Question on Trailer Registration

Brandi* · Jan 26, 2008

I am looking at buying a small enclosed trailer. The man said that he has the title paperwork and that the trailer is registered but that he lost the registration paperwork. Is the registration paperwork easy to get a copy of at the DMV? Is this something I can do once I have the trailer or is this something that I should require him to provide before I buy the trailer. It has plates on it and he says it is current but he just lost the paperwork. I am supposed to go look at it tomorrow and he is at least 2 hrs away so if I like the trailer I want to take it on the first trip. If the registration paperwork is something that I def. need him to provide me with then I will wait until he gets the paperwork.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated

NoddalottaFarm · Jan 26, 2008

I believe it depends on your state. I live in Illinois and all you would need to register the trailer is the trailer's title. Actually, in Illinois, you can register just about *anything* has home-made, and they will 'create' a title for you. This can be scary when you see some of the things on the road!

Check your local DMV website and see if they have any information on it. Good luck!

JanBKS · Jan 26, 2008

Yes in most states you will need a title, the seller can go to DMV and request a duplicate all he needs is his old paperwork with the tag number on it.

But depending on your state, same as Ill does, MI you don't need the title just weigh the trailer and get a title from them, our's is for life.

check your with your DMV they will tell you, most states have a phone number on there site you can call that will be local to you.

Gini · Jan 26, 2008

Brandi

In Az all we needed was the signed and notorized title we didn't even have the registration. I know in AZ the old owner usually sends in the registration to the state showing the sale of the vehicle.

Gini

Brandi* · Jan 26, 2008

Thanks for the info guys

My husband printed out a transfer of ownership form online and said that I need to have the owner fill it out and sign it. It sounds like as long as the tittle is in his name we should be fine. I just like to make sure things are on the up and up

Katiean · Jan 26, 2008

In Utah all you need is a weight cert. if the trailer is under a certain weight ( I think 500lbs). In Nevada if the trailer is home made you take it to DMV and they give it a VIN number and you get title. I don't know about other states.

dangerranger · Jan 27, 2008

I went through this a couple of years ago,[ here in CA.] I needed the vin #, and a statement from the owner that he had lost his paperwork. the statement he gave me had the vin # and the plate # on it. they had me bring the trailer in to verify the #s, charged me $35 for a perminant plate.[ I dont have to renew it unless I move or sell it.] it was very simple! DR.