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 registration fee of $30/year.
- Trailers that weigh 2000 lbs or less do not get titled, only a registration is issued, and have an annual registration 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)
- If the trailer is sold as a packaged deal with a boat or ATV, the bill of sale must itemize the boat or ATV, boat or ATV accessories, and trailer. If the bill of sale is not itemized, the fee for new registration will be calculated based on the full price of the packaged deal. Iowa Code section 321.105A.
- 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.
