Trailers
Iowa differentiates trailers by empty weight. Please provide a weigh ticket to verify the empty weight of your trailer if it is not already noted on your ownership documents.
- Trailers that weigh 2001 lbs or more are titled and have an annual fee of $30/year.
- Trailers that weigh 2000 lbs or less do not get title, only are issued a registration, and have an annual fee of $20/year.
Upon the purchase of a regular trailer, the title must be signed over to the new owner. If the title cannot be found, the previous owners can order a replacement title. The new owner(s) will also be required to complete an application for certificate of title and/or registration form (Form 411007) as well as have a completed Bill of Sale at the time of transfer.
- A Bill of Sale must include the following information:
- Description of Vehicle (Year, Make, VIN)
- Purchase Price (Indicate "Gift" if no money is exchanged)
- Purchase Date
- Seller's and Buyer's Signatures
A photo of any identifying marks such as VIN plate/manufacturer label, along with an overall photo of the trailer is required when transferring ownership of a trailer with out of state documents.
Upon the purchase of a small regular trailer, the previous owner must sign the bottom portion of the most current registration over. If the most current registration cannot be found, the previous owner(s) can order a replacement registration for $3.00 from their county treasurer's office. If a replacement registration cannot be achieved, the previous owner(s) can complete a notarized Bill of Sale with all the required information. The new owner(s) will also be required to complete an application for certificate of title and/or registration form (Form 411007) as well as have a completed Bill of Sale at the time of transfer.
Homemade Trailers
If you have constructed a trailer from scratch that does not have a manufacturer's VIN on it, you will need to bring in a weigh ticket and the trailer's specifics: length and width as well as color. If the trailer's empty weight is over 2001 lbs, you’ll need to contact the motor vehicle enforcement office to be issued a VIN. You can email: [email protected] to get more information. If the trailer is under 2000 lbs, we will register this trailer as a specially constructed small trailer.
Upon the purchase of a homemade trailer, the previous owner must sign the bottom portion of the most current registration over. If the most current registration cannot be found, the previous owner(s) can order a replacement registration for $3.00 from their county treasurer's office. If a replacement registration cannot be achieved, the previous owner(s) can complete a notarized Bill of Sale with all the required information. The new owner(s) will also be required to complete an application for certificate of title and/or registration form (Form 411007) as well as a completed Bill of Sale at the time of transfer.
Travel Trailers
All travel trailers & camping trailers have a title regardless of weight. See title transfers for more information.
For more information about trailers, please check out our frequently asked questions section.
