Does a Trailer Need a Title?

It depends on your state and on the trailer's weight. Some states title every trailer regardless of size. Some title only above a weight threshold, commonly 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. A few issue a registration and plate without ever issuing a title. What is consistent is that a new trailer arrives with a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, and that document is what your state converts into a title or registration in your name.

MCO, MSO and title are three different documents

A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO, sometimes MSO for Statement of Origin) is issued once by the factory that built the trailer. It proves the unit was made and never previously titled. It is not proof that you own it.

A title is issued by your state and names you as the owner. You get it by taking the MCO, the bill of sale and the tax paperwork to your DMV.

A registration is what puts a plate on it. Some states issue registration without title for light trailers.

What you do after delivery

1. Keep the MCO and the bill of sale together. Losing the MCO is a genuine problem and replacing one is slow.
2. Check your state DMV's trailer requirements and its weight threshold.
3. Take the MCO, bill of sale and proof of sales tax to the DMV within your state's deadline, often 30 days.
4. Pay the tax and fees and receive the title, registration and plate.

Used trailers without a title

A used trailer whose paperwork was lost is a real headache, and the process for bonding or re-titling one varies enormously by state. It is worth knowing that this is why documentation matters more on trailers than people expect.

What we supply

New units ship with the manufacturer's MCO. Used units ship with whatever ownership document they carry, and the listing states the condition. Titling and registering the trailer in your state is your responsibility and we cannot complete it for you, but we will make sure you have the paperwork to do it.