There is a lot of confusion regarding titles and licensing of Skoolie, Shuttle, and Box Van Conversions. The laws vary from state to state, and in some cases, it can seem impossible to even acquire the correct information. You've purchased a vehicle that was designed for commercial or public use, but now it is going to be an RV. - It's going to be your home.
How to Convert a Commercial Vehicle or School Bus to an RV Title: - Most people start by contacting their local DMV office but, sadly, after pushing 1 for English, 3 for Title Questions, and finally slamming on the “0”, just hoping to get a human being, (then likely being on hold for a very long time) you find out that these aren't very common questions. Quite often the person you speak with doesn't know the answer, or simply tells you that “you can't do that” or, even worse, gives you misinformation, potentially accompanied by a very high price tag.
Fortunately, there is an easier way, and even a short-cut! - We’ll go through the traditional method first, but be sure to read to the end for a way to make it happen without inspections or any pressure to rush your Build.
If you’re going with the “traditional method”, you might start with your Insurance Agent. Most major carriers write RV Policies, and it is often surprisingly reasonable. Many companies will not write Full Time RV Insurance, and several are no longer writing policies for Self-Conversions. (Skoolies, Shuttles, etc. - See RV Insurance Blog). If your current agent isn’t familiar with the process in your home state, you can check with other carriers.
In short, they can't insure it if it isn't “legal”, and some agents will do the extra work to find out, often step-by-step, what is required by the local authorities. - It's still a good idea to confirm with the DMV beforehand, of course, but going into that conversation with advanced knowledge certainly gives you a head start.
*Be sure you ask about time constraints! Some states give you a limited time to complete the process, often in line with their regular Title Transfer Laws. Failing to do so could result in a late fee, but rarely anything more severe. - This is another question to pose to your Insurance Agent on that first call.
What are the requirements to convert a Commercial or School Bus Title to RV?: - It varies by state, but usually you will get a list of requirements including some or all of the below:
Seats removed: - or “Seating for fewer than 16 passengers”.
Cooking appliance: - Sometimes “Permanently Mounted”. Sometimes “With on board fuel source”.
Refrigeration unit: - Often “Powered”, but in some places a cooler on the floor will suffice.
Sink: - “Potable Water Supply”.
Toilet: - “With Exteriror Evac / Drain”.
Heating or AC Unit: - “Not powered by the engine”.
120v power supply.
Sleeping Area.
Painted a Color “Other Than Yellow”.
Some states will also require Documentation of the Build Process including receipts and Images. Many don't, but it's a great idea to document the process and save all the receipts anyway. You will likely need this for RV Insurance later.
What do you need when you go to the DMV to Transfer / Convert the Title?: - Once you have met the “RV” requirements above for your state, you will likely be subject to the following:
Vehicle Inspection: - Certain States or Regions will want to do a visual inspection of the Build.
VIN Inspection: - (Vehicle Identification Number) If you purchased your Bus out of state you will almost certainly be subject to a VIN Inspection. You should locate the VIN on the vehicle Before you make the purchase if at all possible. It often needs to be the actual VIN plate or stamp as opposed to a MFG sticker on the vehicle. There are several places this could be located. - If not behind the windshield or on the front header panel (above the Driver Seat), it is often on the frame in the rear or near the side emergency exit or chair lift. - Google the make and model of the vehicle for tips.
Current “Clean” Title: - If you purchased a rig with a Salvage or Lost Title, be sure you have all of that handled Before you Start Your Build. It's heartbreaking to spend all of that time and money only to find out you can't License / Title your bus. - The best advice is simply to Never Purchase any rig with a Salvage or Lost Title in the first place, unless you are already familiar with the process.
Bill Of Sale: - Be sure it includes the VIN, Year, Make, and Model of The Vehicle, Price Paid, Sale Date, Name and Contact Info of the Seller, Name and Address of the Buyer, and the Odometer Reading (sometimes not required for older vehicles, but get it anyway).
Your ID / Driver's License: - You may also need a second Govt. Issued ID (Passport, Military, etc.) Bring it if you have it, just in case.
Weight Certification: - This is the one most people forget. Many states require you to take your Rig across the scales, and get a Certified Weight Ticket. Most Truck Stops or large fuel stations have a Public Scale and you can weigh for around $20 or less.
Proof Of Insurance: - As noted above, it needs to say “Recreational Vehicle”.
As for the cost? Of course, it varies greatly, but expect to pay anywhere from $20-$150 in Title Transfer Fees, as well as Sales Tax on the purchase price.
Often, the most difficult part of the process is actually obtaining the above information and the accuracy thereof, so be prepared for multiple stumbling blocks along the way.
In an ideal world, you would be able to complete the Build Process, meeting all of the state requirements and correcting or obtaining the appropriate paperwork and certifications, all within the 30-90 day time constraint allowed by your state, but what if you can't?
This is where the “Short-Cut” comes into play: - The State of Vermont will give you either an RV Title (for vehicles less than 15 years old) or “Transferable Registration” (for vehicles over 15 years old), even if you are not a resident! - The Transferable Registration can then be used in your home state to acquire an RV Title without all the headache. - You already have documentation that it’s an RV.
Vermont will request that you repaint the bus, covering or removing all references to “School” and / or any commercial signage, but they do not require an Inspection or Proof Of Conversion. Be prepared with all the documentation listed above, but if you have a Clean Title and a complete Bill Of Sale, they likely won't ask for anything else.
You’ll need a Vermont DMV Form “VD 119” for the Title Transfer. Download it here. The form is pretty self-explanatory, but you’ll need to contact them for some of the info (Click here).
A few notes: In Section 4, you only need to check “New Registration”, and then write “Motorhome” in the blank space for “Registration/Plate Type” and code “19”. (Skip the Plate Number and Expiration, unless it happens to have a Vermont Plate and Title already). For Section 6, we've heard that Vermont will have trouble with a Purchase Price of $500 or less. (Ask them how to proceed if you got your Rig for less than that.) Section 9 instructs you to “not write in the shaded areas”, but you will need to fill out the Blue Areas with pricing information. Be sure to ask Vermont DMV for the correct amounts when you contact them.
When complete, send it, along with any requested documentation to:
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05603-0001
*If they do ask you for a VIN verification, it can be done at your local DMV, or Police Station. - You'll need Vermont Form “VT 010”. (Click to Download.)
You should have your RV Title or Transferable Registration within a month or so, for a total cost of around $100 plus 6% tax on your purchase price.
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