Plain-language, step-by-step guides for every state. Whether you bought a trailer with no title, built one yourself, or just need to know what forms to bring to the DMV — we've got you covered.
Jump straight to the guide that fits your situation.
Bought a trailer with no paperwork. Here's how to establish a legal title from scratch.
Read the Guide →Homemade trailers need a VIN assignment and inspection before they can be registered.
Homemade Trailer Guide →What to verify before you hand over cash — and the exact steps to transfer title after.
Private Seller Checklist →What your bill of sale must include to satisfy your state's DMV — and what gets you rejected.
Bill of Sale Guide →If the title is lost or the seller can't produce one, a bonded title may be your best path.
Bonded Title Explained →Received a trailer through an estate? The titling process is different — here's what to do.
Inherited Trailer Guide →Registering a trailer you bought or brought in from another state has extra steps.
Out-of-State Guide →You own the trailer and have proof — you just need a duplicate title. Here's the fastest way.
Lost Title Replacement →Select a state to see its specific forms, fees, and titling rules.
Interactive tools to get your answer faster.
Select your state, trailer type, and situation. Get a personalized checklist of exactly what you need.
Open Tool →Estimate registration and titling fees by state and trailer weight before you go to the DMV.
Estimate Fees →Download a printable, state-specific checklist to bring with you to the county tag office.
Get Checklist →The most-searched questions about trailer titling, answered completely.
Most people confuse these two. Here's what each document does and which one you actually need.
Read →Older or homemade trailers often lack a VIN. Here's exactly how to get one assigned.
Read →Weight exemption thresholds vary by state. Some trailers under 1,500 lbs don't require a title at all.
Read →Auction paperwork is different from private sales. Here's what's accepted and what to do if it's missing.
Read →How often you need to renew, what states require, and the fastest way to do it online.
Read →If the previous owner financed the trailer, there may be a lien. Here's how to clear it before you register.
Read →It depends on your state and the trailer's weight. Most states require a title for trailers over a certain gross weight — commonly 1,500 lbs, but the threshold varies from 500 lbs (Vermont) to 4,000 lbs (some states). Some states, like South Dakota and Montana, do not require titles for utility trailers at all — only registration. Use our Requirement Finder or check your state's guide to confirm.
You have several options depending on your state: (1) Ask the seller to obtain a duplicate title before the sale closes — this is the cleanest path. (2) Pursue a bonded title, which requires a surety bond equal to 1–1.5× the trailer's appraised value. (3) In some states, a properly documented bill of sale combined with an affidavit allows you to apply for a new title directly. Read our full guide on registering a trailer with no title.
Homemade trailers require a few extra steps before they can be registered. First, your state's DMV (or in some states, a highway patrol officer) must inspect the trailer and assign it a state-issued VIN. You'll typically need to provide a materials receipt or builder's affidavit showing you built the trailer from scratch — not from a wrecked titled trailer. After VIN assignment, the titling process is the same as any other new title application. See our homemade trailer guide for state-specific details.
At minimum, you'll need: (1) the signed-over title from the seller (seller signs on the back, buyer fills in purchase info), (2) a bill of sale in states that require it, (3) proof of your identity (driver's license), and (4) payment for title transfer and registration fees. Some states also require a notarized signature on the title, odometer disclosure (even for trailers), or a safety inspection. Check your state's page for the exact list.
Registration fees vary widely — from around $10–$20/year in states like Wyoming and North Dakota to $75–$150+ in states like California and New York. Title transfer fees typically run $15–$55. Use our Fee Estimator for a state-specific estimate based on your trailer's weight class.