Manufactured home HUD tags and data plates are confusing because there are so many different names used to describe the same thing. For example, a HUD Tag is also called a Construction Code Label, a Certification Label, or a HUD Label.
Mobile and manufactured homes have serial numbers and HUD numbers as well, which just adds to the confusion.
No worries, though, this article should help you make sense of it all.
The 2 Labels and 2 Numbers Every Mobile Home Owner Should Understand
A mobile or manufactured home will have 2 main identifiers: a HUD tag and a data plate.
The HUD tag has the certification label on it and the data plate has both the serial number and the code certification number on it.
The data plate is a white piece of paper usually found on the back side of a kitchen cabinet door. It’s easy to identify because it has a map of the United States on it.
Manufactured Home HUD Tags
A HUD tag, also called a certification tag, is a 2”x4” piece of metal riveted onto the backside of a manufactured home. It verifies that the home was inspected by a 3rd party agency before it left the factory and met all the requirements set by HUD in the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards law.
Federal law requires that every manufactured home built since 1976 have one before it can be moved from the factory.
Tags are placed about a foot up from the bottom and a foot from the edge on the back of each section of the home. Like this:
The metal tag is usually red with silver text but the color fades away fairly quickly to a dull silver.
The same paragraph is on every tag but the certification label number stamped into the metal will be unique to each home.
The certification label number identifies the production inspection primary inspection agency (explained below).
The tag reads:
The manufacturer certifies to the best of the manufacturer’s knowledge and belief that this manufactured home has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of Department of Housing and Urban Development and is constructed in conformance with the federal manufactured home construction and safety standards in effect on the date of manufacture. See data plate.
Certification Label Number
Per HUD’s online portal, the first three letters mean:
The label number shall be etched or stamped with a 3 letter designation which identifies the production inspection primary inspection agency and which the Secretary shall assign.
But, what exactly does “the production inspection primary inspection agency’ mean?
It’s just the third party inspection agency that inspected the home at the factory.
The 6 digit number is simply stamped sequentially by the label maker and used as an identifier for the home.
Related: Learn about the 3 Levels of Manufactured Homes Quality and Price here.
Manufactured Home Data Plates 101
A manufactured home Data Plate isn’t a plate, it’s a sheet of paper inside your kitchen cabinet or bedroom closet.
A Data Plate is Just a Piece of Paper
A Data Plate is the white paper you see glued to the wall or cabinet. It has a bunch of really important information along with a simple line map of the United States. The paper is 8.5″ x 11″ and looks like this:
The Data Plate will include the following information:
- Manufacturer, or builders, name, and address.
- Date the home was built.
- Serial number
- Model number
- Code Certification – Identifies the Federal HUD Manufactured Housing Code in effect at time of construction (Source)
The data plate also has information about the home’s construction. Roof and floor load and wind zone details will be listed.
Data plates will also have the inspection agency’s information. These agencies use codes to identify the company’s name. Only a few companies are certified to do HUD home inspections. They cannot be affiliated with the builder at all.
HUD Label Number
The first 3 letters are the third party inspector that inspected, passed, and labeled the home at the factory.
For example, GEO means it was inspected by Georgia and the label’s number will provide the exact factory information based on records. A few more examples:
- HWC = Hilborn, Werner, Carter & Associates, Inc.
- PFS = PFS Corporation
- NTA = NTA, Inc.
- RAD = RADCO
- TRA = T. R. Arnold and Associates, Inc.
- GEO = the state of Georgia
- TEN = the state of Tennessee
Here’s how HUD explains all the information displayed on the Date Plate:
(a) The name and address of the manufacturing plant in which the manufactured home was manufactured;
(b) The serial number and model designation of the unit, and the date the unit was manufactured;
(c) The statement: This manufactured home is designed to comply with the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards in force at the time of manufacture;
(d) A list of the certification label(s) number(s) that are affixed to each transportable manufactured section under §3280.8;
(e) A list of major factory-installed equipment, including the manufacturer’s name and the model designation of each appliance;
(f) Reference to the roof load zone and wind load zone for which the home is designed and duplicates of the maps as set forth in §3280.305(c).
Where is the Data Plate Located?
By federal law, all manufactured homes must have a data plate attached inside the home. It can be put in several different places:
- inside of a cabinet door in the kitchen
- the back wall of the small bedroom closet or master bedroom closet
- inside your water heater closet
- on the inside of a bathroom cabinet door
FYI: DATA PLATES SHOULD NEVER BE REMOVED!
If you replace your cabinets or plan to remove the wall that has the Data Plate you should carefully remove and attach the paper to a different area of the home (in another cabinet or closet, for example).
You should protect the Data Plate, by all means necessary. Losing it can keep you from financing, selling, improving, or repairing your home. Some professionals suggest adding a thick clear piece of laminate over it so that it cannot fall off or be destroyed.
Is it a mobile home or a manufactured home?
How to Get a New Data Plate or ‘Performance Verification Certificate’
If you are missing your data plate and need it to meet your state or local laws for property sells, improvements, etc. you will need to request and pay for a new one through the IBTS.
Institute for Building Technology and Safety
The IBTS, or Institute for Building Technology and Safety, is a long-term HUD subcontractor that handles all requests for missing manufactured home Data Plates. If you need a new Data Plate for a manufactured home you will submit the request directly to the IBTS, not HUD. Oh, you will also be paying the IBTS for the new data plate and it isn’t cheap. The basic certification is $50 and if you need it expedited you get to pay $100.
Your bank may require an inspection of the home for refinancing, learn about manufactured home inspection here.
Manufactured Home Serial Numbers 101
All manufactured homes have a serial number assigned to it. It’s important for many reasons.
Your serial number will be clearly displayed on your home’s data plate or stamped into the steel cross member where the hitch is attached to for each section of the home.
If your home is a double wide, it will have the same serial number but a letter at the end. but there will be an A used for one section and B for the other section.
Vehicle history is associated with their VIN and so are manufactured homes. In addition to VINs, manufactured homes also have serial numbers
VIN, or vehicle identification number will be the same thing.
What Does Each Digit Mean in the Serial Number?
I get this question at least a few times every month. Fortunately, Mcgarry and Madsen designed a handy image that explains each digit in a manufactured home serial number:
- The first three digits represent the factory where the home was built.
- After the three digits, there are two letters that represent the state where the home was built.
- After the state abbreviation, you have the six digits that represent the manufactured home’s serial number.
- A double wide will use the same number but one section will be identified with an A and the other section with a B (C if it’s a triple wide) that represents each section of the home.
Conclusion
Buying a used mobile home is a pain in all honesty. Even after you think you’ve found the right home you have to deal with mobile home titles, inspections, appraisals, insurance, and lenders. Even cash sales are difficult.
However, it will all be worth it in the end. You will be able to live in a home you can afford without working 3 jobs to pay for!
If you plan on purchasing and moving a mobile home you found a good deal on, it’s important to know how to verify all of the tags, plates and labels are in order. If you encounter a service like https://www.a1autotransport.com/mobile-home-movers/, they will be able to verify everything is in working order and get your new mobile home right to where you need it to go.
Thank you so much for reading Mobile Home Living!
Image Source: McGarry and Madsen
Sounds like they never turned in the title. I’m having the same issue. Now the title has been stolen causing massive problems getting a title. Illinois DMV is horrible they are no help at all…
I’m in a supposedly 1971 mobile home that doesn’t have a Data Plate and I’m unable to find the VIN. Long story short, there is no title to reference the VIN. The ONLY information on the entire trailer is an MHMA TCA plate with a number on it. What is that number?
Same situation, did you ever find a solution ?
how do you find the foundation number been told its 443…..
We purchased a modular home in 2006, already on-site and previously occupied. Now we are trying to refinance and the new bank wants proof it is off frame, which it is, but there is no data plate anywhere in this house. What can I do?
I purchased a double wide that has a data plate in the closet but the top half of it was damaged therefore I have no info as of the year of home. There is a number stamped on the cross beam 22A00401CG. There are also two hug tags on the outside RAD468211 & RAD468212. Can I get a new data plate with this info?
What if they are not in business as has happened with our Lake House. It was purchased the year before Fleetwood went Bankrupt and Cavco has no info.
You can search online, or contact the manufacturer if they are still in business.
I have the Info for a Manufacture home I need the floor plans to, How do I get the plans?
I found the data plate in the back with 3 letters And 6 numbers. Where can I go to look it up without costing me anything? And what exactly does the letters and numbers represent. I don’t mean to sound stupid but I don’t know what else because the paper that is supposed be in the trailer with all the I go is not. Please help.
I purchased a MANUFACTURED double wide with a serial number of 15173, in October 10,2005 and because of problems we were not able to move in until 4-12-06. When the left side of the house finally came we had many problems with that side, and I contacted Lifetime Homes, the company that we paid our deposit to, after we moved in to complain about all the things taht were supposed to be new, and HUD (in thier book by RITZ-CRAFT) that this section was refused because it was UN-SAFE to resale. Now I can’t find out from ANYONE where the second half came from. The home they applied to me had a service work order to be done, as early as 8-May-07 . Ritz-Craft won’t tell me where or what year it was built. LIFETIME MANUFACTURED HOMES to whom we paid our $15,000 deposit to said it is now after our WARRANTY ran out. We purchased a NEW HOUSE, from Lifetime Home ,not a used double wide with the second part by Ritz-Craft refused by HUD. I like to know how I can find the date the 2nd half was built. All the inspection dates listed in the Ritz-Craft, book they gave to us, was inspected the last date was 1999. How can i get help in this matter. The help I really need would like some one to tell me what to do with this matter. I contacted everybody including HUD.?
We were supposed to make settlement on a 1985 skyline manufactured home. They cannot find the tag anywhere. We were told we would have to pay a 3rd party to got to HUD. Is there any other way?
Can anyone give me any ideas how to sell a completely remodeled (gutted) mobile home made before 1976. We were told the bank will not loan on this even though it’s on a block foundation. Please help.
Going thru the same thing. Bank told us they won’t loan any money to our buyer on a manufactured home older than 1976. Ours is 1974 gutted and remodeled. Any help you can give us?
Maybe try a search at the DMV. Depending on your state that’s where it would be registered at.
Selling a 1974 model double wide..Home has been completely remodeled..all papers are missing..I do however know the serial number..Dont know the manufacturer name either..Realtor says bank wants vin number…Have been all over home searching for vin. no luck at all Any help ? Thanks
DUKE CROWN ROYAL Around 1972 My grandmother Purchased it as a repo used in 1972 In Michigan That’s all the info I have Any info you can send me please send it Through email or mail it to my address Would be very very appreciated Homeowners manual brochures from 1960 to 1980 Pictures manuals anything you can come up with please help to hear back from you soon thank you
I am trying to locate the vin number….i have the other info….serial – my95 95119k 7414 3b 2fb ck sa and a hud number- rad 786958 please help.
I would like to get a replacement manufactured home data sheet for my records, I have the plate that outside of my house. Where can I get a new one? Thank you
All I have is a hud tag how can I find out the rest plz help
Hi Cassie,
If the home has already been reclassified as real property you shouldn’t need that info for legal or real estate reasons (a simple ‘unknown’ should suffice) though your state may be different from mine. Once a home has been reclassified and taxed as real property it is no longer considered a manufactured home at all and that’s why your taxes went up substantially in 2007. Best of luck but you shouldn’t need any!
Hi CJ,
I’m so sorry this happened to you. However, a modular home is not a manufactured home – completely different rules apply to modular homes such as they must pass local inspections whereas manufactured homes do not (except electrical and plumbing but not structurally). It’s terrible that you were bullied. The entire banking system is rigged to help the banks and not the consumer.
Yes, that should be no problem.
Can I get a replacement hud tag if I have the vin number & serial number & title number
We bought a UDC Modular Home in 2002. Uniform Dwelling Code home with the illegally applied Inspection labels were they should be. The problem is we were never issued A Certificate of Occupancy. In 2017 the city were the house was placed on an 8ft wall permanent concrete foundation, was re-inspected by the city and the city refused to issue an CofO due to all the issues in the home, stating ” The house must be gutted to the studs and rebuilt in order to become legal to occupy and a permit issued”. We ended up in foreclosure and bankruptcy court due to the 18 years of litigation, only to here the Judge in our case ask the BANK, “How did you close the loan on this house without a certificate of occupancy”. We were bullied into a settlement that grossly benefited the bank, versus us being kicked to the curb literally!!!! WTF is wrong with this whole modular home scam!!!! HUD isn’t doing its job. This is a massive scam against innocent, unsuspecting buyers being sold a bag of b******t, and then getting beaten with the deceit that has occured.
WE ARE TRYING TO SELL OUR HOME IT WAS A MANUFACTURED HOME BUT WAS COMPLETELY GUTTED AND HAS DRYWALL, ATTIC, CRAWL SPACE. HAS BEEN TAXED AS REALESTATE SINCE WE BOUGHT IT IN 2007. ALL IT HAS LEFT FROM THE ORIGINAL IS THE BEAM DOWN TH MIDDLE THAT WE FOUND SERIAL NUMBER ON. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO FIND OUT WHO MANUFACTURER IS TO BE ABLE TO GET PAPER WORK FROM IBTS AND NO ONCE CAN HELP. WE HAD NO ISSUE WHEN WE BOUGHT THE HOUSE, SO WE ARE AT A LOSS AS OF WHAT TO DO.
Hi Jessica,
I’m really not sure as it depends on your state. Retirement could mean a couple of things: The first is that you are retiring the home so it will be classified as real property which usually means higher taxes but it’s much easier to sell. The second, which is what I think is happening, could just be retirement and reinstatement with a fresh title using VIN numbers provided by a third party (gov, cops, etc). They may require you to go through IBTS too. I’m not really sure. Those HUD plates are like gold though so that’s great you have them. You’re def one step ahead with those.
Sorry, I can’t be more help. Let me know how it all goes. Best of luck!
Hi Mary,
These kinds of issues are one of the worst for mobile homeowners. The red tape is insane when something is missing. This is the reason a lot of properties have to be purchased through personal loans or conventional loans – HUD, FHA, and the USDA are sticklers when it comes to tags, plates, and titles.
Contact your state agency that handles mobile homes and see if they have a form that would be acceptable to IBTS. Your location will play a huge role in this situation but the fact that you have data plates for the home should account for something. Worst case scenario, maybe you can sell the property with an ‘improvement’ on it without the mention of a factory-built home? Best of luck!
We purchased a mobile home at a foreclosure auction a few years ago and are in the process of selling it now. The HUD tag is missing and we ordered a Label Verification through IBTS and provided them with photos of the two data sheets that indicated model & serial numbers that were found inside. IBTS says they do not match their records and said they’d be cancelling our request. We are in escrow and cannot move forward. I’ve asked them what else they may need and have not received a response. Any idea how to go about this? Thank you in advance.
Hey so I purchased land an doublewide but apparently when trying to sell the home …they need titles retired for home …there not retired titles in a previous owner who was buying from the guy i bought from.. well turns out today trying to find a vin on trailer there isnt one. . So lawyer said call cops get vin replacement an than start process to retire it… my question now is .is it a good thing the vin cant be found? Is it gonna take a while to retire it? What are the steps? At that point can I sell it an someone get a loan? I do have HUD plates on each side
What year is your home? We purchased one new, in 2002, and it is 1710 sf, doublewide Fleetwood. It was about $125,000.00. Hope that helps.
Hi Justin,
You have the most important thing and that’s the HUD tags. Those are required if you ever want to sell the home and the buyer needs financing. In many states, they can reissue an identification number or they will just put unknown in the box for the serial number. It’s not uncommon for mobile homeowners to have issues like yours so many states have made a process for correction. As far as the title goes, could you maybe put a lien on it? A lost title is usually no problem at all. In WV, the seller would just need to go to the DMV and apply for a lost title and then once that was received the seller would sign it over to you.
Let me know how it goes. Best of luck!
Hi Lisa,
The whole titling method for mobile homes is a mess. I’m so sorry your son is another victim of the stupid laws and regulations that mobile homeowners are plagued with.
You may be able to pay IBTS to issue you a new Label Verification Letter to pacify the banks. It cost $50 but you used to be able to pay $150 for a rush order. Here is their website. .
Best of luck!
My son is having a horrible time selling his home. The township took the prior owners to court and a judge deemed it as a permanent fixtured and can be taxed as a regular property. The bank he has now when he went for a home equity loan demanded he applied for a lost title so he did. That satisfied them and they gave him a loan. Now he is trying to sell the home and every other bank including an FHA lender is requiring the original serial number. It’s gone all but the first 2 numbers on the frame. He already bought his home on a bridge loan – his current bank didn’t have any problem doing this. Now it is a hot mess. Any solutions – we live in the state of Michigan. No one ever alerted him that this would be an issue. He pays property taxes on his old home.
I began purchasing a mobile home in 2016, that was an owner carry contract, the contract reads title will transfer when contract is finished. I paid it off 6 months ago, but have had a terrible time acquiring the title from the seller. We finally got an attorney and are demading the title. My husband and i wanted to be certain the title matches the trailer when we finally get it…. so we removed the siding at the tongue mount, where we discovered a large section of the metal Beam was removed, this section would have had the serial number?
Its on what is suppose to be a 1978 Kingsbrook, but it could be a Kingswood. The trailer was completely gutted before i purchased it, all cabinets are long gone, as well as closets, and any other fixture that was originally in the home. It has Hud plates still intact on both sides.
Could the serial number be located somewhere else… and what would cause a Hud label to be covered over with a sticker that reads the same but says GF 11/19/96?
Can the trailer receive a new serial number?
Hi Krystal,
Go to the Facebook groups for vintage mobile homes and share a photo. They will be able to help, I’d bet money on it. Best of luck!
Trying figure out model name for .y trailer
Thank you, Chuck! I was just reading about IBTS – it’s the only company that is registered to work with HUD and there is apparently some controversy to it because they don’t accept bids for that contract – IBTS has had it since 1976. Kinda weird considering most all government relationships require open bids.
Thanks again!
Kristy,
I am a loan Broker and also worked as a lender in this industry for almost 40 years. You don’t necessarily need the HUD labels affixed to the home because HUD will not re-issue these. You will however, need a Data Plate. Most lenders and states require this to allow financing for this home. You’re in luck, although it will cost you a few bucks. Simply go to this website and order your new Data Plate https://www.ibts.org/ This is a government site and perfectly legit. I have sent hundreds of customers to this web site over the years so they too could sell their home. I also own a retail dealership and encounter a myriad of issues involving titles, appraisals etc. Since I just happened to stumble upon this site I will check in more frequently to help folks out!
Thank you so much, John!
Good morning Debbie,
I’ve had this exact issue before. Sort of. I work at a law office and handle the mobile home curative/conversion process on behalf of the lenders. Generally speaking, most lenders would like a physical inspection to verify the accuracy of the information. That being said, what they are requesting is unnecessary.
If the mobile home has been affixed and de-titled, it is considered a permanent fixture to the land and transfers with the land (via legal description).
Depending on your state, the requirements may differ. However, in Florida, the lender only needs: 1) Proof the mobile home has been retired/detitled. Usually, the DMV/Tax Collectors can provide a print-out. 2) An Affidavit of Affixation/Retirement which identifies the mobile home, it’s location and indicates the mobile home has been affixed.
3) Either the HUD Data Sheet (the piece of paper) or an IBTS Verification letter. More often than not, that is sufficient. However, in the event it’s not…a prior appraisal identifying the mobile home or a copy of the permit which usually provides some basic details of the mobile home should suffice. I’ve even reached out to the mobile home dealer in prior cases to obtain a statement which identifies which mobile home was purchased and what property it went to.
Regardless, at the end of the day, if the mobile home has been properly affixed, the lender should not be giving you such a hard time.
I’ll be honest, Debbie, this is over my head so hopefully, a realtor or finance expert will see your comment and chime in. Each state seems to do things differently. I understood that once the home is permanently installed and converted to real property that the title was surrendered and from then on it’s taxed and sold as real property. Once it’s taxed as real property that’s it – there’s no going back. That’s really all I know.
Apologies.
I own a 1986 Craftsman double-wide manufactured home. It was converted to real estate in 2011. The entire property was remodeled, the roof was raised, it was brick underpinned, new siding, and two additional rooms were added on. I am now trying to refinance and the bank is giving me the run around. The data plates and certificate of compliance are long gone. Nobody every told me my life would depend on them down the road. I know what the numbers were on the data plates because they are stated on a previous appraisal. I also know the serial numbers and model number. The bank says they must put their eyes on these numbers for themselves. It doesn’t matter that I know the numbers and a previous appraiser verified that they had seen the plates and document. Do you know if there are any lending agencies that would refinance without the physical data plates and compliance certificate?
Hi Barb,
If the home has been permanently installed on the land and it does sound like it is (about 25% of homes on private land are permanently installed) you would only have a deed in most states. In that case, you’d just sell the home through a realtor. Hope that helps!
Hi Liz,
It sounds like your previous owners had a real love for DIY projects! Don’t get overwhelmed! Just try to tackle one thing at a time. The 2x3s are probably original. Best of luck!
I’m pretty sure that would be classified as a RV. I don’t know anything about RV codes. Best of luck!
Hi Kristy,
There’s a lot of variables here but as long as you have the title you’ll be fine (the serial number should be on your title). You may be able to find the serial number on the chassis around the tongue.
(If you don’t have the title, please get one as soon as possible. This article about mobile home titles should help.
Best of luck!
Very informative article, and I so wish that I had seen this 5 months ago when we were painting. We bought our trailer with cash, so didn’t have to go through any of the financing.
Long story short…I had NO IDEA that the data plate was important until we are listing the property for sale. I’m almost 100% sure that we painted over the data plate on the cabinet door. I didn’t say DO NOT REMOVE or anything like that, and I thought, “who would put extremely important info on a piece of paper on a cabinet door?!” I don’t think that the trailer has the metal tag either (the previous owners put new siding on). I have no idea what to do. How would I go about finding the HUD number so that the potential buyers can get financing?
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me that there is something that I can do to fix my stupid mistake!
We are looking into building bunkhouses (for carnival/fair workers) which are 5th wheel and follow the fair circuit. Do these need a hud tag and if so where do we register for it and where do we buy them? Hope you can help.
We are going to sell our double wide home that sits on our lake lot. We will be selling it as a lake home. This home has been completely renovated, walls taken out, removed, etc and all cabinetry and sinks replaced. There is no HUD tag anywhere and there may be a serial number underneath (we have a crawl space). This is a 1991 model, we don’t know what company manufactured it. Is there any agency that can assist us to at least get a serial number so we can sell it and someone can get it financed?
Thanks!!!!!!!
Barb Platten
Hi Liz! Glad you found your data plate! It kinda sounds like your home did, in fact, have some prior owners that liked to do things they knew nothing about. It’s all fixable though! Unfortunately, it seems like the industry wants to limit any and all information to the public. They don’t release floor plans for older models for some reason.
Best of luck on your home! I’m sure it’s a great home and you will make it even better!
Hi Chrystal, you really have a vast amount of information and I really appreciate all of it. Awhile back I read this article and realized there was no data plate. This 1977 single wide “Buddy” has had a lot of things done to it, most of it poorly and for reasons I haven’t quite figured out. It’s been a constant neverending project. I keep telling myself, “be grateful! You have a roof over your head and it’s all mine… Good bad or indifferent”.
Walls have been moved, 2×3’s seem to be original, but they supplemented with 2×4’s thus explaining the wavy and crooked walls. Anyway, as I began to disassemble one, I discovered my data plate hidden behind some drywall. Surprise surprise!. Unfortunately it didn’t glean much information and I was disappointed. What I really want to know is what was the original floor plan and why so many changes?! I know I will never know! I can only imagine and speculate but I’m nearly certain prior owner(s) were on drugs, had no idea what they were doing and dyslexic (nearly all light switches are upside down) but that’s the least of my problems, Well, just wanted to share with you my discovery… Lol.
Hi ALicea,
I already answered this but my system says I didn’t so I’ll try again (sorry). You really shouldn’t need anything other than a title and your local DMV should be able to do that. Otherwise, you’re paying $150 for a certification and I really don’t think you need any of that. Just make sure the bill of sale states ‘as-is’ and you sign the title over.
Best of luck!
Hi Alan,
I’m not a certified installer so this is just my opinion as a homeowner but I would say 24″ would be about the lowest I would want. I really liked being able to duck walk under the back side our home. It made repairs a lot easier!
Sorry I can’t be any help!
I have recently purchased a piece of property which has a trailer on it. I am in the process of selling the trailer and do not have a title. I have found the sticker with a partial vin number on it and the DMV has not been able to help with a partial vin. I have the HUD id number which is still on the trailer. Can HUD supply me with the vin since I have the HUD id number?
Hi Kandace,
There’s not a whole lot you can do and since the home was built before 1976 I don’t think there would be a certificate of compliance. Unless you are trying to sell the home you shouldn’t need to worry about any of this, though. You would want to make sure you have a title produced through your state DMV to prove ownership (though, technically, titles are used as proof that the home could be transported on public highways).
Start by calling your state’s DMV and tax assessors office. One of them will be able to help you. Best of luck!
If a single wide 16×80 is set up on blocks or jacks (or both) what would you say is a maximum height from the ground ? I want to be able to comfortably get underneath if it needs work. I bought one in a rural area which was already set up but the ground wasn’t properly leveled. Working under the North end of the home was a real horror show. Hey ….. This is the best site I’ve ever seen about mfg homes ! :-)
You can delete or modify this part if you want: Would you send me a nice clear closeup of the paper data plate so I can read the fine print ? Thanks
Hi Reyna,
I’m pretty sure that unless you plan on selling the home I wouldn’t worry about it. The tags simply prove the home was properly inspected at the factory. In order to get a new one you will have to pay and it isn’t cheap (as stated above).
Best of luck!
We recently had a mobile home painted and the painter painted over the State issued tag. We tried cleaning it off but now the numbers and letters are gone. What can we do? Do we need to order a new tag?
Yes, I understand that there is one HUD label for each section. Titling used to be the same (one title for each section but most states have changed that to just one title per home now).
would a double wide have two hud labels affixed on the outside?
Hi Joan,
I had to research a lot for this post because I’m not that knowledgeable about it. I do remember reading that ULI was one of just a handful of inspection companies in the US. There is an inspector at every factory so I’d say that the numbers without ULI on it were built in a factory that had a different inspector/inspection company.
Sorry I can’t be more help.
Hi Sunshine!
I would love to ask you a couple of questions. I’m not that knowledgeable about mobile home insurance and titling/deeding and every little bit of info can help. Would you mind if I emailed you? (I’m Crystal, the founder of Mobile Home Living by the way).
Thanks so much for commenting!
Did you find out what your home was? I am in insurance and have a several things to look at to determine. The best way is that the home would have a Deed if Modular and a Title if Manufacturer.
I was researching a home with a tag number that started ULI. I found that it stands for Underwriter’s Laboratory. The only manufacturer that used ULI was Skyline, although not all Skyline homes have a number that begins ULI. Some are numbered differently.
Hi Glen,
I’m sorry but every home is different based on specs and location and I don’t have any way to look up your numbers. You may be able to get a range of manufactured home prices for the year your home was built from a consumer or government housing statistic site (HUD or US Census, maybe?). You may want to double check that your home is actually permanently installed – just because it has a nice skirting made of the block doesn’t necessarily mean it is installed permanently (tie downs are a more important aspect to installation). That will have a bigger impact on your taxes (at least in WV it does).
Best of luck!
I recently bought a Fleetwood 1680sqft double wide HUD label no. RAD965245 and RAD965246. It is on a private city lot with a block foundation. When I bought it I fixed it up and cleaned the brush and lot up to make it look nice…. the county assessor must have thought I did a good job because the property taxes more than tripled.. I am trying to find out how much the trailer cost new so I can show the assessor that it didn’t cost as much new as they say it’s worth now. Any idea where I can find that info. I’ve looked on the fleetwood web site and even call four different dealers to no avail.
Hi Linda,
I’m pretty sure they want you to pay the IBTS a couple hundred dollars to have the home certified (or recertified). Fortunatley, you can order it over the phone or on their website. Click here for the website and then click on more information.
Best of luck!
Hi Kaye,
Modular homes are different from manufactured homes because they must meet both local and national regulations. I’m not very knowledgeable about modulars unfortunately.
I would suspect that your bank knows best though. They have access to the Fannie Mae DO system and from what I’ve seen that system knows everything about housing. They can type in model numbers or whatever and bring up all the info about it (all manufactured homes must be inspected and recorded by a licensed HUD agent at the factory so that info ties in with the system).
You may find more info on that model at the Fleetwood website here.
Best of luck – let me know what you find out.
Hello,
I am trying to buy a home that the real estate agent says is a modular home. It is a Fleetwood Highland Park Model 5602L built in 1991 and on a permanent foundation (cinder block perimeter). The City officials say it is a modular home, but the bank disagrees and says it’s a manufactured home, not a modular. Is there any way to tell for sure?
Thank you!
My double wide is listed as real estate, but in trying to sell this home, HUD is asking for a tag. The house has been remodeled and no papers are in the house and they put siding on the home. I have checked with my counties personal property ,and real estate offices and they have no title. Any suggestions on how to proceed to get a tag?
Thanks, Linda
Hi James,
I’ve looked for a few minutes and I just can’t find any HUD tag or serial number that begins with ULI. I did find that ULI typically means Universal Loan Identifier in the housing world. I’m not familiar with ULI as being a factory inspection agency (which is what the first 3 letters on a regular manufactured home tag number represent). Sorry, I can’t help.
How do I find out who manufacted the home from the tag number? ULI 020988
Hi Vicki,
I have no idea how that could happen – it’s a new one on me! Has the taxes been paid since 1986? In my state (WV), a title is really just a certificate that states the tax was paid and the state has given the owners permission to transport the home but it is used to prove ownership. You’ll want to find out what your state requires to have the title transferred. Usually, a bill of sale will be all the proof you need.
The DMV or the tax assessors office should be able to help. Best of luck!
I went to the DMV to find a ‘lost’ title. My parents bought this doublewide in 1996. Long story short , our names were not on the title. Found out it is registered to someone else with the same serial# since 1998. How does this happen and what to do?
This is a seasoned and important article and I commend you for it. We are retired and now in Florida. Looking at the huge array of manufactured homes around Florida and have toured 4 factories to see their production. This is the first time we clearly was presented with the differences between manufactured Double-wide homes and Modular home clarification. Not one of the factories brought this to our attention.
In fact we found one really nice double wide home with an added room and front porch finished interior. However, When we asked about it being modular the sales personal stated no it a manufactured house. he was being honest there. He failed though to explain the difference and thus I began my research between Modular and Manufactured double-wide homes so I could be an educated buyer before investing $200,000.
As you stated it is overwhelming at times, but now even though I have been acquainted with some of the housing industry before you have provided some additions to the puzzle. Something that more people need to read before purchasing. Your article is appreciated and for your readers they need to graduate to reading and researching Appraisers evaluations of manufactured, Modular and site built homes.
Your investment and equity depends on your knowledge and how the appraisers classify Modular (not manufactured homes) the same as site built. Modular homes have an inside hidden seal designating higher quality workmanship and resale value whether frame on or frame off.
Hi Penny,
There are some good apps and software that will help you do that. Room Sketcher seems to be the favorite but you can Google floor plan maker and get a list of all of them.
Best of luck!
Hello I live in a 1987 Forrest park and need a a Digram drawing of the rooms and measurements of the inside of my trailer for getting a septic system put in
Hi Cathy,
It looks like Holly Parks closed. I found this: “Holly Park was part of the IBS network that is now closed. They produced great mobile homes and average modular homes. They had been increasing their focus towards modular homes which helped to increase their quality and options available to home buyers. We feel they best served mid-range home buyers. If they do reopen they would be worth a consideration.”
Usually, homes only have a 1-year warranty. Best of luck!
We recently bought a 2004 Holly Parks. I am trying to find their website to see if there is some warranty on the roof. Do you know if they are still around?
Hi Sue,
If you can’t find it at the link I shared on the bottom of the post you won’t find it online until someone kind soul uploads it (and that usually never happens). Sorry!
I recently bought a mobile home in the thumb of Michigan. The name on the unit is Academy and I was told that it was manufactured in 1969/1970. I am trying to find a manual for it, but I can’t find anything when I do an internet search on Academy Mobile Homes. Can you steer me in the right direction? Thanks for all of your help . . . your site is awesome for a new owner!!!!!!!!
Hi Katie,
It differs by state but in WV, you will pay $10 for a title search and just to be safe check your county/state’s DMV and or local record’s dept for a tax record.
Best of luck!
I have a certificate label and a serial number of a mobile home. How would you find out who holds the title?
Hi Debra,
It’s not easy finding manuals for manufactured homes and if you do find them they likely aren’t going to have the information you want. As far as sewer goes, that information is dependent on location and local code. The supply lines will have a single inlet, usually close to your water heater under the home.
We have a few manuals here that may help you. Water lines are fairly basic so there should be some useful information in one of the manuals.
Best of luck!
I recently purchased a used 1996 Norris mobile home. QWhere can i find a diagram or specs on the sewer and water lines
Hi Donna,
Most data plates are larger than 5×7 but that could be a good start. It may have your model number.
Unfortunately, your home is not likely to qualify for a reverse mortgage as federal regulations require manufactured homes to be built after 1990 (I could be wrong though). Here’s an article that may help you: https://mobilehomeliving.org/getting-a-reverse-mortgage-on-a-manufactured-home/
Best of luck!
I purchased a double wide last year. Paid cash. It was built in 1985.I recently applied for a reverse mtg loan. Unfortunately have been unable to locate hud tags in or out of the house.. Found a 5 x 7 form that has been painted over in master bedroom closet It appears to have raised letters Maybe metal Could this be what I am looking for?
Hi Jennifer,
Since your home was built in 1969 it is considered a mobile home and there were no codes or regulations required of the builders. The builders basically regulated themselves though there were some general suggestions that the mobile home association had but nothing was mandatory. There were no rules stating that data plates had to be used but a lot of state highway departments did issue titles as a certificate of transport. Buyers or transporters paid a fee to receive a certificate stating the home could be transported on the highway and people often used those as titles or certificates of ownerships.
Kropf was a well known and liked builder. They had a few models that were known for issues but in general, they were a trusted builder. Their designs were unique which is why they are one of my favorite vintage brands.
PS I would recommend that you have the home re-wired and new breaker box installed if you haven’t already. The products available now are far safer.
Thanks so much!
I own a 1969 Kropf double wide. So what about mobile homes like mine, that were manufactured prior to HUD standards?
Awesome! Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info! I have always wanted to know if my 1976 Artcraft was manufactured to HUD standards. 1976 is the first year they started(about half way into the year). Here the information was practically staring me in the face!
My Data Plate was located in the master bedroom behind the door that accesses the breaker box(which is not in a closet). Thought I would mention it in case it could help someone else.
Thanks for the awesome site!