Each section of a manufactured home built in the U.S. after June 15th, 1976, is required to have a HUD Certification Label (also called a “HUD tag” or “red tag”) affixed to the exterior wall. It's located near the bottom of one of the short sides of a single-wide home, near the corner, and on the short side of each section of a double or triple-wide. The tag is bright red when new, but the color fades away over time.

   It's stamped with three letters that identify the state where it was manufactured, followed by a six-digit serial number. But it is not unusual to find that the tag(s) are missing on an older mobile due to being covered over by new siding or a home addition. 

    If the HUD tag is missing and you need the number for financing or any other issue, you can find it by contacting the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS). See our blog post What is a "HUD label verification letter" for a mobile/manufactured home? for more info on label verification letters. 

    The HUD tag number can also be a valuable resource for finding out information about the construction of the home if the HUD Performance Certificate (paper sticker inside home with complete data on manufacture) is missing. The IBTS can provide you a duplicate performance certificate, if it is missing too, when you provide them with one of the HUD tag numbers for the home. There is a cost for this service, of course. 

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manufactured/mobile homes? 
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Here’s links to some of our other blog posts about MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES:

• Where can I file a complaint if I have problems with my new or used manufactured/mobile home in Florida?

• What are the most common defects in mobile/manufactured home foundation piers?

• How do I determine the age of a very old mobile home?

• What is a "HUD label verification letter" for a mobile/manufactured home?  

• When did a ground cover vapor barrier (plastic sheet) become required under a mobile/manufactured home? 

• Are older mobile homes unsafe? 

• What do I need to know about buying a foreclosed mobile home? 

• Does it make sense to buy an older mobile home and remodel it? 

• Where do I find the vehicle identification number (VIN) on a mobile home? 

• How do I find out how old a mobile home is and who manufactured it?

• What is the right price for a used mobile home?

• How energy efficient is a mobile home?

• When were the first double-wide mobile homes manufactured?

• How do I upgrade my old (pre-1976) mobile home to meet HUD standards?

• What size air conditioner is right for my mobile home? 

• Can you move an older mobile home in Florida? 

• What does the HUD tag look like and where do I find it on a mobile home? 

• Can you put a zone 1 mobile home in Florida?

• How can I remove water under my mobile home?

• What's the differences between a trailer, a mobile home, a manufactured home, and a modular home? 

• What is a D-sticker mobile home? 

• What are the tie-down requirements for a mobile home?

• How fireproof is a mobile home?  

• Can I install a mobile home myself?

• What is a Park Model mobile home?  

• Does an addition to a mobile home have to comply with the HUD Code? 

• What walls can I remove in a mobile home?

• What can I do to prevent dampness and mold in my mobile home? 

• How can I tell if a mobile home is well constructed?

• How can I tell the difference between a manufactured home and a modular home?

       Visit our MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES  page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.