Manufactured Home FAQs

Whether mobile homes are registered with the DMV depends entirely on which state you're in. Across the five states we serve at Braustin Homes—Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas—the titling and registration processes vary significantly, and understanding these differences is essential when purchasing or transferring ownership of a manufactured home.

State-by-State Registration Requirements

In Oklahoma, yes—manufactured homes are registered through the state's motor vehicle system. Manufactured homes purchased new or brought in from another state are initially titled and registered at motor license agencies, similar to how you'd register a car (Manufactured Home Quick Reference Guide, Oklahoma Tax Commission, 2022: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/tax/documents/resources/publications/ad-valorem/2022QuickReferenceManufacturedHomeGuide.pdf). All manufactured homes in Oklahoma are required to have a license plate and two registration decals, and if you don't register within 30 days of purchase, you'll face a penalty equal to the registration fee, less $11.00 (Manufactured Home Quick Reference Guide, Oklahoma Tax Commission, 2022: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/tax/documents/resources/publications/ad-valorem/2022QuickReferenceManufacturedHomeGuide.pdf). The annual registration fee is $26, with a special military rate available for qualifying service members. New Mexico also handles manufactured homes through its Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Evidence of this DMV-style registration system includes a $5.00 late registration fee specifically for manufactured homes listed in the state's MVD fee schedule (MVD Fees Manual, New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, 2011: https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/MVD-Fee-Manual-Revised-12_15_11Vehicles1.pdf). This clearly indicates that New Mexico routes manufactured home registration through its motor vehicle agency. Arkansas treats mobile and manufactured homes as a registrable vehicle class. The state's Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule explicitly lists "Mobile/Manufactured Homes" with a set registration fee of $26.00 (Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule, Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration: https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/mv-reg-fees.pdf), confirming that manufactured homes go through the state's Department of Finance and Administration motor vehicle operations. Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) is involved in mobile home titling and tax handling. State policy documents reference mobile homes "titled in the name of" owners through the OMV, establishing that Louisiana's DMV-equivalent agency handles these transactions (Policy 49.10, Louisiana Department of Public Safety, 2009: https://public.powerdms.com/ladpsc/documents/371011). Texas is the exception in our service area. Instead of using the traditional DMV system, Texas issues a "Statement of Ownership" through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Manufactured Housing Division—not through the Texas DMV. This Statement of Ownership serves as the title substitute for manufactured homes in Texas and functions differently from motor vehicle titles. In fiscal year 2023 alone, the TDHCA Manufactured Housing Division issued 86,499 Statements of Ownership (FY2023 Executive Summary and Annual Report, TDHCA: https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/sites/default/files/mh/docs/FY23-ExecSummary-AnnualReport.pdf), demonstrating the high volume of transactions handled outside the traditional DMV system.

Why the Registration Process Matters

Understanding your state's registration requirements is crucial for several reasons. First, proper registration and titling affect your ability to secure financing. Lenders need clear title documentation before approving loans, and delays in registration can hold up your closing timeline—particularly important in states like Oklahoma where you have only 30 days to register. Second, registration fees and excise taxes vary significantly. For example, Oklahoma charges an excise tax of 3.25% on one-half of the purchase price for new manufactured homes, with different calculations for used homes (Manufactured Home Quick Reference Guide, Oklahoma Tax Commission, 2022: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/tax/documents/resources/publications/ad-valorem/2022QuickReferenceManufacturedHomeGuide.pdf). These costs should be factored into your overall budget when purchasing a home. Third, if you plan to convert your manufactured home to real property (permanently attaching it to land you own), the process differs by state. In Oklahoma, you can apply for title cancellation for a $5.00 fee when permanently affixing your home to real estate (Manufactured Home Quick Reference Guide, Oklahoma Tax Commission, 2022: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/tax/documents/resources/publications/ad-valorem/2022QuickReferenceManufacturedHomeGuide.pdf). In Texas, you'll work through the TDHCA to obtain a new Statement of Ownership reflecting the conversion.

What This Means for You

When you purchase a manufactured home through Braustin Homes, our team will guide you through the specific titling and registration requirements for your state. We understand that these processes can feel overwhelming, especially when they vary so dramatically from one state to another. Whether you're buying in Oklahoma and need to visit a motor license agency, or you're purchasing in Texas and working with the TDHCA, we'll help ensure all paperwork is completed correctly and on time. The key takeaway is this: most of the states we serve do register manufactured homes through a DMV or motor vehicle agency, treating them similarly to automobiles—but Texas operates under a completely different system. Knowing which system applies to you will help you prepare the right documentation, budget for the correct fees, and avoid costly delays or penalties. Ready to explore your options? Browse our available homes or contact us to speak with a housing consultant who can answer your specific questions about registration in your state. https://www.braustin.com/faqs/are-mobile-homes-registered-with-the-dmv/

Nope! (Unless you want to, of course.) But as a home buyer through an online manufactured home retailer, you can do everything from the comfort of your own home. In fact, we specialize in helping customers find, buy, and install their homes online and over the phone.

https://www.braustin.com/faqs/do-i-have-to-go-in-person-to-talk-or-get-paperwork-done/

We can move as fast or slow as you need.

The timeline can vary, but here's a general idea:

- If you shop in-stock homes, we can deliver as soon as you close.

- If you start from scratch or need customizations, building the home depending on the factory can take anywhere from 2-12 weeks.

- And depending on what projects your land requires, we need a few more weeks for delivery and setup.

https://www.braustin.com/faqs/how-long-does-the-process-take-from-order-to-move-in/

We don't sell land, but we can help in a few ways!

- We can help you finance the land into your home loan.

- If you're open to it, we can help you find a manufactured home community near you.

https://www.braustin.com/faqs/do-you-help-people-find-land-for-their-mobile-homes/

Site prep is the work needed to get your land ready. This can include:

• Getting a land survey and permits.
• Clearing the area.
• Preparing the foundation.

Don't worry, you're not expected handle this on your own (unless you want to). We'll guide you through every step.

https://www.braustin.com/faqs/what-is-involved-in-site-preparation/

We currently deliver homes to Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Most of our customers do the entire process online and over the phone, so don't worry about being far from a physical dealership!

https://www.braustin.com/faqs/do-you-service-deliver-where-i-live/

While we don't accept trade-ins for existing homes, we can guide you through the process of selling your current property to help you buy a new one.

https://www.braustin.com/faqs/do-you-accept-trade-ins/

While we don't handle the removal of homes directly, we can help you find a company that specializes in that service to prepare your lot for your new home.

https://www.braustin.com/faqs/can-you-remove-my-current-manufactured-home/

We are based in Texas and deliver homes all over Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Since we are an online retailer, we can help you with the whole process without you ever having to visit us. You can always give us a call at 210-880-2230. We also have a few physical home centers if you want to visit in person.

https://www.braustin.com/faqs/where-is-braustin-homes-located/

While we're an online retailer, we do have physical locations where you can see homes in person!

• South San Antonio, TX
• Odessa, TX

You can find the addresses on our locations page on the website.

https://www.braustin.com/faqs/where-can-i-go-to-see-the-homes-in-person/