Buzz
To register a homemade trailer, you'll need to navigate through local and state regulations. Fortunately, the bulk of the work is already done since you've completed building the trailer. The next steps involve consulting your local Department of Motor Vehicles to ascertain the necessary documentation for registration. Once you have gathered the required materials, simply submit the application and prepare to take your trailer for a spin!
Procedures
Understanding the Mandates
Reach Out to Your State's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the US. Most states mandate that homemade trailers exceeding a certain weight must possess a title. These statutes and application processes may differ from state to state. Get in touch with your nearest DMV to ascertain the prerequisites. You can easily find your nearest DMV by providing your state or zip code on this site: https://www.dmv.org/dmv-office-finder.php.
- In the US, obtaining a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is compulsory upon vehicle registration. Valid proof of identity is necessary. Some states might necessitate an inspection.
- Certain states mandate titling for all trailers, while others might not register trailers at all. Alternatively, titling might only be obligatory for vehicles surpassing a specific weight.
- For instance, in Texas, trailers weighing under 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg) are exempt from titling or registration requirements. Conversely, in New York, titling is obligatory for all homemade trailers.
Consult the Ministry of Transportation in your Canadian province. Titling requirements in Canadian provinces may depend on either weight or axle count. You'll need to obtain a VIN through your local ministry of transport and ensure your vehicle undergoes a safety inspection.
- Each Canadian province has its own dedicated office, services, and websites for vehicle registration. Your best bet is to contact the same office where you registered your car or applied for your driver's license.
- For instance, in British Columbia, you'll handle trailer registration and insurance through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. They'll classify your trailer as a 'ubilt' vehicle. More information can be found here: http://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/specialty-vehicles/Pages/Ubilt-vehicles-and-trailers.aspx.
Verify with your state's transportation department in Australia. Your trailer must meet specific safety and construction standards. Trailer registration processes can vary between states. Typically, you'll need a state inspection, a completed vehicle licensing application, and proof of identity.
- Trailer fees are determined by weight. Light vehicles weigh under 4,500 kilograms (9,900 lb), while heavy vehicles exceed this weight.
Get in touch with the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK. Initially, acquire a VIN by reaching out to the DVLA. Following this, your trailer must undergo an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) inspection. For further details, contact the DVLA through their website or by phone.
- Forms and guidelines for trailers can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/individual-vehicle-approval-iva-it.
Evaluating the Trailer
Determine your trailer's weight at a nearby weighing scale. Reach out to local car garages, body shops, and authorities to locate the nearest car weighing scale. Take your empty trailer to be measured at the scale. Drive the trailer over the scale, detach your car, and drive it off the scale. The scale will record your trailer's weight.
- Both Cat Scales and Penske provide weighing scales across the US. Visit their websites to locate a nearby facility.
- Upon weighing your trailer, you'll receive a weight slip. Keep this as you'll need to include it with your application.
- Trailer weight may impact the forms you complete, the fees you pay, and whether titling is required.
Gather receipts for the materials to assess the trailer’s value. Many states and countries will mandate presenting material purchase receipts for your trailer. These receipts will determine its value and potentially influence applicable fees.
- Total up material costs prior to form completion, as the application may require declaring the trailer's total worth.
- In the US, you can bring original receipts to the DMV. Typically, they will return them after processing.
Arrange a safety inspection for the trailer by a certified professional. In numerous states and countries, a safety examination for homemade trailers is obligatory to ensure stability. Inspection costs typically range from $10-20 USD, though additional fees may apply.
- In certain regions, the DMV or transport authorities may conduct the safety assessment. If so, contact local transport authorities to schedule an appointment.
- Alternatively, approved garages, body shops, or even gas stations may conduct inspections in some areas. For this option, contact the local DMV or motor vehicle authority to locate the nearest inspector.
Compose a detailed account of the trailer's construction process. Some jurisdictions may necessitate a notarized statement outlining the trailer's construction, including materials and techniques used. If salvaged materials were utilized, this should be mentioned. Take the document to a notary at a bank, library, or law office for notarization.
- Some US states may offer a specific form for this purpose, known as a Statement of Ownership. If applicable, utilize this form to provide the required information.
- In certain places like British Columbia, a breakdown of components may suffice, including tires, axles, frame, deck, and rim.
- A nominal fee, typically $25-40 USD, may be charged for notarization. Some banks provide this service free of charge to their clients.
Capture images of the trailer's front and rear. Some jurisdictions may demand additional photographs of the trailer's sides. Print and attach these photos to your application if necessary.
Procure trailer insurance if mandated. Automobile insurance agents offer trailer insurance. You may utilize the same agent as your car insurance, but a separate policy for the trailer may be necessary. To complete your application, the insurance agent may request the weight slip, material receipts, and safety inspection results.
- Trailer insurance might be obligatory in certain US states and Canadian provinces, while it may be optional elsewhere.
Title Application Insights
Gather and fill out necessary government forms. Check with your local DMV or transport authority for a specific list, as requirements vary. Access these forms online or at their office. Typically needed documents include:
- Vehicle Title and Registration Form
- Sales Tax Exemption Certificate
- Ownership Proof Document
- VIN Request Form
- Homemade Trailer Declaration Form
Present your paperwork in person, armed with duplicates. This is standard in the US, Australia, and Canada. Verify necessary documents with your local office; common ones include:
- Driver’s License
- Trailer Weight Certificate
- Material Purchase Receipts
- Notarized Construction Detail
- Vehicle and Trailer Insurance Proof
- Filled-out Application and Forms
- Residency Proof like a license, pay stub, utility bill, or voter card
Digitally submit your paperwork to the DVLA in the UK. Complete the IVA1t form and a Declaration of Amateur Built. Upload required documents via: https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-approval.
Handle the payment for registration costs. Fees vary by location and may cover VIN plate, title, registration, and taxes, plus extra charges for homemade trailers. Payments are usually made via credit or debit cards.
- Registration costs generally range from $20-40 USD.
- Plate fees can vary, falling between $20-200, depending on trailer weight and registration locale.
Expect delivery of your plate and title via mail. Upon submitting your application, anticipate a wait time of approximately 2-4 weeks for the arrival of your documents by mail. If provided with temporary documents, you can typically use your trailer, provided you have them with you. Upon receipt of your plate, affix it securely to the rear of your trailer.
