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Trailer Title & Registration Checklist

Trailer registration checklist on clipboard sitting on truck dashboard
Print this checklist and bring it to your county title office.

Select your state and situation below, then print the personalized checklist to take with you to the DMV or county title office.

UtilityTrailerGuide.com — Trailer Title & Registration Checklist
Print and bring to your county title office or DMV

SECTION A — Standard Title Transfer (Private Seller)

  • Original title signed by seller on the back (NOT a photocopy)
  • VIN on title matches VIN physically on the trailer frame
  • No lienholder listed — or lien release letter in hand
  • Bill of sale: seller name, buyer name, date, price, VIN, trailer description, both signatures
  • Your state-issued driver's license or photo ID
  • Completed title application form (get from your county office)
  • Payment: title fee + registration fee + applicable sales/use tax

SECTION B — No Title Available (Bonded Title)

  • Written appraisal of trailer's current market value
  • Surety bond purchased for 1.5× appraised value (from licensed bonding company)
  • Original surety bond certificate (not a copy)
  • Bill of sale or any ownership documentation you have
  • Completed bonded title application form
  • Notarized affidavit of ownership (required in some states)
  • Your state-issued photo ID
  • Payment: title fee + bonded title surcharge + registration fee

SECTION C — Homemade Trailer

  • Builder's affidavit (notarized) — lists materials, dimensions, GVWR, construction date
  • Material receipts for major components: axle(s), frame, wheels, tongue, lights
  • 6+ clear photos: all four sides, tongue/hitch area, axle closeup
  • BRING THE TRAILER — VIN inspection requires physical presence
  • Completed title application (list Make as "HOME" or "HOMEMADE")
  • Your state-issued photo ID
  • Payment: title fee + registration fee (+ THP/inspection fee if applicable)

SECTION D — Inherited Trailer

  • Death certificate of previous owner
  • Letters Testamentary (if estate went through probate) OR Small Estate Affidavit
  • Original title (if available) OR duplicate title application
  • Your state-issued photo ID
  • Completed title application / transfer form
  • Payment: title fee + registration fee (tax exemption may apply — ask at window)

GENERAL REMINDERS

  • Go to the COUNTY TITLE OFFICE — not always the same as a standard DMV office
  • Bring exact change or check if unsure about card acceptance
  • Call ahead to confirm hours and whether appointments are required
  • Plates/registration issued same day; title certificate mailed in 2–6 weeks
  • Keep registration receipt in trailer until physical title arrives
  • Store the title certificate safely — NOT in the trailer

UtilityTrailerGuide.com — Free informational guides to utility trailer registration & titling — Not legal advice
Always verify current fees and forms with your county or state title office before visiting.

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