How to Register Your Trailer
In general, the procedures to register and title a light-duty trailer are the same as registering and titling a vehicle. (Light-duty trailers include boat trailers, ATV trailers, and snowmobile trailers, camper trailers, utility trailers, and other small trailers.)
However, there are some differences
- insurance is not required for non-commercial trailers
- there are special requirements to register a custom or homemade trailer
- there are machines and other devices that are similar to trailers or that look like trailers that don't need to be registered (see Trailer-type Vehicles Not Requiring Registration (PDF) (MV-274))
Prepare Your proofs
You can use the DMV Registration Guide to determine what documents you need to apply and then find office and reservation information.
Fees
The annual fee is $5.39 for every 500 pounds or fraction of 500 pounds, maximum gross weight, with a minimum annual fee of $14.38. The fee is prorated on a daily basis.
You may also need to pay taxes and plate fees.
Title for Trailer
The DMV issues titles for trailers that are
- over 999 lbs
- model year 1973 and newer
Trailers under 999 lbs or older than model year 1973 will be issued a transferable registration as proof of ownership.
Special Equipment
Inspections
Your trailer must have an annual safety inspection. A DMV-licensed inspection station that inspects passenger vehicles and other light-duty vehicles can inspect a trailer. The inspector will give you the inspection sticker. Carry the inspection sticker in the vehicle that tows the trailer.
Insurance
DMV requires insurance for commercial trailers. This includes agricultural class vehicles and trailers registered with an agricultural registration.