Titling a Texas-Based Motorhome When You Live in Minnesota

[Sdalton291]

I already have the signed title from my deceased father. The motorhome is located at his old house that is now in my name in Texas. I live in Minnesota and decided to keep the motorhome. Is it best to just have the motorhome titled and registered in Minnesota? The plan is to keep the motorhome in storage in Texas so we can use when we visit Texas.

 

[Rene T]

I would say you need to title it in your own state. I don’t believe you would need it but I would take a copy of the Death Certificate

 

[Sdalton291]

Thank you for your answer. I am starting to think this is the best way to proceed, but would love to have others weigh in also. I have death certificates, and I also have the letter of testamentary being the executer of the estate.

 

[Camper25-iRV2]

Does the DMV in MN have to see the rv in person to verify the VIN?

That has happened to me twice.

 

[Sdalton291]

I don’t believe so. I have retitled vehicles here from Texas before, didn’t have to show. I figured since the motorhome was gonna be stored in Texas that’s where I would title it.

 

[Sdalton291]

I don’t believe so. I have retitled vehicles here from Texas before, didn’t have to show. I figured since the motorhome was gonna be stored in Texas that’s where I would title it. Talking with the title office in Texas this morning, it sounds like they may not allow that.

 

[DutchmenSport]

If you have a legal address you can use in Texas, then title it in Texas. Not knowing the full intent of your plans, but either state may require proof of insurance. That should be an insurance company within the state you are titling the camper.

If you do not have a legal address in Texas, then absolutely title the camper in Minnesota.

Not knowing the specifics for either state myself, does either state require safety or environmental inspections of the vehicle? If so, that also is a determining factor.

 

[Lou Schneider]

Are there significant differences in registration and insurance costs between the two states?

 

[John From Detroit]

If you live in a different state I believe Escapees has a way for you to be a Texan.

That's all I know about it.

 

[Kirk]

The plan is to keep the motorhome in storage in Texas so we can use when we visit Texas.

Legally, a motor vehicle should be licensed, titled, and insured in the state where it is garaged. If the motorhome is in Texas and will remain so at times when not in use, then it should be licensed in TX. And it is also probably less costly. In motor vehicle registration and insurance, the "place it is garaged" (or garaging location) refers to the primary, permanent, or nightly parking location of the vehicle when it is not in use. It does not necessarily mean a physical garage; it is simply the address where the car is kept the majority of the time, often the owner's residence. residence. While not all states do much to enforce it, nearly all states have laws that require vehicles kept in that state to be registered there.

 

[TheBar]

If you live in Minnesota title it there so when new license plates are required you can pick them up or they can be mailed to your home. There are no laws about storing a vehicle in another state. Insurance might care but the DMV won't go looking for it in Texas.

 

[Alaskansnowbirds]

I agree with Kirk. License it in Texas. That is where the motorhome will spend the majority of it's time.

I don't know about Texas, but here in Arizona you have I think 90 days to register a vehicle that staying in the state. A few years ago, they were ticketing construction workers vehicles that were here working on jobs over the time limit.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

In this case it's pretty much your choice. Since the coach will remain in Texas and you have property there, I'd lean toward Texas, because Texas law probably requires it after some time period. But if there are significant differences in registration costs or personal property taxes, that could sway the decision toward one or the other. I believe Minnesota does have an annual vehicle tax, but it's not large for an older RV. You should gather the facts and weigh the pros & cons before deciding.

 

[Kirk]

Texas law probably requires it after some time period.

You have 30 days from the time you move here to register your vehicle in the state. (Texas DMV)

 

[CharlesinGA]

Be careful, in Georgia, if you own a home and carry a homestead exemption on it, you must have all vehicles registered to your homesteaded address. In GA if they discover you have motor vehicles registered in other counties in GA or in other states, they will revoke the homestead exemption. This has been thru the courts and upheld. Study up on your state laws carefully.

If you have an insurance umbrella policy it could affect that also. Lots of angles to consider.

Charles

 

[poohbear]

If you title it here in Tx as an inherited vehicle you will need the title,death certificate, title application, & $10 fee. No sales tax on inherited vehicles

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

You have 30 days from the time you move here to register your vehicle in the state. (Texas DMV)

So if he changes to Minnesota tile & plates but leaves the coach in Texas, somebody might notice after 30 days or so. The probability of that is low in a state like Texas that doesn't have vehicle taxes, but it could happen. And likely a minimal penalty since he hasn't avoided any taxes.

 

[Kirk]

The probability of that is low in a state like Texas that doesn't have vehicle taxes, but it could happen.

You have 30 calendar days from the date the seller signed the vehicle over to you to apply for title and registration at the tax office. If you miss the deadline, Texas requires that you pay a financial penalty that can reach up to $250. (TX-DMV)

In most cases that I'm aware of, the issue happened when a local officer noticed the vehicle an began to watch it. I have lived in TX long enough to know that it does happen and isn't a rare thing. I also know of one case that the officer gave the driver a warning twice, then impounded the vehicle. I don't know how frequently that happens, but it only takes one bad day for you to be the subject. Since TX is not expensive to register a vehicle. and the RV is already registered in TX and expects to be kept there, it doesn't seem like a very good idea to chane from legal to illegal.

 

[Derby6]

I’d register in MN where you live. It’s easiest and doesn’t cause confusion.
If you try to get a resident tax break or hunting/fishing license, etc. in Minnesota but then you have a registered 2nd ‘home’ in Texas it could really cost you.

 

[earlbenz]

Thank you for your answer. I am starting to think this is the best way to proceed, but would love to have others weigh in also. I have death certificates, and I also have the letter of testamentary being the executer of the estate.

If you're keeping the house in Texas you can register it there. You will need the death cert and the letter of testamentary. Just remember to insure it in the state where registered.