How to Register a Homemade Trailer

This article was reviewed by Charley Helvy. Charley Helvy is an Automotive & Diesel Expert based in Avondale, Arizona. He is the founder of Charley’s Garage, an educational YouTube channel focusing on simple videos for automotive and truck enthusiasts. He has over 31 years of experience in the automotive world. He is a Diesel Instructor at the Universal Technical Institute and is a certified ASE Master Heavy Truck Technician. He offers training on gas and diesel engines on his YouTube channel, along with other DIY and explanation videos for beginners and enthusiasts alike. In 2024, he published a complete guide on Emissions Systems in Automotive and Diesel Vehicles.

There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 210,936 times.

The process of registering a homemade trailer varies based on local and state regulations, but basically involves submitting an application to transport authorities. Since you've already built the trailer, the hard part is over. All you have to do is check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what documents are needed for registration and then gather those materials. Once you've done that, you can submit the application and take your trailer out for a joy ride!

Part 1 of 3:

Researching the Requirements

In the US, you must apply for a Vehicle Identification number (VIN) when you register your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of identity. Some states will require an inspection.
Some states require all trailers to be titled while others may not register trailers at all. Others will only require titles on vehicles above a certain weight.
For example, in Texas, you do not need to title or register a trailer weighing under 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg). In New York, however, all homemade trailers need to be titled.

In Canada, each province has their own office, services, and websites for registering vehicles. Your best option is to call the same office where you registered your car or applied for your driver's license.
For example, in British Columbia, you will register and insure your trailer through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. They will consider your trailer a “ubilt” vehicle. Go here for more information: https://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/specialty-vehicles/Ubilt-vehicles-and-trailers.

The weight of your trailer will determine fees. A light vehicle is any trailer under 4,500 kilograms (9,900 lb). Heavy vehicles are over this weight.

You can go here to find the forms and guidelines for trailers: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/individual-vehicle-approval-iva-it.

Advertisement Part 2 of 3:

Assessing the Trailer

Cat Scales and Penske both offer weight scales around the US. You can visit their websites to find a location near you.
You will be given a weight slip when you get your trailer weighed. Save this, as you will need to submit it with your application.
The weight of your trailer may determine which forms you fill out, how much you pay in fees, and whether you need to title your trailer.

Add up the cost of materials before you fill out any forms, as you may need to state the total value of the trailer on the application.
In the US, you can bring original receipts with you to the DMV. In most cases, they will return the receipts to you when they are done.

Some areas will require the safety inspection to be done by DMV or transport officials. In this case, call your local transport officials to set up an appointment.
Some areas will let you get an inspection done at approved garages, body shops, or even gas stations. In this case, call your local DMV or other motor vehicle authority to locate the most convenient safety inspector for you.

Some US states may have a special form for this called a Statement of Ownership. In this case, use the form to report this information.
Some places, such as British Columbia, may just require a summary of the components that you used. Break this list down into tires, axles, frame, deck, and rim. [10] X Research source
You may need to pay the notary a small fee to have it notarized. While this can vary, it is usually around $25-40 USD. Some banks offer this service for free to their clients.

Take photographs of the front and back of the trailer. Some areas may require additional photographs of the sides of the trailer. Print these photos out and attach them to your application if required. [11] X Research source

Trailer insurance may be required for some US states and Canadian provinces. It may be optional elsewhere.

Advertisement Part 3 of 3:

Applying for a Title

Application for Title and Registration of a Vehicle
Sales tax exemption
Proof of ownership
Application for a VIN
A special form for homemade trailers

Your driver’s license
The weight slip of the trailer
Bills of materials used to make the trailer
The notarized description of the trailer
Proof of car and trailer insurance
Completed applications and forms
A proof of address, including a driver’s license, payroll stub, utility bill, or voter registration card

Step 3 Submit copies of your documents online to the DVLA in the UK." width="460" height="345" />

Submit copies of your documents online to the DVLA in the UK. Fill out form IVA1t with a Declaration of Amateur Built. Scan and upload the necessary documents to the Technical Application System on this website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-approval. [15] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Typically, trailer registration fees are between $20-40 USD.
Plate fees may be anywhere from $20-200. These fees can vary based on the weight of the trailer and the state of registration.

Wait for your plate and title in the mail. Once you have submitted your application, it may take between 2-4 weeks for you to receive your documents in the mail. If you were given temporary documents, you can usually use your trailer, as long as you carry the documents with you. Once you receive your plate, screw it onto the back of your trailer. [17] X Research source

Community Q&A

Are homemade trailers legal? Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer

Yes, they can be. Most states in the US require homemade trailers over a certain weight to be registered and have a title. First, find out exactly how much your trailer weights. Contact local car garages, body shops, and public officials to determine where your closet car weight scale is located. Take your empty trailer to the weight scale to be measured. The actual process of registering a homemade trailer varies based on local and state regulations, but basically involves submitting an application to transport authorities. Most states require that homemade trailers over a certain weight must have a title. These laws and the application procedures can vary state by state. Contact your closest DMV to see what is required. You'll need to fill out all of the forms your local government requires. Fortunately, most forms can be found online on their website or picked up from their office.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

How do you certify a homemade trailer? Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer

The first thing you'll need to do is have your trailer assessed. Take your empty trailer to a local car garage, body shop, or public weigh station and find out exactly how much it weighs. Most states and countries will require you to present bills of sales for the materials of the trailer. This will determine the value of the trailer, and it may affect what you pay in fees. So collect any receipts you have for the materials to determine the car’s value. Additionally, most states and countries may require a safety inspection on your homemade trailer to make sure that it is stable. So take the trailer in for a safety inspection at a certified inspector. Once you have all of that done, you can apply for trailer insurance if it's required. Then, you can apply for a title at your local DMV.

How do I get a VIN number for a homemade car? Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer

Once you've had your homemade trailer weighed, assessed, certified, and insured (if required), you can apply for different permits. To do that, you'll need to fill out the proper forms, depending on what you're trying to do. Your local government will require specific forms, so contact your DMV or local transport authorities to see what you need to do to get a VIN on your trailer. Most forms can be found online on their website or picked up from their office. Get a VIN application form, complete it, and submit it to the right address. You may also need to submit a registration fee in order for them to grant you a VIN. Once you have everything submitted, you can wait for your local government to issue you a VIN number.