HUD label lookup and the data plate
Every HUD code home carries a metal HUD label on each section and a paper data plate inside. HUD does not reissue lost labels, but its contractor IBTS issues label verification letters that lenders such as Fannie Mae accept.
The HUD label
The HUD certification label, often called a HUD tag, is a metal plate attached to the outside of each section of the home.
It is about 2 by 4 inches, etched on aluminum, and held with 4 blind rivets or drive screws so it is hard to remove without defacing it.
It sits at the taillight end of each transportable section.
Each label number is a three letter prefix naming the inspection agency followed by six digits, for example RAD 000001. Labels on one home may or may not be in sequence.
Sources: HUD, Manufactured Housing HUD Labels (Tags); 24 CFR 3280.11
The data plate
The data plate is a paper sheet about 8.5 by 11 inches inside the home, usually in a kitchen cabinet, near the electrical panel or in a bedroom closet.
It lists the plant that built the home, the serial number and model, the date made, the HUD label numbers for each section, major factory installed equipment and the wind and roof load zones.
Federal rule 24 CFR 3280.5 requires it near the main electrical panel or another readily accessible, visible spot.
Sources: HUD, Manufactured Housing HUD Labels (Tags); 24 CFR 3280.5
The serial number
The serial number, which identifies the maker and the state where the home was built, is stamped into the foremost cross member in letters at least 3/8 inch high.
On a multi section home the serial number carries A/B for a double wide or A/B/C for a triple wide.
HUD does not issue VINs. In some states the serial number and VIN are the same; the state motor vehicle or housing agency can help.
Sources: 24 CFR 3280.6; HUD, Manufactured Housing HUD Labels (Tags)
Missing labels: the verification letter
HUD does not reissue missing labels. It can issue a Letter of Label Verification when it can find the home's history.
Label verification letters are requested from the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), HUD's contractor. IBTS's label department answers at (866) 482-8868.
IBTS's manufactured housing page sends homeowners, real estate agents and brokers to its online request page for label verification and data plate or performance verification certificates.
HUD sends all questions about expediting a label verification request to IBTS.
If neither the label nor the data plate is on the home, HUD suggests checking earlier financing paperwork, where a lender may have recorded the label numbers.
A duplicate data plate may be available from the In-Plant Primary Inspection Agency (IPIA) and the manufacturer.
Sources: HUD, Manufactured Housing HUD Labels (Tags); IBTS, Manufactured Housing
When lenders and states ask for it
HUD's own FAQ is written for owners who cannot sell or refinance because the label is gone.
Fannie Mae requires photos of the original data plate or the HUD labels on existing homes, and both on new construction. Otherwise the lender must get a label verification letter or duplicate data plate from IBTS, or the loan is ineligible.
The alternative Fannie Mae accepts is a label verification letter or duplicate data plate from IBTS.
Texas requires a HUD label or a Texas Seal on the home before it is sold to a consumer, and its ownership forms identify the home by HUD label or serial number.
Missouri's Department of Revenue suggests sending the HUD label numbers to HUD to find a missing serial number for titling.
Sources: HUD, Manufactured Housing HUD Labels (Tags); Fannie Mae Selling Guide B2-3-02; TDHCA, Statement of Ownership FAQ; Missouri DOR, Manufactured Homes FAQ
Sources and dates
- HUD, Manufactured Housing HUD Labels (Tags), read October 6, 2026https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/manufactured-home-labels
- 24 CFR 3280.11, read October 6, 2026https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/24/3280.11
- 24 CFR 3280.5, read October 6, 2026https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/24/3280.5
- 24 CFR 3280.6, read October 6, 2026https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/24/3280.6
- IBTS, Manufactured Housing, read October 6, 2026https://www.ibts.org/manufactured-housing
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide B2-3-02, read October 6, 2026https://selling-guide.fanniemae.com/sel/b2-3-02/special-property-eligibility-and-underwriting-considerations-factory-built-housing
- TDHCA, Statement of Ownership FAQ, read October 6, 2026https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/frequently-asked-questions-statement-ownership
- Missouri DOR, Manufactured Homes FAQ, read October 6, 2026https://dor.mo.gov/faq/motor-vehicle/manufactured-homes.html
Request a label verification letter
IBTS takes label verification and data plate requests online. We link to it; we have no part in the request.
Request a label verification letterCommon questions
Where is the HUD label on a mobile home?
It sits at the taillight end of each transportable section.
How do I get a replacement HUD label?
HUD does not reissue missing labels. It can issue a Letter of Label Verification when it can find the home's history.
Who issues a HUD label verification letter?
Label verification letters are requested from the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), HUD's contractor. IBTS's label department answers at (866) 482-8868.