Trailer Bill of Sale
Generate a professional trailer bill of sale for utility trailers, cargo trailers, horse trailers, travel trailers, and more. Covers VIN, weight ratings, and state registration requirements.
Types of Trailers Covered by Our Bill of Sale
Trailers come in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, each designed for specific hauling needs. Our trailer bill of sale template accommodates all trailer types, with fields tailored to the specific details that the DMV and buyers need documented. Here are the most common trailer categories our customers use:
Utility Trailers
Open flatbed trailers used for hauling landscaping equipment, building materials, ATVs, and general cargo. Available in single-axle and tandem-axle configurations. Most common in private sales.
Enclosed Cargo Trailers
Fully enclosed trailers used for transporting furniture, tools, motorcycles, and other cargo that needs weather protection. Available in a wide range of sizes from 4x6 to 8.5x32 feet and larger.
Horse and Livestock Trailers
Specialized trailers designed for transporting horses and other livestock. Feature ventilation systems, dividers, and padded walls. May include living quarters in gooseneck configurations.
Travel Trailers
Recreational trailers towed by a vehicle for camping and travel. Range from small teardrop campers to large fifth-wheel trailers. Often titled as recreational vehicles rather than standard trailers in some states.
Boat Trailers
Purpose-built trailers for launching and transporting boats. Feature bunks or rollers sized to the specific hull shape. Often sold separately from the boat and require their own title transfer.
Flatbed and Equipment Trailers
Heavy-duty trailers designed for hauling construction equipment, farm machinery, and other heavy loads. Feature high GVWR ratings, electric brakes, and reinforced decking. May require CDL towing in some states.
VIN Requirements and Weight Ratings
Unlike cars where the VIN is always in a standardized dashboard location, trailer VINs can be harder to find. The VIN is most commonly located on a metal plate attached to the tongue of the trailer (the front portion that connects to the tow vehicle hitch) or on the frame rail on the driver side. For enclosed trailers, check the front wall near the coupler or just inside the rear doors.
Some older trailers or homemade trailers may not have a manufacturer-assigned VIN. In these cases, the state DMV will assign a VIN during an inspection process. This is common for custom-built utility trailers and must be completed before the trailer can be titled and registered.
Weight Ratings Explained
- GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — maximum total weight including trailer and cargo
- Curb Weight: The weight of the empty trailer with no cargo loaded
- Payload Capacity: GVWR minus curb weight — the maximum weight of cargo that can be loaded
- Tongue Weight: The downward force exerted on the hitch — typically 10-15% of total loaded weight
Why Weight Ratings Matter
- Determines the registration class and fee schedule in most states
- Trailers over a certain GVWR require electric brakes to be legal on public roads
- Exceeding GVWR voids manufacturer warranties and creates legal liability
- Heavy trailers (over 10,000 lbs GVWR) may require a CDL or special endorsement
Trailer Registration and Title Transfer
Trailer titling and registration rules are among the most variable across states. Some states title and register all trailers like motor vehicles, while others exempt trailers below certain weight thresholds. A few states do not issue trailer titles at all and rely entirely on the bill of sale as the ownership document.
In states that do not issue trailer titles, the bill of sale becomes even more important because it is the only proof of ownership the buyer will have. A thorough bill of sale that includes the VIN (or state-assigned VIN for homemade trailers), detailed description, sale price, and both parties' signatures provides the documentation needed for registration and for future resale.
Registration fees for trailers are generally lower than for motor vehicles and are often based on the GVWR rather than the value. Many states offer permanent or multi-year registration options for trailers, which means the buyer may only need to register once rather than renewing annually. Sales tax, however, is assessed on the purchase price at the time of the initial registration.
Trailer Bill of Sale FAQ
Common questions about trailer bill of sale documents, titling, and registration.
Title and registration requirements for trailers vary by state and by the trailer's weight. Most states require titles and registration for trailers above a certain gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), typically 1,000 to 3,000 pounds depending on the state. Some states, like Indiana, do not require trailer titles at all and use a bill of sale as the primary ownership document. Other states, like Texas and California, require titles for all trailers regardless of weight. Check your state's specific requirements before completing a trailer sale.
Trailer VINs are typically located on a metal plate riveted to the frame, usually on the tongue (the front part that connects to the hitch) or on the left (driver) side of the frame near the tongue. Some manufacturers also stamp the VIN directly into the frame. For enclosed trailers, the VIN plate may be on the front exterior wall or inside near the door. The VIN on the frame should match the VIN on the title and registration documents.
GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — the maximum total weight the trailer is rated to carry, including the weight of the trailer itself and its cargo. GVWR matters because it determines the licensing class, registration fees, and whether the trailer requires its own brakes. It also affects whether the buyer needs a special driver's license or endorsement to tow the trailer. Always document the GVWR on the bill of sale, as the DMV uses it for registration classification.
Yes, but homemade trailers require additional steps for the buyer to register them. Most states require a VIN inspection for homemade trailers, during which a state-assigned VIN will be issued. The buyer typically needs to bring the bill of sale, photographs of the trailer, and the trailer itself to a DMV inspection station. Some states also require a weight certificate from a certified scale. The bill of sale should clearly state that the trailer is homemade and include the approximate dimensions and weight capacity.
Yes, it is best practice to create a separate bill of sale for the trailer, even if it is being sold alongside a vehicle or boat. Trailers have their own VIN, title, and registration that are processed independently by the DMV. Combining the trailer with another item on a single bill of sale can cause confusion during the title transfer process and may result in delays. Our bundle pricing lets you create multiple documents at a reduced rate.
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