Dumb question - title for the trailer

[Sanderskog]

Just bought my first boat over the weekend and the owner claims that boat trailers don't have titles. Is this true? I have the title for the boat in hand however the trailer has a license and tabs so I'd assume it has a trailer as well.

Am I mistaken?

Thank you,
Todd

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

Most states have trailer titles, so check with your DVM web site to find out for sure.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

Depends on the state in which it was registered.
Some states do and some don't have trailer titles.
Some only have titles if they weigh or can carry over a certain weight.
Some of the states that do not have trailer titles will use the registration as a title and will have a spot on the registration for the seller to fill out upon sale.

 

[Sanderskog]

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

I figured something wasn't right. I got home tonight and looked at the trailer and the PO had never put new tabs on the license. I called him up and he hadn't a clue about the need for a title. Fortunately he knows the previous owner (he bought it in 2008) and that guy is looking for the title. If he doesn't have it he'll work with me to get it corrected.

Thanks all.
Todd

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

If it becomes a problem in some states you can register them pretty easily as homebuilt. I did that in MN at the advice of the lady at the DMV when I brought the boat over from WI.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

In Wisconsin, trailers only need tags if its 3,000 lbs or more with boat on it.

 

[Lakes84]

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

It sure would be nice if we could find something that could be a sticky on the forum for all the different state rules on titles......kinda like what we have for trailers now, except for basic titling rules

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

It sure would be nice if we could find something that could be a sticky on the forum for all the different state rules on titles......kinda like what we have for trailers now, except for basic titling rules

Problem is, the rules (laws) change frequently. Also, you can look on line at any state's laws; what you would get here are interpretations of state law, which is dangerous.

Better to deal directly with the source (your own state's DMV). Even then, you will get inconsistent answers.

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

I bought a Florida trailer and it did not need a title. Todd, you need to specify what state you are in so that we can give more specific information.

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

In Ohio no title just need a weight slip empty for first time.

 

[cribber]

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

There is a sticky under the heading of this Thread... here's a link to it.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=222830

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

I dont know a lot about other states, I live in west virginia and a title is required here, and having bought a few boats from out of state that dont , like ohio and kentucky they dont require titles , and I do know what weight classes that applys to, I go with a bills of sale in had, so that if I do buy the po can fill it out on the spot and have it notorized, here I have to apply for a title. it just plain saves time, yes you can end up making a few trips or wait on the mail, but once cash has changed hands i have found the PO isnt in as much of a hurrie , altho I have allways gotten the papers, wv requires a bill of sale ,one for a boat and one for a trailer and if it has a title that also has to be notrized as do any bills of sales, and yes you can have a title made up as a homemade trailer, but i really hate to do that

 

[zopperman]

Re: Dumb question - title for the trailer

in nj... homemade trailers get no title... factory made trailers do get a title...
:facepalm: