific laws for each state’s regulations around the licensing and registration of self converted campers or van conversions. We absolutely recommend looking around your state's site and reading the laws.

Some of the sites listed don’t have the clearest answers or incomplete information so we recommend calling or even going in person to speak with someone directly. This is the best way to get clear answers to the exact requirements and process to re-registering your camper van into an RV.

List of departments by state

Alabama

Alabama Department of Revenue–Motor Vehicle Division

Alaska

Alaska Department of Administration–Division of Motor Vehicles

Arizona

Arizona Department of Transportation

Arkansas

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration

California

California Department of Motor Vehicles

Colorado