How to Locate Your Mobile Home’s Serial Number and Model Info

If you’ve ever tried to look up details about your manufactured home (aka mobile home), like the model name, square footage, or builder, you’re not alone. Many homeowners discover serial numbers or partial identifiers in cabinets, closets, or on older paperwork, only to find themselves unsure where to turn next. Whether you’re hoping to refinance, restore an older home, or simply learn more about your property, finding and understanding your home’s serial and model number is the key to unlocking its history.

Here’s what to know, and where to look, if you’re tracking down details about your manufactured home.

Where to Find the Serial Number

Manufactured homes built after 1976 are required by federal law to have a serial number (also called a VIN) permanently affixed to the home. It may be found in a few different places:

• Steel frame under the home: Look at the crossmember—the horizontal steel beam at the front of the home where the hitch was attached during transport. The serial number should be stamped into the metal and be about 3/8” in height. It may be hidden by rust, paint, or skirting, so bring a flashlight and wire brush.
• Inside the home: Look for the data plate, a paper document typically mounted in one of the following spots:
  • Inside a kitchen cabinet
  • On or inside the main electrical panel
  • In a bedroom closet
  • Behind a laundry room door or utility cabinet

This data plate contains useful information including the manufacturer, model, year of construction, wind zone, and often the serial number.

What Is a HUD Label?

Manufactured homes built after 1976 also include a HUD certification label, a red metal plate attached to the exterior of the home. For multi-section homes, each section will have its own HUD label. These labels indicate the home was constructed in accordance with federal HUD standards and serve as official certification.

The HUD label typically includes:

• The manufacturer’s name
• Date of manufacture
• Serial number or label number
• Certification it meets federal construction and safety standards

Can You Look Up a Serial or Model Number Online?

Not directly. There isn’t a public-facing online database for manufactured home model numbers. However, if you do have your serial number or HUD label number, you can request verification information—including the manufacturer, date of manufacture, and location of build—through the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), the federal monitoring contractor for HUD housing.

To request this information:

• Call IBTS at (703) 481-2010
• Visit https://www.ibts.org for their label verification services

No Paperwork? Try These Options

If you’ve purchased a used or inherited home and no longer have the original documents, here are a few ways to uncover details:

• Local building department or county assessor: Many local agencies keep records of manufactured homes, including serial numbers, permits, and tax assessments.
• Insurance documents or loan paperwork: These often include serial or model numbers, especially if the home has been financed or insured in the past.
• Contact a local dealer: Builders use unique serial number formats. An experienced manufactured home dealer may be able to identify the builder or model based on your serial number.
• Reach out to online forums: Communities dedicated to manufactured housing often have veteran owners and professionals who may recognize a serial number format or model style.

What If You Need an Owner’s Manual?

For older homes, especially those from now-defunct manufacturers like Detroiter or early Champion models, it may be difficult to find official owner’s manuals. There is no central archive for legacy documents, but many owners rely on community forums or DIY resources for help. If you know the brand and approximate year, asking in a dedicated manufactured home group may connect you with someone who has similar information or advice.