Mobilehome title work has its own state desk

Start by checking the decal, current title, registration card, tax status, and HCD record. Do this before a sale, gift, lien release, or other title change. Health and Safety Code section 18100.5 generally gives you 20 days to notify HCD. That rule applies when a registered ownership or security interest is transferred or released.

Use HCD’s transfer steps for the exact transaction. For a sale, a home with an “L” decal generally needs a county tax-clearance certificate. An “A” decal uses different tax papers. Estate, lien, involuntary, and no-sale changes may need other papers. Do not reuse a private-sale packet without checking.

There is a different path for some homes on permanent foundations. Once the approved foundation is in place and the title and registration are canceled, HCD no longer registers the home. Local real-property and county records then matter.

HCD title work does not settle every issue. It does not decide park-tenancy approval, land ownership, escrow, or local permits. If the record does not match the actual home, pause the transfer. Contact HCD Registration and Titling and the county office involved.