Official trailer title rules by state

Last checked: May 20, 2026

Use this directory when you want the official state source behind the checker. Click any state to see the homemade-trailer path, no-title path, bill-of-sale rules, VIN-inspection requirement, and the source URLs we used.

→ Use the checker for your state

State directory (alphabetical)

StateTitle agencyWeight threshold 
AlabamaAlabama Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle DivisionConfirm at agency

Open Alabama Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

For homemade trailers that DO require titling under Alabama law (i.e., not utility trailers and built on or after January 1, 1975), Alabama issues an Assigned VIN plate that the owner attaches to the trailer. The owner then takes Form INV 26-2 with the trailer to a designated agent (county license plate office, licensed Alabama dealer, or a bank/credit union) for inspection and title application.

No-title path

Alabama offers a bonded-title path: applicant submits an electronic request via the MVTRIP portal (Form MVT 10-1A). Upon approval, the applicant gets Form MVT 10-1 to be completed with a surety company, then has 90 days to apply for title through a designated agent.

State-specific notes

Utility trailers are exempt from titling per AL Code §32-8-31(11). Travel/folding camping trailers >20 model years old are also exempt. Homemade trailers must be built on or after Jan 1, 1975 to be eligible. Horse/cargo/boat coding is conservative inference from the utility-trailer umbrella; high-value owners should confirm with their designated agent.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Alabama

AlaskaAlaska DMVConfirm at agency

Open Alaska DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Alaska homebuilt trailers use Form 819 (Affidavit of Homebuilt Trailer), notarized by the builder, plus a weight slip, DMV VIN inspection (free at DMV offices), bills of sale for components, and Application for Title & Registration. DMV assigns a VIN.

No-title path

Bonded (surety) title is the no-title path for any trailer over 500 lbs lacking proof of ownership. Bond amount is 1.5× the appraised value via a three-year non-cancelable surety bond or cash deposit. House trailers and manufactured homes need a title but not registration.

State-specific notes

Alaska titles all trailers (no weight exemption), with a 30-day window from sale. Bonded-title rule kicks in for any trailer over 500 lbs without ownership proof. House trailers and manufactured homes require a title but not registration.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Alaska

ArizonaArizona MVDConfirm at agency

Open Arizona MVD ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Arizona requires a Level I VIN inspection plus a bonded title application (Form 40-1003) when the builder lacks receipts for essential parts valued over $1,000. Standard title applications use Form 96-0236 with builder documentation.

No-title path

Bonded title via Form 40-1003 is the no-title path. Arizona does not offer a registration-only path for trailers — all road-used trailers must be titled.

State-specific notes

Arizona titles trailers regardless of weight; the 10,000-lb GVW figure is the permanent-registration fee tier ($125 ≤10,000 / $800 >10,000), not a title threshold. Apply within 15 days of purchase.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Arizona

ArkansasArkansas DFA — Office of Motor VehicleConfirm at agency

Open Arkansas DFA — Office of Motor Vehicle ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Arkansas requires title and registration for trailers regardless of weight. For a privately built trailer, gather receipts/bills of sale for the major parts, complete the Vehicle Registration Application, and apply through a DFA Revenue Office within 30 days of completion.

No-title path

Arkansas does not publish a registration-only path for trailers. If no title exists, confirm acceptable proof-of-ownership documents (notarized bill of sale, prior registration) with a DFA Revenue Office before paying.

State-specific notes

AR titles + registers all trailers regardless of weight, with a hard 30-day deadline from transfer or lien release. Bonded-title path not documented in Tier-1 sources — operators with missing titles should confirm acceptable proof with the local Revenue Office before paying. VIN inspection limited to out-of-state branded titles per AR law.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Arkansas

CaliforniaCalifornia DMVConfirm at agency

Open California DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

California uses PTI / trailer registration forms and may require REG 343, REG 31, REG 256, and REG 4017 depending on the trailer and paperwork. Confirm the exact path with DMV before buying a no-paperwork trailer.

No-title path

California PTI trailers can have an electronic ownership record, and a paper Certificate of Title is not automatic in every PTI case. If the seller has no title, confirm the PTI/title record and transfer forms with DMV before paying.

State-specific notes

Do not use the common 1500-lb brake/equipment threshold as a title threshold. California trailer titling depends on PTI, trailer coach / park trailer classification, legal owner, and whether the owner requests a paper title.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for California

ColoradoColorado DMVConfirm at agency

Open Colorado DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Request Assigned Identification Number at county motor vehicle office using DR 2409 (Statement of Assembly of Homemade Trailer); complete DR 2697 Certification of Equipment Compliance; Certified VIN Inspection by Colorado State Patrol; for trailers ≤2,000 lb without ownership docs, DR 2908 'In Lieu of Bond' checklist.

No-title path

Colorado titles all trailers regardless of weight. For untitled trailers ≤2,000 lb, DR 2908 'In Lieu of Bond' affidavit is available. Bonded title path applies for higher-weight trailers without ownership documents.

State-specific notes

Colorado titles ALL trailers regardless of weight. Weight slip is required at titling when trailer is ≤2,000 lb (and for some out-of-state ≤2,000+ lb edge cases). Certified VIN Inspection by Colorado State Patrol is a stricter standard than the more common VIN Verification.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Colorado

ConnecticutConnecticut DMVOver 3,000 lbs

Open Connecticut DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Confirm at agency
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Connecticut classifies a trailer as homemade if assembled from two or more used trailers, or from three or more fabricated/replaced components (axles, body, fenders, 50%+ of frame, suspension springs/pins). All homemade trailers must be inspected and a VIN assigned at a DMV Safety Inspection location before titling/registration.

No-title path

Trailers with GVWR up to 3,000 lbs are registration-only and exempt from titling. For higher-weight trailers missing ownership documents, Connecticut accepts a surety bond (Form H-113) under CGS §14-176; the bond runs for five years at twice the vehicle's value.

State-specific notes

Trailers over 3,000 lbs GVWR AND newer than 20 years old must be titled; below either threshold is registration-only. DMV-issued state VIN is standard for homemade builds.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Connecticut

DelawareDelaware DMVConfirm at agency

Open Delaware DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Confirm at agency
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Confirm at agency
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Delaware titles homemade and specially constructed trailers under a marked title (the words 'reconstructed,' 'specially constructed,' or 'homemade' appear on the document). A state-issued serial number can be assigned when the manufacturer VIN is missing or invalid.

No-title path

Delaware does not publish a customer-facing bonded-title path for trailers. Trailers missing title documentation should contact the DMV titling unit directly; all trailers must be titled before they can be registered.

State-specific notes

Delaware titles ALL trailers — no weight exemption. Trailers >4,000 lbs need a brake/safety inspection every two years; ≤4,000 lbs are exempt from renewal inspection but still must be titled.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Delaware

District of ColumbiaDC Department of Motor VehiclesConfirm at agency

Open DC Department of Motor Vehicles ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

No DC-specific homemade-trailer documentation is published. Default path: follow standard DC vehicle title + registration with VIN inspection 'if applicable' per third-party guides. Call DC DMV at 202-737-4404 before building or buying a homemade trailer for DC registration.

No-title path

Bonded-title path generally available in DC via licensed surety bond; trailer-specific process not documented by DC DMV. Contact DC DMV before purchasing the bond.

State-specific notes

RULES COMPILED FROM NON-OFFICIAL SOURCES (DC DMV general vehicle pages, DC Code sections, third-party DMV guides, surety-company bonded-title pages). DC DMV does not publish trailer-specific titling guidance; trailers follow the standard car title + registration path with fees varying by weight class only. Homemade-trailer documentation in DC is not published — call DC DMV at 202-737-4404 before paying. Outstanding DC government debts (parking tickets, taxes) must be cleared before titling. Trailer fee schedule changes 2026-03-30 — verify current rates on DC DMV site.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for District of Columbia

FloridaFlorida HSMVOver 1,999 lbs

Open Florida HSMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Form HSMV 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title) plus weight slip + manufacturer's certificate or builder's statement. FL assigns VIN via Form HSMV 82042. Homemade trailers ≤1,999 lbs follow the same registration-only path as other light trailers.

No-title path

If under 2000 lbs and no title exists, FL allows registration-only with bill of sale. Over 2000 lbs requires bonded title via HSMV 82033.

State-specific notes

Boat trailers under 2000 lbs are registration-only in FL — common gotcha for out-of-state buyers expecting a title.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Florida

GeorgiaGeorgia DOROver 2,000 lbs

Open Georgia DOR ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Not required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Georgia does not issue titles for homemade trailers. Path is Form T-23 Homemade Trailer Affidavit (notarized) at the County Tag Office, then a county-assigned serial plate that a Georgia law enforcement officer certifies as permanently riveted.

No-title path

Trailers 2,000 lbs or less, boat trailers (any weight), pole trailers, fifth wheels, and homemade trailers are exempt from titling in Georgia. Path is bill of sale + County Tag Office registration.

State-specific notes

GA exempts trailers under 2,000 lbs, boat trailers (any weight), pole trailers, fifth wheels, and homemade trailers from titling. Homemade path is T-23 affidavit + serial plate, never a title.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Georgia

HawaiiCounty motor vehicle offices (no statewide DMV)Confirm at agency

Open County motor vehicle offices (no statewide DMV) ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Yes
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

COUNTY-DEPENDENT. Honolulu (Oahu): historically MVC/RECON station VIN appointment + intentional-fail safety inspection + certified-scale weigh + CS-L(MVR)14 + receipts for major components + satellite city hall reg + passing safety inspection — but multiple 2021+ user reports indicate Oahu RECON has stopped issuing VINs for homemade trailers per state AG liability decision; verify before building. Kauai: notarized bill of sale + DFL-1 + MVC VIN appointment + weigh + safety inspection + receipts still published. Maui + Hawaii County: similar published workflows; confirm with the county finance office.

No-title path

Existing-registration trailers transferred via prior-owner Certificate of Registration + bill of sale at county office. Bonded-title path for HI trailers not surfaced — call your county before assuming it exists.

State-specific notes

RULES COMPILED FROM NON-OFFICIAL SOURCES (county clerk-equivalent pages, Kauai PDF, Honolulu CSD page, user blog from 2016 with 2021 update, multiple boating forum threads). Hawaii has NO statewide DMV — each of 4 counties (Honolulu/Oahu, Maui, Hawaii/Big Island, Kauai) handles titling and registration independently. Forms differ by county (CS-L(MVR)14 on Oahu vs DFL-1 on Kauai vs DMVL-590 on Maui). Multiple 2021+ user reports indicate Honolulu RECON station has stopped issuing VINs for homemade trailers per a state AG liability decision — Kauai still publishes a working homemade workflow as of 2020 revision. If you're building or buying a homemade trailer in Hawaii, call your county finance/MVR office FIRST before investing — the process may be effectively unavailable on Oahu. The 10,000 lb threshold is an INSPECTION threshold (county vs State DOT), NOT a title threshold. Confirm forms and fees with your county before paying.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Hawaii

IdahoIdaho Transportation Department — Division of Motor VehiclesOver 1,999 lbs

Open Idaho Transportation Department — Division of Motor Vehicles ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Confirm at agency
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Confirm at agency
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Trailers with an unladen weight of 2,000 lbs or more are titled: apply for state-assigned VIN; VIN inspection by county assessor agent or peace officer (ITD 3403); submit Application for Idaho Vehicle/Vessel Title (ITD 3172). Trailers under 2,000 lbs (≤1,999 lbs) get registration-only — no title issued.

No-title path

Registration only at county DMV for utility/travel trailers with an unladen weight under 2,000 lbs. Trailers 2,000 lbs and over (including boat trailers) require titling per Idaho Code §49-501; missing titles route through ITD's title-replacement process with the prior owner.

State-specific notes

Idaho's 2,000-lb unladen-weight threshold is the load-bearing rule: under 2,000 lbs = registration only (no title); 2,000 lbs and over = title required (per Idaho Code §49-501). Stored threshold is 1,999 (last-exempt) since the engine treats the value as the maximum exempt weight. Concession trailers titled regardless as of Jan 1, 2024. Bonded title path not confirmed in Tier 1 sources — omitted.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Idaho

IllinoisIllinois Secretary of StateConfirm at agency

Open Illinois Secretary of State ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Form VSD 190 (Application for Vehicle Transaction) with surety bond if no title. IL assigns VIN.

No-title path

Surety-bond title path: file Application for Vehicle Transaction VSD 190 with a bond at 1.5× appraised value (Power of Attorney attached by the issuing insurer). See the Secretary of State's Titles Obtained by Bond fact sheet (rtopr26) for the current procedure.

State-specific notes

IL bonded-title path uses Application for Vehicle Transaction VSD 190 plus a surety bond at 1.5× appraised value. The previously cited 'Form VSD 597' does not appear in the IL SoS forms catalog and has been removed; use the rtopr26/rtopr23 fact sheets for the canonical procedure.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Illinois

IndianaIndiana BMVConfirm at agency

Open Indiana BMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

For a homemade trailer in Indiana, you must first obtain an MVIN (special identification number) from the BMV Central Office. Required: Physical Inspection by law enforcement on State Form 39530, receipts/bills of sale for the major component parts, and an Application for Certificate of Title. After the MVIN is assigned and affixed, complete the title application at a BMV branch.

No-title path

For a utility trailer purchased before January 1, 1990 (or a pop-up trailer purchased before July 1, 2016), Indiana does not require a title — register using the Trailer Ownership Affidavit (State Form 43753). For untitled trailers valued at $5,000 or less, the Affidavit of Ownership path may apply.

State-specific notes

Indiana titles trailers by default but carves out two specific historical exemptions (utility trailers purchased pre-1990; pop-ups purchased pre-July 2016). Homemade trailers route through the MVIN assignment process — the law-enforcement Form 39530 inspection is the gating step, not a routine VIN verification.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Indiana

IowaIowa DOT — Motor Vehicle DivisionOver 2,000 lbs

Open Iowa DOT — Motor Vehicle Division ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Homemade trailers with an empty weight over 2,000 lbs require an Iowa DOT inspection for titling — bring bills of sale/receipts for all major component parts and a scale ticket showing the trailer's empty weight. The Iowa DOT will assign and affix a VIN, then the title application is completed at the county treasurer's office. Homemade trailers 2,000 lbs or less are registration-only per §321.123.

No-title path

Trailers with empty weight 2,000 lbs or less are exempt from titling under Iowa Code §321.123 (registration-only at the county treasurer's office, bill of sale acceptable). For trailers over 2,000 lbs without a prior title, Iowa's bonded certificate of title path applies — confirm the bonding amount and documentation with the county treasurer before paying.

State-specific notes

Iowa's 2,000 lb threshold applies specifically to homemade trailers triggering Iowa DOT inspection — it is NOT a general title-or-not cutoff. Iowa titles trailers in general; the threshold gates the inspection requirement for self-built trailers. Bonded title is explicitly mentioned for trailers built by others when no documents can be obtained.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Iowa

KansasKansas Department of Revenue — Division of VehiclesOver 2,000 lbs

Open Kansas Department of Revenue — Division of Vehicles ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Always required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

For a homemade trailer in Kansas, complete the Specially Constructed Vehicle Affidavit (Form TR-91) plus an MVE-1 inspection at a Kansas Highway Patrol station, with bills of sale/receipts proving ownership of the major component parts. Apply for title at the county treasurer's motor vehicle office.

No-title path

Kansas allows trailers with operating weight ≤2,000 lbs to be sold on a bill of sale at the owner's option (titling and registration are optional below this threshold). For bill-of-sale-only purchases the trailer must pass an MVE-1 inspection at a Kansas Highway Patrol station before titling.

State-specific notes

Kansas trailer rule combines an optional-titling weight band (≤2,000 lb operating weight) with a mandatory MVE-1 Highway Patrol inspection for any bill-of-sale-only or out-of-state-titled trailer. The MVE-1 is a real gate — it's NOT a routine VIN verification. 60-day registration window from purchase.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Kansas

KentuckyKentucky Transportation Cabinet (titles via county clerks)Confirm at agency

Open Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (titles via county clerks) ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Form TC 96-182 marked 'specially constructed' + notarized statement + receipts for major components (frame, axle, wheels, lights) + VIN inspection by certified inspector at sheriff's office ($15 at office, ~$35 mobile dispatch). Take inspector certification to your county clerk to complete title application.

No-title path

Bonded-title route via a Kentucky-licensed surety company (title bond filed with county clerk). Affidavit-of-ownership path also reported in user forums but less consistently documented.

State-specific notes

RULES COMPILED FROM NON-OFFICIAL SOURCES (KRS reading, LegalClarity guide, Four Winds Trailers, county-clerk practice notes, surety-company bonded-title pages, forum reports). Kentucky does not publish a consolidated trailer-titling matrix at the agency level — title processing routes through county clerks via TC 96-182. Per KRS 186A.070, all trailers must be titled within 15 days regardless of weight; the '2,000 lb exemption' cited by some third-party sites does NOT appear in the statute. Confirm with your county clerk before paying — practice varies by office and enforcement of in-state-only untitled small trailers is loose.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Kentucky

LouisianaLouisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)Confirm at agency

Open Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Yes
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

For a homemade or shop-built trailer, gather notarized bills of sale and/or receipts for the major component parts and apply through a LA OMV office. OMV policy section 107.00 covers homemade trailers; confirm the current shop-built packet with OMV before assembling paperwork.

No-title path

Louisiana requires a notarized bill of sale or notarized act of sale as ownership evidence — a plain (un-notarized) bill of sale is not enough. If no title exists, ask OMV which evidence path applies to your specific trailer type before paying.

State-specific notes

Louisiana is the notable bill-of-sale-must-be-notarized state. Title transfers require either a notarized title assignment or a notarized act of sale/bill of sale (executed before a Louisiana notary public, which has broader civil-law authority than in common-law states). Plain bills of sale from other states will be rejected.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Louisiana

MaineMaine BMV (Secretary of State)Over 3,000 lbs

Open Maine BMV (Secretary of State) ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Confirm at agency
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Maine assigns a VIN to homemade or specially constructed trailers via Form MVT-6 (Application for Assigned VIN, $33 fee). If the trailer is 25 model years or newer and subject to Maine title law, the owner must also file Form MVT-2 (Application for Certificate of Title).

No-title path

Trailers with unladen weight up to 3,000 lbs are registration-only and not titled in Maine. For trailers over the threshold missing ownership documents, Maine accepts a Motor Vehicle Title Surety Bond on Form MVT-18.

State-specific notes

Title threshold is 3,001 lbs unladen AND model year 1995 or newer. Camper trailers and semitrailers have their own dedicated registration pages with overlapping rules.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Maine

MarylandMaryland MVAOver 5,000 lbs

Open Maryland MVA ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Yes
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Maryland uses VR-198 (Application for Assigned VIN) for homemade trailers and the MVA may require notarized bills of sale and receipts for all parts and labor. Trailers with GVW 5,001 lbs or more must go to the Glen Burnie branch on Tuesdays 8:30 AM–1:00 PM for VIN assignment by the Maryland State Police Auto Theft Unit.

No-title path

Maryland does not publish a general bonded-title path on the trailer page. Without a properly assigned title or MCO, expect to go through the homemade/assigned-VIN process (VR-198 plus notarized proof of parts and labor) before MVA will issue a title.

State-specific notes

5,000 lb is a process split (where you go), not a title-required threshold — Maryland titles trailers across types and weights. VR-181 must be notarized when the vehicle is under 7 model years old and sold below NADA book value. State Police VIN assignment at Glen Burnie is by appointment window, not walk-in.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Maryland

MassachusettsMass RMVOver 3,000 lbs

Open Mass RMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Trailers ≤3,000 lbs GVWR are exempt from titling and get a Pseudo VIN from the RMV at registration. For trailers >3,000 lbs, use the RMV title application path with parts receipts, weight documentation, and any assigned-VIN paperwork the RMV requires.

No-title path

Trailers ≤3,000 lbs GVWR are not issued a title in Massachusetts — registration-only with a Pseudo VIN assigned by the RMV. For trailers >3,000 lbs without a title, confirm the RMV's evidence path before paying.

State-specific notes

Trailers ≤3,000 lbs GVWR are title-exempt in MA — registration-only with Pseudo VIN assigned by the RMV (rule effective Nov 12, 2019). Prior pre-launch removal of this threshold was a mistake; the 3,000-lb cutoff is current and confirmed via mass.gov-hosted VIN checklist for trailers under 3,000 lbs.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Massachusetts

MichiganMichigan SOSOver 2,499 lbs

Open Michigan SOS ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Always required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Form TR-54 (Vehicle Number and On-Road Equipment Inspection) + bill of sale for parts. State Police inspection assigns VIN. Homemade trailers ≥2,500 lbs require titling; under 2,500 lbs need registration only.

No-title path

Trailers under 2,500 lbs are registration-only (no title). For trailers 2,500 lbs or more without title: Form TR-205 (Self-Certification of Ownership) is available ONLY for vehicles already titled in Michigan that are at least 10 years old AND valued at $2,500 or less. For newer or higher-value trailers without a title, Michigan uses court orders (no surety-bond title path).

State-specific notes

MI titles trailers 2,500 lbs and over; trailers under 2,500 lbs are registration-only. Travel trailers / RVs / pop-up campers / fifth-wheels always require title regardless of weight. All trailers must still be registered with the SOS to operate on public roads.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Michigan

MinnesotaMinnesota DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services, Dept. of Public Safety)Over 4,000 lbs

Open Minnesota DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services, Dept. of Public Safety) ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

For a homemade trailer with gross weight ≤4,000 lbs, Minnesota does not require a title — register through a deputy registrar. For homemade trailers >4,000 lbs (or with a lien, or with a prior title), apply for a title using the Application to Title/Register a Vehicle along with bills of sale/receipts for the major component parts.

No-title path

Minnesota does not title trailers with gross weight ≤4,000 lbs unless there's a lien or a title was previously issued — these are registration-only through a deputy registrar. For untitled trailers above the threshold, the DVS No Proof of Ownership title path applies.

State-specific notes

Minnesota's 4,000-lb gross-weight cutoff is the title-or-not gate. ≤4,000 lb = registration-only (with permanent registration sticker available); >4,000 lb OR any trailer with a lien OR any trailer that was previously titled = full title required. Bonded title path not surfaced in Tier-1 sources for trailers specifically — use DVS no-proof-of-ownership process instead.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Minnesota

MississippiMississippi Department of RevenueOver 4,999 lbs

Open Mississippi Department of Revenue ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Mississippi assigns a VIN to homemade trailers via the MS Assigned Vehicle Identification Number Plate process. Once the plate is attached, the owner takes Form 78-602 to a designated agent (local county tax collector, dealer, or bank) and applies for a Certificate of Title.

No-title path

Mississippi offers a Certificate of Bond path for vehicles without a title. For trailers under 5,000 lbs GVW (which are below the title-required threshold), proof of ownership is typically established with a bill of sale or MCO at registration without titling.

State-specific notes

5,000-lb GVW is a true required-vs-optional title threshold in Mississippi (effective 1999), not just a fee-scaling step. Boat trailers under 5,000 lbs CAN be voluntarily titled — useful for resale. Trailers over 5,000 lbs MUST be titled. Title applications go through designated agents (county tax collectors, dealers, banks), not directly through DOR offices.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Mississippi

MissouriMissouri Department of RevenueConfirm at agency

Open Missouri Department of Revenue ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

For a homemade trailer in Missouri, gather bills of sale/receipts for the major component parts, apply for title using Form 108, and expect special inspection requirements at the Missouri State Highway Patrol. No sales tax applies to a self-built trailer at titling. Apply within 30 days of completion to avoid the $25/30-day late-title penalty.

No-title path

Missouri's bonded title path uses Form 108 (Application for Missouri Title and License) submitted to DOR or Missouri State Highway Patrol with the bond. For trailers bought from out-of-state sellers in states that don't title trailers, a bill of sale is accepted as proof of ownership.

State-specific notes

Missouri requires titles for trailers regardless of weight, with a hard 30-day deadline ($25/30 days late penalty up to $200). Bill of sale signatures generally don't need to be notarized for routine transfers, but DOR requires notarization for major component parts on rebuilt vehicles and when specifically requested. Bonded title is available via Form 108.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Missouri

MontanaMontana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice)Confirm at agency

Open Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice) ↗

Bill of sale accepted
No
Bill-of-sale notary
Confirm at agency
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Apply for State-assigned VIN; Level 2 VIN inspection by MT DOJ employee or peace officer (Form MV20, $18.50); then submit title application to Vehicle Services Bureau.

State-specific notes

MVD sits under MT Department of Justice (not a standalone DMV). Trailers register permanently. Bill of sale is supplemental — Montana title transfers via signed title itself, not bill of sale.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Montana

NebraskaNebraska DMVOver 9,000 lbs

Open Nebraska DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

For a self-assembled trailer in Nebraska, complete the Affidavit for Self-Assembled Trailer with notarized bills of sale and/or authentic receipts for the major component parts. Take the trailer to the local County Sheriff for inspection ($10 fee, 90-day validity). If no VIN exists, submit an Assigned ID Number Application ($20) with the inspection and supporting docs to DMV Driver and Vehicle Records. Once the assigned VIN plate is affixed, the County Treasurer issues the title.

No-title path

Utility trailers with a gross weight (including load) of 9,000 lbs or less are exempt from titling in Nebraska — owners may register without a title (or request a title at their option). For trailers without proof of ownership, Nebraska offers a Bonded Certificate of Title path.

State-specific notes

Nebraska has a notably generous 9,000-lb gross-weight title exemption for utility trailers (owner-option titling below). Self-assembled trailers route through County Sheriff inspection + DMV-assigned VIN. Bonded title is explicitly available for trailers without proof of ownership. Titles issued at County Treasurer offices, not directly through DMV.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Nebraska

NevadaNevada Department of Motor VehiclesConfirm at agency

Open Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Confirm at agency
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Confirm at agency
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

State-specific notes

Nevada titles ALL trailers regardless of weight. The 1,500-lb mark commonly cited is a brake-equipment threshold (service brakes on all wheels for trailers manufactured after July 1, 1975), NOT a title threshold. Under 1,000 lb gets a smaller plate but still requires title. Trailers must register in person, not online. Bonded title and homemade-path details not confirmed in Tier 1 — omitted.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Nevada

New HampshireNew Hampshire DMVOver 3,000 lbs

Open New Hampshire DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Confirm at agency
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Confirm at agency
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Homemade trailers under 3,000 lbs gross weight need a VIN verification (Form TDMV 19A) completed by an authorized NH inspection station, dealer, or law-enforcement officer. Homemade trailers over 3,000 lbs receive a DMV-issued VIN that the owner affixes to a clean metal surface on the trailer.

No-title path

Trailers with gross weight under 3,001 lbs are listed as exempt vehicles and are not titled in New Hampshire — registration only. Vehicles model year 1999 or older are also generally title-exempt; for these, the seller provides a notarized bill of sale plus prior NH registration or out-of-state title.

State-specific notes

NH titling is initiated at the town/city clerk, not the DMV. Title also waived for model year 1999 or older (with heavy-truck exceptions). Combined effect: many used trailers in NH never receive a title at all.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for New Hampshire

New JerseyNew Jersey MVCOver 2,499 lbs

Open New Jersey MVC ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Yes
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

New Jersey treats homemade trailers under 2,500 lbs unladen as registration-only (no title). Homemade trailers at or above 2,500 lbs must be titled like any manufactured trailer, with a certified weight slip attached to the registration application.

No-title path

Trailers under 2,500 lbs unladen are registered without a title — acceptable proof of ownership is the bill of sale plus registration. For >2,500 lb trailers purchased without an NJ title, owners use the MVC's Improper Evidence of Ownership Procedure (a 12-step mail-only process through the Foreign Title Unit).

State-specific notes

NJ requires a NOTARIZED SELLER STATEMENT (a separate form containing year/make/VIN/date/price with both signatures notarized) — NOT a literal notarized bill of sale and NOT notarization on the title's assignment block. The titleAssignmentNotaryRequired flag is set so the checker tells users to meet at a notary at transfer, which is the right action even though the specific document is the seller statement, not the title assignment. NJ does NOT operate a traditional surety-bond bonded title — the equivalent path is the Improper Evidence of Ownership Procedure run by the Foreign Title Unit.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for New Jersey

New MexicoNew Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (Taxation and Revenue Department)Confirm at agency

Open New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (Taxation and Revenue Department) ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Confirm at agency
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Confirm at agency
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

MVD assigns a New Mexico Assigned Number; owner die-punches/stamps it 8 inches from the ball hitch on the left tongue frame; MVD employee performs visual inspection; submit MVD-10015 (Affirmation for Specially Constructed Vehicle) and MVD-10053 (Vehicle Equipment Affirmation).

State-specific notes

Three trailer-plate types: regular, recreational travel trailer, freight (only when towing-unit + trailer combined weight > 26,000 lb). Non-commercial trailers under 6,001 lb GVW eligible for permanent registration. Bonded title path not confirmed in Tier 1 sources — bondedTitleAvailable omitted.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for New Mexico

New YorkNY DMVOver 999 lbs

Open NY DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Form MV-82 plus original receipts for parts. NY assigns VIN at the DMV office. Inspection by police/DMV may be required for homemade or rebuilt. Homemade trailers 1,000 lbs unladen and over require titling (under 1,000 lbs = transferable registration only).

No-title path

Trailers under 1,000 lbs unladen weight do not get a title — transferable registration only with bill of sale + proof of prior registration. Trailers 1,000 lbs and over (1973-or-newer) require a title; if title is missing on a 1973-or-newer trailer, work through NY DMV's title-replacement process with the prior owner.

State-specific notes

NY titles trailers 1,000 lbs unladen weight and over (1973-or-newer). Under 1,000 lbs = transferable registration only. Stored threshold is 999 (last-exempt weight) since the engine treats the value as the maximum exempt weight.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for New York

North CarolinaNC DMVConfirm at agency

Open NC DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Yes
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Form MVR-1 plus weight slip + bill of sale for materials. State assigns VIN; inspection at NC DMV office.

No-title path

If no prior title exists, confirm North Carolina's bonded-title path and lien-release requirements with NCDMV before purchase. Do not treat a lien-removal form as a substitute for ownership proof.

State-specific notes

NC requires the title re-assignment block (seller signature on the title certificate) to be notarized; a separate bill of sale alone typically is not. License & Theft Bureau vehicle examinations apply to special cases (homemade, bonded, salvage, antique out-of-state, branded titles) — NOT to routine clean-title in-state transfers. Bonded titles require 1.5× appraised value, $100 minimum, held for 3 years, plus NC State Highway Patrol VIN inspection.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for North Carolina

North DakotaNorth Dakota DOT — Motor Vehicle DivisionConfirm at agency

Open North Dakota DOT — Motor Vehicle Division ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

For a homemade trailer in North Dakota, follow the ND DOT homemade-trailer packet: apply for an assigned VIN (SFN 60467), affix the ND VIN plate to the trailer, complete the Vehicle Statement of Ownership (SFN 2903) with bills of sale/receipts for the major parts, then submit the Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (SFN 2872).

No-title path

For an untitled trailer in ND, the Seller's Certificate and Vehicle Bill of Sale (SFN 2888) along with a Certificate of Vehicle Inspection (SFN 2486) may serve as proof of ownership. Follow the ND DOT Untitled Vehicle Instructions packet — all documents require original signatures.

State-specific notes

ND has a published homemade-trailer packet with a clear assigned-VIN workflow (SFN 60467 → ND VIN plate → SFN 2903 → SFN 2872). The Untitled Vehicle Instructions packet (citing NDAC 37-12-04-01) gives a documented no-title path via SFN 2888 bill of sale + SFN 2486 inspection. No weight threshold for title-or-not surfaced in Tier-1 sources.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for North Dakota

OhioOhio BMVConfirm at agency

Open Ohio BMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Yes
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Application via county clerk of courts. Ohio assigns VIN. Highway Patrol inspection required for homemade trailers.

No-title path

Application for replacement title where title is lost. No-prior-title trailers may need a county clerk / court-ordered path; confirm with the county title office before paying.

State-specific notes

Ohio titling goes through the COUNTY CLERK OF COURTS (not the BMV). Title-assignment block on the certificate is signed before a notary at transfer — NOT a separate notarized bill of sale. Non-commercial trailers under 4,000 lbs may register without title in some counties; rules are county-variable, so the checker routes the user to the county source.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Ohio

OklahomaService OklahomaConfirm at agency

Open Service Oklahoma ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Always required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Oklahoma uses Form 761-A (Assembly-Ownership Affidavit) for assembled or homemade trailers, with original receipts, bills of sale, and invoices for all numbered components. A VIN inspection ($4) is required at a Service Oklahoma or Licensed Operator location.

No-title path

Private-use and agricultural trailers are not required to be titled or registered in Oklahoma as long as they are not used commercially. Owners may opt into registration-only (no title) for private trailers. Once a trailer is used commercially, title and registration become mandatory.

State-specific notes

Major gotcha: Oklahoma does NOT require title or registration for private-use or agricultural trailers used non-commercially — they may be registered (no title) at the owner's option. Pop-up tent trailers and travel trailers DO require both. Commercial use of any trailer triggers mandatory title + registration. State agency rebranded as 'Service Oklahoma' in 2022.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Oklahoma

OregonOregon DMVOver 1,800 lbs

Open Oregon DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Oregon uses Form 6644 (Certification of Ownership for an Assembled Light or Heavy Trailer), requiring bills of sale or receipts for the axle and frame. A DMV or law-enforcement VIN inspection is mandatory before titling an assembled trailer.

No-title path

Trailers with a loaded weight of 1,800 lbs or less are exempt from both title and registration — no title path needed. Above 1,800 lbs, ownership must be established (bills of sale + assembled-trailer certification if no prior title).

State-specific notes

Three weight tiers: ≤1,800 lbs exempt from both title and registration; 1,801-8,000 lbs is 'light trailer' (title + 2-year registration); >8,000 lbs is 'heavy trailer' (title + $10 permanent registration). Travel trailers, fixed loads, and special-use trailers cannot be classified as heavy trailers regardless of weight.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Oregon

PennsylvaniaPennDOTConfirm at agency

Open PennDOT ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Yes
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Form MV-426B (Application for Assigned Vehicle Identification Number Plate) plus bill of sale + receipts. State police inspection required.

No-title path

If the prior title is missing, work through PennDOT's title / correction process or the prior owner before purchase. Treat seller promises as insufficient until the title office confirms the path.

State-specific notes

PA requires the title's assignment-of-ownership block (seller signature) to be signed before a notary or authorized agent during the transfer — NOT a separate notarized bill of sale. VIN verification (Form MV-41) is required when titling an OUT-OF-STATE vehicle in PA, not on routine in-state clean-title transfers. Common surprise for out-of-state sellers.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Pennsylvania

Rhode IslandRhode Island DMVOver 3,000 lbs

Open Rhode Island DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Confirm at agency
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Rhode Island never titles homemade trailers regardless of weight — registration only. The owner submits Form TR-1 (Application for Registration and Title Certificate), the official Affidavit for Homemade Trailer, the T-333-1 Sales/Use Tax Exemption Certificate, and proof of insurance on the tow vehicle. A bill of sale and proof of prior ownership are required for purchased homemade trailers.

No-title path

Manufactured trailers under 3,001 lbs GVWR are registration-only. For higher-weight trailers missing ownership documents, Rhode Island offers a bonded title under RIGL §31-3.1-9(2) using an Application for Certificate of Title (BOND); the bond amount equals 1½ times the vehicle's value.

State-specific notes

Two-track rule worth calling out in copy: 3,001 lb threshold applies to manufactured trailers, but homemade trailers are NEVER titled at any weight. Safety inspection required at 1,000 lbs and up. VIN check required when a >3,001 lb out-of-state-titled trailer transfers in.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Rhode Island

South CarolinaSouth Carolina DMVConfirm at agency

Open South Carolina DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

South Carolina titles trailers via SCDMV Form 400 with a bill of sale, $15 title fee, and Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) — 5% of purchase price capped at $500. SCDMV does not publish a separate consumer homemade-trailer titling walkthrough on its titles page; expect to bring proof of materials and a bill of sale and confirm the assigned-VIN path with SCDMV before filing.

No-title path

SCDMV does not publish a consumer-facing bonded-title path for trailers — surety-bond information on scdmvonline is in the dealer-licensing context. Without a clean assigned title or MCO, expect to work directly with SCDMV; the agency-link fallback is the safer path to point readers at.

State-specific notes

IMF (5% capped at $500) is in addition to title + registration fees and must be paid before title or registration. Out-of-state movers pay a flat $250 IMF per vehicle. Weight threshold (4,000 lbs) is a fee-scaling step, not a title-required threshold — SC titles trailers across types and weights based on the SCDMV title workflow.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for South Carolina

South DakotaSouth Dakota Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle DivisionConfirm at agency

Open South Dakota Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Both light and heavy homemade trailers are titled in SD — the 3,000-lb boundary only decides the workflow. ≤3,000 lbs: request an assigned serial number from your county treasurer to begin the title application; provide bills of sale/receipts for the major component parts. >3,000 lbs: complete the rebuilt application process and inspection — submit the Application for Motor Vehicle Title & Registration and Application for Inspection of Rebuilt Motor Vehicle in the county of residence. Both end in a title.

No-title path

South Dakota processes trailer titles through the county treasurer's office. For a trailer without a title, contact the county treasurer for the assigned-serial-number path (≤3,000 lbs homemade) or rebuilt-inspection path (>3,000 lbs) before paying — both end in a title, not a registration-only outcome.

State-specific notes

SD's 3,000-lb threshold is a PROCESS split for homemade trailers (assigned serial number vs. rebuilt application + inspection), NOT a title-exemption threshold. All trailer types are titled through the county treasurer's office regardless of weight. Title OR bill of sale must be carried when moving the vehicle for peace-officer inspection. Bonded title path not surfaced for trailers in Tier-1 sources.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for South Dakota

TennesseeTennessee Department of RevenueConfirm at agency

Open Tennessee Department of Revenue ↗

Bill of sale accepted
No
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Tennessee homemade trailers go through the Tennessee Highway Patrol: print the homemade-trailer inspection application, mail it with $25 to the TN Department of Safety Cashier's Office. If the trailer passes inspection, the Trooper chisels a VIN into the tongue of the trailer and gives the owner paperwork for the county clerk. Allow 4–6 weeks.

No-title path

Tennessee offers a surety bond path (personal or corporate) for vehicles without a title — the bond protects prior owners and lienholders for 3 years. Email the surety-bond application to suretybond.title@tn.gov; after approval, complete the Multi-purpose Application at the local County Clerk. A notarized bill of sale alone is not sufficient proof of ownership (per SB-3).

State-specific notes

Farm, boat, utility and pop-up trailers are exempt from registration per VTR-26. Per SB-3, a notarized bill of sale is NOT sufficient proof of ownership in Tennessee — buyers must get a properly endorsed title or pursue the surety-bond path. THP physically chisels a VIN onto homemade trailer tongues; budget 4–6 weeks for the THP inspection cycle.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Tennessee

TexasTexas DMVOver 4,000 lbs

Open Texas DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

For assembled trailers, TxDMV uses trailer evidence-of-ownership rules and VTR-141. If the trailer has no VIN, a law-enforcement VIN inspection and assigned/reassigned VIN paperwork may be required.

No-title path

Used manufactured trailers at or under 4,000 lbs gross weight can use a bill of sale plus registration receipt, or a certificate of title if one was issued. Over 4,000 lbs generally requires title evidence.

State-specific notes

Texas does not title every trailer regardless of weight. TxDMV's trailer page separates requirements by manufactured/assembled type and 4,000-lb gross-weight threshold.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Texas

UtahUtah Division of Motor Vehicles (State Tax Commission)Over 750 lbs

Open Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (State Tax Commission) ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Always required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Specially constructed vehicle path: TC-569A Ownership Statement describing essential-parts acquisition and completion date; bills of sale for frame/body required (or bond if unavailable); TC-661 VIN inspection; submit TC-656 Application for Title and Registration.

No-title path

Non-commercial trailers with unladen weight 750 lb or less are exempt from title and registration requirements.

State-specific notes

Utah's 750-lb unladen-weight cutoff is the load-bearing rule: non-commercial trailers ≤750 lb are exempt from title AND registration. Boat and travel/RV trailers titled regardless of weight (registration always required). Bonded title triggered when vehicle value > $3,000 (bond = 2× fair market value).

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Utah

VermontVermont DMVOver 1,500 lbs

Open Vermont DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Confirm at agency
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
Yes
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Vermont titles homemade and rebuilt trailers via the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (Homemade/Rebuilt) form. When the trailer has never had — or no longer has — a valid VIN, the owner files Form VT-003 (Assignment of VIN/HIN) to receive a state-assigned number.

No-title path

Trailers with empty weight of 1,500 lbs or less are not titled — registration only. For vehicles missing prior ownership records, Vermont accepts the VT-025 Affidavit of Non-Titled Vehicle (when there is no NMVTIS record) or a bonded title (transitions to a full title after three years). Vermont also offers an 'exempt vehicle title' path for any vehicle more than 15 years old.

State-specific notes

Threshold uses EMPTY weight, not GVWR — lowest title threshold in the country. Two notable ownership-recovery routes: bonded title (3-year transition) and exempt vehicle title (any vehicle >15 years old, with proof-of-ownership flexibility).

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Vermont

VirginiaVirginia DMVConfirm at agency

Open Virginia DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Virginia DMV assigns a VIN and issues a VIN plate via VSA 22 for homemade trailers. A Virginia law enforcement officer must inspect and certify the VIN-plate installation on the VSA 22 before DMV will title the trailer. Fees include $5 for the VIN plate and a $125 examination fee per Virginia DMV.

No-title path

Virginia DMV does not publish a general bonded-title path for trailers on its title page. Substitute and replacement titles (VSA 67) require an existing Virginia title record. Without ownership documents, expect to use the homemade/assigned-VIN process with law-enforcement VIN certification.

State-specific notes

Virginia titles AND registers all trailers — no weight, type, or age exemption on the DMV trailer-registration page. The 4,000 lb figure on the registration page only chooses full-size vs. motorcycle-size plate, not whether title/registration is required. Law-enforcement VIN certification is the bottleneck for homemade trailers.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Virginia

WashingtonWashington Department of LicensingConfirm at agency

Open Washington Department of Licensing ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Homebuilt trailers in Washington need a Vehicle Title Application (Form 420001) with builder documentation and a WSP VIN inspection (trailers under 2,000 lbs scale weight are exempt from WSP inspection but still need a VIN assignment). Bonded title path applies when builder receipts are missing.

No-title path

Washington offers a bonded title or a three-year registration-without-title affidavit via Form 420008. Bond amount equals 1.5× the DOL-determined value; unrestricted title issues after three years with no ownership claims.

State-specific notes

Washington uses 'Department of Licensing,' not 'DMV.' Travel trailers and utility trailers register under separate classes. WSP VIN inspection is required for bonded titles and imports; trailers under 2,000 lbs scale weight are exempt from the WSP inspection itself but still need a title.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Washington

West VirginiaWest Virginia DMVConfirm at agency

Open West Virginia DMV ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

West Virginia titles assembled (homemade) trailers via DMV-62-TR. The application requires photographs of the trailer from the side and front (plus interior shots for house and camper trailers), total cost of materials, and the builder's name, address, and phone if someone other than the owner assembled the trailer.

No-title path

Without a clean assigned title or MCO, expect the assembled-trailer path (DMV-62-TR) or a notarized bill of sale (DMV-7-TR). West Virginia DMV does not publish a clear consumer-facing bonded-title surface for trailers on the titles page.

State-specific notes

DMV-7-TR notarization is triggered only when the sale price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan Book — not a universal requirement. Assembled-trailer titling is photo-heavy and explicitly excludes 'refurbished' trailers, which DMV-62-TR says are not considered assembled.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for West Virginia

WisconsinWisconsin DOTConfirm at agency

Open Wisconsin DOT ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
No
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Sometimes required
Bonded title path
No
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Form MV1 (Title & License Plate Application) plus a written statement of how the trailer was built and original receipts/invoices for parts (sales tax paid). For light trailers ≤3,000 lbs, Form MV2083 applies. WI does not have a dedicated homemade-trailer affidavit form.

No-title path

Wisconsin titles all trailers regardless of weight. Trailers ≤3,000 lbs GVWR have optional annual registration under Wis. Stat. 341.06(1)(am), but a title is still expected. If no title and no chain-of-ownership documents, ask DMV about acceptable proof-of-ownership documents before paying.

State-specific notes

WI titles ALL trailers regardless of weight. The 3,000-lb threshold separates mandatory annual registration (>3,000 lbs) from optional annual registration (≤3,000 lbs). Light-trailer title is MV2083; general title is MV1.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Wisconsin

WyomingWyoming Department of Transportation — Motor Vehicle Services (titles issued by county clerks)Confirm at agency

Open Wyoming Department of Transportation — Motor Vehicle Services (titles issued by county clerks) ↗

Bill of sale accepted
Yes
Bill-of-sale notary
Confirm at agency
Title-assignment notary
Confirm at agency
VIN inspection
Always required
Bonded title path
Yes
Registration-only path
No
Reviewed
2026-05-22

Homemade trailer path

Apply for State-Assigned VIN with WYDOT Motor Vehicle Services (form MV-401); die-punch VIN; WY peace officer inspects and signs Certificate of Assignment; submit to county clerk with title application MV-300A (county may require weight slip).

State-specific notes

Two-agency model: WYDOT sets policy and assigns VINs; the 23 county clerks physically issue titles. Light-trailer permanent plate ($350 if <6 years old) is registration-only and does not waive the title requirement.

Official sources

→ Run the checker for Wyoming

What "weight threshold" means

Below the threshold, many states allow registration-only(no title required, a bill of sale plus the trailer's VIN is sufficient). Above the threshold, a title is required. Florida exempts many trailers under 2,000 lbs; Massachusetts exempts trailers ≤3,000 lbs GVWR (Pseudo VIN assigned at registration); Texas separates manufactured and assembled trailers around a 4,000-lb gross-weight line; California classifies trailers under its Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) system rather than using a simple title-weight threshold. Wisconsin titles all trailers regardless of weight (its 3,000-lb cutoff is for mandatory vs optional registration, not for titling). Use the checker for your trailer's exact weight + your state.