Motorcycle Trailers USA

Manufactured homes, mobile homes, recreational vehicle trailers and camping trailers

For manufactured homes, mobile homes and non-collapsible recreational trailers, send the title and registration application to either the Department of Commerce or the Department of Transportation (WisDOT) - depending on the model year and length of the vehicle.

Manufactured/mobile homes

Manufactured and mobile homes greater than 45 feet long are exempt from registration. The temporary undercarriage on which a manufactured/modular home is transported need not be titled, but during operation on a public road, it must display a Transferable Trailer license plate registered to the transporter. (See applying for title and registration.) The transferable trailer plate should be applied for at the weight sufficient to cover the total weight of the undercarriage plus the load.

If the manufactured or mobile home (new or used) is 45 feet or less in length, tax is collected on the full purchase price.

If the manufactured or mobile home (new or used) is 45 feet or less in length and is being purchased as real estate, i.e., the mobile home is on a foundation, hooked up to utilities and the mobile home and land are both being purchased, no tax is collected by WisDOT.

Transactions for mobile homes (new or used), in excess of 45 feet in length are handled by the Department of Commerce.

Camping or pop-up trailers

A title and registration is not required for collapsible camping trailers at or less than 3,000 pounds gross weight unless they are used for hire or rental. Title and registration is encouraged for vehicles that will be used on roads outside the state of Wisconsin, as other states' registration laws may be different.

Gross weight trailers

A title and registration is required for trailers operated over 3,000 pounds.  A title and registration is not required for trailers operated at or less than 3,000 pounds gross weight unless used for hire or rental.  Title and registration is encouraged for these vehicles that will be used on roads outside the state of Wisconsin, as other states' registration laws may be different.

WisDOT applications

To apply, send:

1. The original Certificate of Title or Manufacturers Statement of Origin (MSO) signed by the previous owner or dealer.
2. Completed and signed form MV1 (349 KB) showing the length of the mobile home/travel trailer. (Make a copy of the completed MV1 form for your records.) 
3. License plate fees. If the trailer has plates on it, the plates will stay on the trailer. If not, submit the appropriate fees.
4. Title fee
5. Sales tax
6. Local sales tax (if applicable)
7. Check or money order made payable to: Registration Fee Trust

Mail application to:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 7949
Madison WI 53707-7949

If you have questions about a WisDOT application:

• E-mail: bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
  Because WisDOT may have to research your question before replying, please allow 4 business days for an e-mail response. Please do not send a second e-mail. If you e-mail us about a specific vehicle, we will not be able to respond to your inquiry unless you provide us with the license plate number or the vehicle identification number.
• Call: (608) 266-1466

Department of Commerce applications

For applications that need to be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, application forms can be found at: Information on transactions involving manufactured/mobile homes.

If you have any questions, contact:

Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Division of Safety & Buildings
P.O. Box 1355
Madison WI 53701-1355
Phone: (608) 264-9596