Trailers need a vehicle to actually move. That’s why many people can’t see why having a title and registration could be essential for them. Both documents, however, are important for trailers.
Ideally, you’d get the needed papers from the dealership you bought your trailer from. But that’s not always the case. What if you inherited a vintage trailer that’s been in the family for ages? What if you built it from scratch? Or the original papers were simply lost?
No worries at all, there’s a neat way to straighten this out. The coming sections are all about how to get a title for a trailer without a title.
Why Is Getting a Title Essential?
The title of any vehicle is credible proof of its ownership. Driving a car or a trailer doesn’t always mean rightful possession, that’s why a document is essential to differentiate legitimate owners from frauds.
Two particularly alarming situations are repossession by the previous owner, or, finding out the trailer was stolen.
Besides that, here are some other reasons why a title is important:
- To get the proper registration of the trailer
- To be able to sell it, rent it, or get a lien on it
- To move easily with it
- To get insurance for the trailer
- To avoid fines and financial penalties
- To make sure the trailer has no legal issues
How to Get a Title for a Trailer Without a Title
Basically, you need to get the documents that say your trailer is yours, has no pending financial obligations, and is not a part of any legal scams. You present these papers to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and then, they’ll give you the title.
Let’s get to the finer details:
Step 1: Check if Online Application Is Available
In our day and age, most services are available with the click of a mouse. By all means, save your time and effort, and check out if this option is viable.
Some DMV’s provide this option, and some don’t. It’s definitely worth a try to check the website of your state’s DMV website. You’d probably find some valuable information as well, that’ll most probably come in handy as you go about issuing the title for your trailer.
Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Documents
To apply for a new title, you’d need to present documents demonstrating ownership, vehicle safety for usage, and proof that the trailer is legally sound.
You could also track down the previous title, as there are usually digital records for trailers at the DMVs. Sometimes hiring a lawyer to handle this search is worth the effort. Their services could also be needed to clear up the legal situation of the trailer.
Step 3: Get Some Proof of Ownership
The bill of sale is the best document that proves your ownership of the vehicle. It includes all the necessary information about the trailer, the transaction, and the parties involved in the deal.
Sometimes, the trailer is made up of assembled pieces. In that case, the garage should provide separate bills for each part used in its assembly. Scrap trailers are built in a similar way, but their parts can’t be accounted for.
There are also situations, where there’s no document showing ownership. In that case, a notary should sign-off a document asserting the possession of the trailer. Two witnesses are also needed to testify to the same and provide their signatures.
Step 4: Get a DOT Inspection for Your Trailer
The Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection is mandatory in some states for title application. First of all, check if you have to do it or not.
This inspection is mainly to make sure that the trailer is safe for usage. This includes the safety of its occupants as well as the other drivers on the road.
They’d check
- The physical body of the trailer
- The functionality of all the lights
- The power of the brakes
- The state of the wheels
- The reflectors on both sides
The outcome of the inspection is either unconditional acceptance of the trailer as fit for the road or a recommendation to make some repairs, then re-apply for a new inspection.
This check is actually beneficial for you as well. Making sure that your vehicle is in good condition is always welcome.
Step 5: Take Your Trailer for a Weigh-In
You’d need to provide several technical details about the trailer, and one of them is the weight. This is often a step that needs some resourcefulness. So, where do people get their heavy objects weighed-in?
You can get your vehicle assessed at truck stops. That’s the most convenient solution. However, if the nearest one is too far off, look for a recycling facility. They often have that service as well.
Step 6: Get Your Trailer Insured
Having insurance for trailers is mandatory in some states. If that’s the case, then you’d need to pick a suitable insurance provider, then get the vehicle insured.
Even if this is not required by law, it’s often a good practice to get your valuables insured.
Step 7: Fill In an Application Form for the Title
This form is often available online, but it’s also downloadable. Print a blank and fill the required data manually, if that’s easier for you. You’d need to provide several details about yourself, the trailer, and where it came from.
You’d be prompted to give the model and make of the trailer, the year of manufacturing, mileage, and of course, the vehicle identification number (VIN).
The application form usually requires every piece of information related to the trailer. You’d need to provide proof for all the data you fill in. You’d also have to sign the form and write your name and date of application.
Documents are your friend in such cases, and if you submit a neat application, with all the required papers, you should get your title within 30 days.
What’s Next?
After receiving a sparkly new title, you can get your trailer insured, pay the personal taxes, then get it registered as a legit vehicle under your sole ownership!
You could also sell it, rent it, or take it on a long trip of exploration and leisure.