Does a Truck Camper Need to Be Registered in Washington State?

A truck camper is a recreational vehicle (RV) that can be affixed to the bed of a pickup truck, transforming it into a living space. The popularity of these vehicles has grown in recent years, particularly among those looking for an easy and cost-effective way to enjoy the great outdoors while avoiding the high costs associated with traditional RVs. But before you hit the road with your new truck camper, there are a few things you need to know about registering it in Washington State.

First and foremost, any vehicle driven on public roads in Washington State must be registered with the Department of Licensing (DOL). This includes both motorized and non-motorized vehicles, such as campers and trailers. To register your truck camper, you will need to provide proof of ownership, as well as proof of insurance.

When registering your truck camper, you must choose from one of two registration types: permanent or temporary. Permanent registration is valid for three years and requires an annual renewal fee. Temporary registration is valid for 90 days and does not require any additional fees.

In addition to registering your camper with the DOL, you may also need to register it with your local county or city. This requirement varies depending on where you plan to use your camper. Some counties require all RVs to be registered regardless of where they are used, while others may exempt campers used exclusively on private property from registration requirements.

It’s important to note that, even if you don’t plan on driving your truck camper on public roads, you still may need to register it. Some counties require RVs stored on private property to be registered even if they are never driven on public roads.

Registration fees for truck campers vary depending on the type of vehicle and its size. The DOL website provides an online calculator that can help estimate your registration fee based on these factors. It’s important to note that these fees may change from time to time so it’s best to double check them before registering your camper.

In summary, yes a truck camper needs to be registered in Washington State if it will be driven or stored on public roads or private property. The specific requirements vary depending on where you plan to use the vehicle and how long you intend to keep it registered. Be sure to double check all applicable fees before registering your vehicle.

Conclusion: In conclusion, yes a truck camper needs to be registered in Washington State if it will be driven or stored on public roads or private property. Registration fees vary depending on the type of vehicle and its size and may change from time-to-time so double check them before registering your camper.

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Stephen Dunn