Manufactured Home HUD Tags, Labels, Serial Numbers, And Data Plates | Mobile Home Living (2023)

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.

Topics

  • The 2 Labels and 2 Numbers Every Mobile Home Owner Should Understand
    • Manufactured Home HUD Tags
    • Certification Label Number
  • Manufactured Home Data Plates 101
    • A Data Plate is Just a Piece of Paper
    • The Data Plate will include the following information:
    • HUD Label Number
  • Where is the Data Plate Located?
  • How to Get a New Data Plate or ‘Performance Verification Certificate’
    • Institute for Building Technology and Safety
  • Manufactured Home Serial Numbers 101
  • What Does Each Digit Mean in the Serial Number?
    • Conclusion

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:

Manufactured Home HUD Tags, Labels, Serial Numbers, And Data Plates | Mobile Home Living (1)
(Video) Hud Tags and Data Plates. Are they REALLY that important?

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.

Manufactured Home HUD Tags, Labels, Serial Numbers, And Data Plates | Mobile Home Living (2)

Certification Label Number

Per HUD’s online portal, the first three lettersmean:

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 the3 Levels of Manufactured Homes Quality and Pricehere.

Manufactured Home HUD Tags, Labels, Serial Numbers, And Data Plates | Mobile Home Living (3)
(Video) Lost Mobile Home Titles | No Data Plate | No VIN | No HUD label

Manufactured Home Data Plates 101

A manufactured homeData Plate isn’t a plate, it’s a sheet of paperinside 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:

Manufactured Home HUD Tags, Labels, Serial Numbers, And Data Plates | Mobile Home Living (4)

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;

(Video) How To Find The VIN Number On A Mobile Home Frame

(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 plateattached 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
Manufactured Home HUD Tags, Labels, Serial Numbers, And Data Plates | Mobile Home Living (5)
Manufactured Home HUD Tags, Labels, Serial Numbers, And Data Plates | Mobile Home Living (6)

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 aboutmanufactured home inspectionhere.

(Video) How do you find the vin # on an old mobile home

Manufactured Home HUD Tags, Labels, Serial Numbers, And Data Plates | Mobile Home Living (7)

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.

Manufactured Home HUD Tags, Labels, Serial Numbers, And Data Plates | Mobile Home Living (8)

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:

Manufactured Home HUD Tags, Labels, Serial Numbers, And Data Plates | Mobile Home Living (9)
  • The first three digits representthe 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 likehttps://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!

(Video) How to find the Data Tag or Vin Number for a Mobile Home.

Image Source: McGarry and Madsen

FAQs

What is the label number on a mobile home? ›

The label numbers can be found on a data plate inside the home in one of three locations: on or near the main electrical panel, in a kitchen cabinet, in a bedroom closet. The data plate has a map of the United States to let the consumer know the Wind Zone, Snow Load, and Roof Load for which their home was built.

How many digits is a serial number on a mobile home? ›

Identification number- This set of 6 numbers that represent the home's serial number. Section code- This letter informs you if the mobile home has more than one section. Single-wide houses with just one section do not have a section code.

How do I find the serial number on my mobile home? ›

Your mobile home VIN number is often found: On the data plate inside your home. Stamped on your mobile home's steel frame.

Is the serial number and VIN number the same on a mobile home? ›

1) There is a paper sticker on the interior of all mobile homes manufactured since June of 1976, called the “data plate,” which lists the VIN number (also called the serial number), along with other facts about the manufacture of the home.

What is a data plate on a manufactured home? ›

According to federal manufactured home construction rules, any manufactured home should come with a data plate. This is a sheet from the manufacturer that provides standardized information at a glance about the manufactured home, such as when and where it was made and what kinds of equipment it includes.

What information is on a HUD certification label? ›

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. Each label shall be marked with a 6 digit number which the label supplier shall furnish.

Is a manufactured number the same as a serial number? ›

Lot numbers identify products that were manufactured at the same time as a batch, while serial numbers are unique to each product. These identification numbers are useful in product recalls, inventory management, and product compliance identification.

Does a mobile home have a VIN number? ›

Although not a vehicle, every mobile home has a VIN number. Your mobile home VIN number serves as a birth certificate of sorts for your home. It's a several digit serial number that identifies various details of your home.

What if I can't find the VIN number on my mobile home? ›

If your VIN isn't on the interior of your mobile home, then it's time to check the exterior. There's a steel skirt that surrounds your property. Walk around and look for the triangular tow that transports your mobile home. Your VIN might be located on that.

How do I find out the year and model of my manufactured home? ›

The mobile home manufacturer and model names can be located by using the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) label, which is located on the exterior of the mobile home, compliance certificate or data plate. (The data plate is located on the inside of the home.)

What is the Blue Book on a mobile home? ›

Simply put, a 'blue book' is a book that contains all the pricing information for most, if not all, models of a certain type of item. They act as a guide to produce a quote for a specific model based on certain criteria. For example- a model, year, make, condition, etc.

What identifies a manufactured home? ›

The only difference between the two types of homes is the date they were built. According to HUD, a factory-built home prior to June 15, 1976 is a mobile home and one built after June 15, 1976 is a manufactured home.

What is the difference between a HUD data plate and HUD certification label? ›

That's because nearly all mortgage lenders require the manufactured homes they finance to meet HUD safety standards that were enacted on June 15th, 1976. HUD tags certify that the home meets those standards and data plates (also known as compliance certificates) list out all of the details of the manufactured home.

How do you tell the difference between a modular home and a mobile home? ›

The primary difference between modular and manufactured homes is that modular homes are held to the same local, state and regional building codes required for on-site homes. Manufactured homes are held to a federal code set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and have the ability to move.

What does a data plate mean? ›

Data plate means the engraved metal plate attached by an aircraft manufacturer which contains the make, model, and serial number of the aircraft for registration.

What is the purpose of a data plate? ›

Data plates are identification tags that are found in a wide variety of industries. Regardless of the industry you are in, you may find that there is a need for durable metal plates. These plates can be used to outline instructions, indicate potential hazards, or showcase other key information.

Where is the data plate located on a trailer? ›

As a quick summary, remember that the VIN number on a trailer is likely found: On a metal plate near the tongue. Near an axle on the frame. On the inside or underside of the frame near the front.

What if the HUD data plate is missing? ›

What if a Label or Data Plate Is Missing? Unfortunately, HUD does not reissue labels for manufactured houses. However, lenders can obtain verification letters with the same information from HUD's contractor, the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS).

What is a HUD 1 document? ›

The HUD-1 Settlement Statement is a document that lists all charges and credits to the buyer and to the seller in a real estate settlement, or all the charges in a mortgage refinance. If you applied for a mortgage on or before October 3, 2015, or if you are applying for a reverse mortgage, you receive a HUD-1.

What is a HUD quality control inspection? ›

Complaint inspections occur when a tenant, owner, or member of the public complains about the condition of an HCV housing unit. Quality control inspections examine a sample of housing units within a give PHA's jurisdiction each year and occur throughout the year.

What is HUD on mobile home? ›

Manufactured homes are constructed according to a code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Code). The HUD Code, unlike conventional building codes, requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a permanent chassis.

Does a modular home have a HUD tag? ›

All Factory Built Homes, both HUD and Modular homes, have a Data Plate permanently attached to them when they are constructed. a. Many times, Data Plates may have been painted over or removed during home renovations after the initial sale of the home.

How old is my mobile home? ›

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that a manufacturer place a large information sticker, called a “data plate,” on the interior of every mobile home manufactured since June 15th, 1976—and that's where you find out.

What do serial numbers tell you? ›

Serial Numbers. A serial number (SN) is a number assigned to each individual product in order to distinguish that product from all others. The serial number is sometimes used only for warranty control and sometimes used for both warranty control and for version control.

Can a serial number tell you when something was made? ›

The 1st three numbers of your serial number will always provide your manufacture date. The 1st number is the YEAR of manufacture; the 2nd & 3rd numbers indicate the MONTH of manufacture.

What information is in a serial number? ›

Typically serial numbers are created sequentially, and have segments recording different types of information, such as where a product was created, the date of manufacture, and any other data deemed useful within the product's lifecycle, from assembly and distribution, right through to repair and replacement.

Where is the HUD label located on a mobile home? ›

The HCD insignia(s) or HUD label(s) is required to be located on the rear exterior wall at the lower left corner of the unit or on the exterior wall immediately adjacent to the main door.

Where is VIN number on motor home? ›

For towable recreational vehicles, travel trailers and fifth wheels, you will find the VIN number metal plate or on the Federal certification label. The label is typically on the left front corner (lower roadside) of the RV somewhere near the bottom of the sidewall.

Do all modular homes have serial numbers? ›

All manufactured homes and buildings will have a serial number and label permanently affixed verifying compliance with the applicable federal or state codes. Licensees should look for this compliance label and serial number.

Why would a VIN number not be found? ›

1) You may have mistyped the VIN. Verify the VIN you are entering is correct. You can find the VIN on your title/registration documents or get the VIN directly from the vehicle's dashboard or driver's side door jamb. 2) You may have entered a VIN with invalid characters.

Where else can a VIN number be found? ›

The VIN can often be found on the lower-left corner of the dashboard, in front of the steering wheel. You can read the number by looking through the windshield on the driver's side of the vehicle. The VIN may also appear in a number of other locations: Front of the engine block.

Is a serial number the same as a VIN? ›

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (also known as a serial number) is a 17 character code of letters and numbers that identifies your vehicle. You can find your VIN in several places: On top of the dashboard on the driver's side.

How do you tell a manufactured home from a modular? ›

The main difference between manufactured and modular homes is that manufactured homes are built to the national HUD code, while modular homes are built to all applicable state and local building codes. This is similar to the way traditional site-built homes are constructed.

How do you get a lost title for a mobile home in Michigan? ›

If your mobile home title is lost, you may replace it by processing a duplicate title application at a Secretary of State office. When there is joint ownership on a title, only one of the owners must appear and sign the duplicate title application. An Appointment of Agent form from the co-owner is not required.

What increases the value of a mobile home? ›

Cost-effective fixes, such as painting the interior and exterior, updating plumbing and lighting fixtures, and adding new cabinets and new appliances, are budget-friendly fixes that can make a manufactured home more attractive to buyers.

What is the silver label on a mobile home? ›

the presence of a Silver Label signifying the home has been inspected and all unregistered electrical alterations have been checked for safety.

How long does a good mobile home last? ›

While the average life expectancy of a mobile home is 30 to 55 years, you can still outlast that number. This is best done if you ensure the installation is done properly, choose the right location, and generally adhere to maintenance practices.

What is a trailer label? ›

trailer label A sentinel that occurs at the end of data organized in sequential form, e.g. on magnetic tape. Trailer labels typically include summary statistics of the data, e.g. the total number of records in the file. A Dictionary of Computing. "trailer label ."

How do I find out what year and model my mobile home is? ›

How to Determine the Year of a Mobile Home
  1. Look for the data plate, which is included on all mobile homes built after June 1976. ...
  2. Read the information on the data plate, looking particularly for the date of manufacture. ...
  3. Look inside the toilet tank for a date stamp if you feel the home was manufactured before June 1976.

What does a yellow sticker on a trailer mean? ›

Towing Over 4,500 kg (9,900 lbs.)?

If you happen to tow something in Ontario that is more than 4,500 kg (9,900 lbs.) you will need a special permit. Most people refer to it as the 'Yellow Sticker'. The official name is the Commercial Vehicle Operators' Registration (CVOR).

What does a star on a trailer mean? ›

Safety Ratings. NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings help consumers compare vehicle safety when searching for a car. More stars mean safer cars. Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating.

Does tongue weight count against payload? ›

For trailering purposes, tongue weight (the downward weight the trailer exerts on the hitch) counts against the payload. You're not likely to see GVWR listed on a website, but curb weight and payload are easy to find, particularly for trucks.

What is the difference between manufacturer home and mobile home? ›

The Difference Between Mobile and Manufactured Homes

The only difference between the two types of homes is the date they were built. According to HUD, a factory-built home prior to June 15, 1976 is a mobile home and one built after June 15, 1976 is a manufactured home.

What is the stuff under a mobile home called? ›

Undercarriage: The undercarriage is the bottom part of the home that protects the insulation and keeps out moisture and pests. There are other parts under a manufactured home that may also be called the vapor barrier, mobile home belly, mobile home belly board, underbelly, bottom board and more.

How do you prove a manufactured home has not been moved? ›

Relocated mobile homes are called “second set” in the industry. To verify, go to the Institute for Building Technology and Safety website at ibts.org to find out where the home was originally delivered.

How can you tell if a modular home is a manufactured home? ›

Modular homes are transported to the site in sections and are NOT dependent on I- beams, which are typically removed after delivery. Floor joists with and, they support the units permanently and cannot be removed. If you see metal beams, it is likely a MANUFACTURED HOME.

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