Table of Contents
How to Find the VIN Number on Your Mobile Home
Did you know that every mobile or manufactured home has an ID tag called a data plate? Locating this plate can be crucial when purchasing, selling, or securing insurance for a mobile or manufactured home. Let’s dive into the ins and outs of how to find the VIN number on your mobile or manufactured home and understanding what it tells you about your home.
Imagine this: A family member of ours recently purchased a plot of land that came with two older mobile homes. During the closing process, the attorney requested the VINs for each home. It sounded simple enough, but after hours of searching inside, outside, and underneath the homes, we realized finding the VIN on older mobile homes could be quite a challenge! Here’s what we learned through our experience, so you don’t have to spend hours searching.
What is a VIN Number, and Why Does it Matter?
Every mobile or manufactured home has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), similar to a car’s VIN. This number not only identifies your home but also provides key information about its manufacture and location.
The VIN includes:
- Manufacturer Identifier: Typically, the first three letters represent the manufacturer’s name.
- State Code: Two capital letters indicate the state where the home was built.
- Serial Number: This number is specific to each home.
- Section Code: If the home is multi-sectioned (like a double-wide or triple-wide), a letter (A, B, C, etc.) indicates each section.
Finding the VIN Number on Older Mobile and Manufactured Homes
On older single-wide homes, the VIN is often on the data plate inside the home. Look for the data plate—a paper label about the size of a standard sheet of paper—in common spots, like:
- Kitchen Cabinets
- Bedroom Closets
- Electrical Panel Boxes
If your home is a double-wide, VIN information might also be stamped on the metal frame near the front of each section. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandates that every mobile or manufactured home has a data plate for easy access to this critical information.
What if You Can’t Find the Data Plate?
Sometimes, especially with older homes, the data plate may be missing or worn out. If this happens, here are a few options:
- Check Old Paperwork: Review old insurance or title paperwork to see if the VIN is listed there.
- Contact the Insurance Company: If the home was previously insured, the insurer might have records of the VIN.
- Request a Replacement Data Plate: Contact the In-Plant Primary Inspection Agency (IPIA) for a new plate. You can find more information here https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mhs/csp/mhsid
The Role of HUD Labels and Tags
In addition to the data plate, each manufactured home has a HUD label—a small metal tag affixed to the exterior. This label is usually found on the back right corner of the home and includes a six-digit certification number. HUD tags are essential for confirming that the home meets federal manufacturing standards, especially if you’re looking to get it insured.
Pro Tip: Never remove or damage a HUD tag or data plate. If you’re remodeling, take care to protect them, as replacing them later can be a complex and costly process.
Extra Information Found on the Data Plate
Beyond the VIN, the data plate provides additional insights helpful for you and your insurance provider. A map of the United States on the plate outlines the home’s wind zone, roof load, and snow load limits, which are critical for assessing safety based on the home’s location.
Final Takeaway
When it comes to buying, selling, or insuring a mobile home, having access to the VIN is invaluable. If you’re ever in a situation where locating the VIN feels impossible, remember these tips and check out MH Giant for further guidance on navigating mobile home ownership.
Thank you for choosing MH Giant as your trusted resource for mobile and manufactured home information!
