What to do before a mobile home move

Before the move

TDHCA says any lienholder must be paid off or give written consent to the move.

Oklahoma requires ad valorem taxes and special assessments to be paid before a move within a county or to another county.

TDHCA's buyer tips say to confirm the new site has enough access to avoid damage during transport.

Zoning, covenants and utility connections should be checked and permits obtained before the home arrives.

A city setup permit checklist (Kyle, Texas) asks for a data plate rubbing or photo, engineered anchorage and foundation plans, and a gas test if gas is used.

In Missouri, a home recorded as affixed to land needs a severance filing with the Department of Revenue to get a title again.

Sources: Get the move permit first; Pay property taxes before moving; Check site access; Local setup permits may need the data plate; Homes recorded as real property

Permits and paperwork by state

Texas: the mover gets a $40 TxDMV single trip permit, and the owner files for a new Statement of Ownership with a copy of it.

Oklahoma: taxes must be paid and the current decal shown before the move permit is issued.

Missouri: an affixed home needs a recorded severance and a new title before it is personal property again.

Tennessee: no home over 16 feet wide moves, and the permit is issued in the owner's or carrier's name.

Arkansas: one state permit covers each move, and cities and counties may not add their own.

Sources: TxDMV, Manufactured Housing Single-Trip Permits; Oklahoma Tax Commission, OAC 710:10 Ad Valorem rules (2024); Missouri DOR, Manufactured Homes; TDOT Rules 1680-07-01 (2017); ArDOT permit rules 001.00.14 (Cornell LII copy)

Check the home's papers

Check the data plate: a home cannot be installed in a wind zone stronger than it was built for.

Note the HUD label numbers before the move. HUD does not reissue lost labels.

Sources: 24 CFR 3285.103; HUD, Manufactured Housing HUD Labels (Tags)