Easiest state to change registration to RV

[Jim Blackwood]

Seems like the process of changing a bus registration from commercial to RV is something of a black art. Shrouded in secrecy and hidden from the public view. Anyone know of the states where the process is particularly easy?

Jim

[richard5933]

Shouldn't be mysterious, that is if you can get the statute or code that is used in your state.

Doing it in another state might be easier, but then you'll have to find a way to register a vehicle in a state where you are not a resident.

[chessie4905]

Here is a discussion, although somewhat dated. You should be able to find more with googling...license a bus to an rv or house car, or bus conversion.

https://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?action=printpage;topic=4544.0

[windtrader]

This google search found some info  kentucky bus conversion title

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f6/hello-from-southern-kentucky-16730.html

Only looked at this but it seems KY DMV does not deal with this very well; that is, getting motorhome title on a converted bus. But one guy did get insurance as a bus, some failed. The other thing is if it is titled as a bus it will be governed by commercial vehicle laws meaning you'd need a CDL to drive it.

anyway good luck, plenty of resources out there.

[richard5933]

The process in Wisconsin is quite simple and spelled out thoroughly on our DMV website:

http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/school-bus-conversion.aspx

Not sure why other states have such trouble with this, as it's pretty cut and dry here.

[windtrader]

States rights on motor vehicle regulations. But in general it seems the most common requirements are to show the DMV official that it has a permanent toilet, bedroom, and kitchen.

[Jim Blackwood]

Well that was somewhat enlightening. The blind leading the blind. We can demonstrate residency in WV and Ohio and maybe a handful of other states if it comes down to that. Just find one that will do it.

Jim

[Lee Bradley]

I was surprised here in Washington State.  Went down to the state patrol office to make an appointment to have my mini conversion inspected and they said write out a statement that it has been converted to a motor home and sign it. That was it. New title arrived in a few weeks.   

[Oonrahnjay]

States rights on motor vehicle regulations. But in general it seems the most common requirements are to show the DMV official that it has a permanent toilet, bedroom, and kitchen.

    That's exactly the wording in North Carolina (except in NC the state designation for a vehicle used as living accommodation is "House Car").  The requirement is that the inspection officer must verify all the equipment for making it a live-in vehicle is present and sign a DMV form to that effect.

I was surprised here in Washington State.  Went down to the state patrol office to make an appointment to have my mini conversion inspected and they said write out a statement that it has been converted to a motor home and sign it. That was it. New title arrived in a few weeks.   

     They required that I surrender my British ownership document and have an inspector verify my VIN before they'd issue an NC title of any type.  So I made an appointment with the inspector to inspect the VIN and figured that I'd have to have a subsequent inspection done to try to get a HC designation after I'd done the minimum conversion and prior to first insurance.  The inspector came out, looked at my paperwork, verified the VIN and gave me the form to that effect.  He and I were talking and he asked me if it was going to be a commercial bus.  I told him no, I was going to convert it to an RV but all I had done at that time was remove about half the seats.  He said "Oh, well then you'll need the House Car form, too."  He took one out, filled it in and signed it, and told me to take both forms to the License/Title office to get my NC title and plates.  I turned in the papers, paid the money, and walked out with "HC" on the title and a license plate.

      So, *sometimes* it's not exactly what the regulations say (I've also heard other people have had to jump through hoops far beyond what the "paper requirements" are).  Sort of - find out what the book says and be ready for anything - situation.

   

[Astro]

I had an even easier time in WA state. I went to the licensing agency and told them I converted it to a MH and they switched it without a blink of an eye. I paid up and walked out with a new registration with the title following by a few weeks. There are LOTS of things messed up by leftist greedy politicians in WA state the last few years, switching a bus to MH isnt one of them yet. Give them a few years and I am sure they will get their slimy paws on that too.

[luvrbus]

This google search found some info  kentucky bus conversion title

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f6/hello-from-southern-kentucky-16730.html

Only looked at this but it seems KY DMV does not deal with this very well; that is, getting motorhome title on a converted bus. But one guy did get insurance as a bus, some failed. The other thing is if it is titled as a bus it will be governed by commercial vehicle laws meaning you'd need a CDL to drive it.

anyway good luck, plenty of resources out there.

That varies from state to state also about a CDL OK or AZ does not have RV plates ,my Eagle had OK plates for years and the title said Eagle Bus ,in OK you can run commercial plates on your auto or pickup and they are cheaper than regular plates only difference is the insurance has a higher limit.In Ok they have a tag agency on every corner I don't ever remember ever going to a DMV you got the transfer, title ,plates and paid taxes at the mom and pop tag agencies  

[windtrader]

One must consider about which way they want to pursue getting the seated, partially converted, or full conversion insured. If it retains commercial plates and title but is converted and you submit a claim, you're likely exposing yourself to problems. Generally, a conversion can not have any of the original bus seating.

The flip is also problematic. The bus gets a motorhome title via a written statement when it is still seated or partially converted. The insurance company can deny based on false statements.

Obviously, even if a rough path, get it converted, follow the state DMV rules, get it titled and insured as a motorhome. Sure not losing your life savings and assets due to lack of insurance.

[richard5933]

It's also possible to get transit tags in most states, which would allow one to drive a seated bus home without registering it. I believe that many carriers will also issue transit liability coverage, but that might be more difficult.

Of course, if the bus is still seated, you'll need a CDL.

[luvrbus]

It's also possible to get transit tags in most states, which would allow one to drive a seated bus home without registering it. I believe that many carriers will also issue transit liability coverage, but that might be more difficult.

Of course, if the bus is still seated, you'll need a CDL.

I believe that is a gray area if you are a individual buying a bus to convert with the signage taken off,it varies from state to state though 

[opus]

Whatever you do dont use the word "bus" when you go to insure, use "RV".