You may have seen a trailer on the street that does not have a license plate. You may wonder if it is legal, and trailers indeed do not need a license plate, unlike other regular vehicles. It gets even more confusing when you happen to own a certain kind of trailer, such as a pop-up camper, utility trailer, or even a travel trailer.
So, before going out of state with your trailer, you may need to look for information first about whether it needs a license plate or not. However, you may not want to get involved in a traffic violation just because you don’t put a license plate on your trailer. Okay, let’s check them out below!
Do My Trailer Need a License Plate?
When it comes to determining whether your trailer needs a license plate or not, it will depend on the laws of a state. In fact, each state has its own rules and regulations about license plates for trailers. However, most states require every person who has a trailer to license their vehicles before going out of state to prevent any traffic violations in the state they go to.
If you want to ensure whether or not your trailer needs a license plate, you need to check with your local and state laws. After figuring out the information, you will know whether or not you need a license plate.
There are some factors to consider when determining whether or not your trailer needs a license plate, such as;
1. The type of your trailer
In some states, a trailer like a utility trailer that is often used to haul farming items such as produce, livestock, or equipment does not need a license plate. However, utility trailers vary in shape and size.
In some states, if you have a tent trailer or a travel trailer, you need to license your trailer and your towing vehicle. Specific requirements to license your trailer, such as documents required, renewal timelines, and other information, will vary from state to state. Of course, you always have to check with your local and state DMV to understand every rule for your tent or travel trailer.
In the states that require a license plate for your tent trailer or travel trailer, you can just show the title of your trailer. If you didn’t receive a title when you bought your trailer, you can instead provide a bill of sale with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Afterwards, you must then go to the DMV and order a replacement title.
2. The weight of your trailer
Regardless of trailer type, the weight of a trailer is another factor to consider when determining whether or not it requires a license plate. Some states require a license plate on a trailer that weighs more than 2500 pounds empty.
3. What you are hauling
In some states, what you are hauling with a trailer will also affect whether you need a license plate for your trailer. If you transport items with heavy weights even using a trailer that does not require a license plate, e.g., a utility trailer, you still need a license plate for your trailer.
4. The use of your trailer
What your trailer is used for is also one of the factors that determines whether or not it needs a license plate. For example, a boat trailer does not need a license plate. While a trailer used to travel will need a license plate since it is often used to travel out of state.
Trailers used for hauling, transferring farm items, or transporting livestock do not require a license plate in South and North Carolina. In addition, trailers used as towing vehicles can operate with a free pass.
What If Your Trailer Doesn’t Have a License Plate but a State Requires It?
If you want to go out of state, it’ll be safer to have a license plate on your trailer. However, having a license plate will allow you to drive your trailer anywhere without any hassle. What if your trailer does not have a license plate?
If the traffic police suddenly stop you on the street, you can instead show a bill of sale as a receipt or sign to show that the trailer is yours. For some trailers in some states, you may get away with not having a license plate. But don’t expect that you can get away with certain types of trailers that require you to have a license plate.
If it happens, you still have to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure it is applicable to you. VIN verification will also be needed for travel trailers without a license plate, especially if you recently bought the trailer in another state.
If you violate traffic rules in a state by driving a trailer without a license plate, you may face fines or a warning from police officers. To prevent it, you need to look for information about whether or not driving a trailer without a license plate is legal. However, every vehicle will always need an identification tag.
How to Get a License Plate for Your Trailer?
If you have figured out that your trailer needs a license plate, you must then apply for a license plate. Most states will give you 30 days to get a license plate for your trailer. If the police staff stops you on the street for driving without a license plate, you can show the bill of sale as proof of trailer ownership.
To apply for a license plate for your trailer, you may have to complete the following documents:
- Bill of sale
- Proof of trailer insurance
- Receipt of personal property taxes
- Receipt of the purchase price and sales tax
Generally, you will need a bill of sale or a trailer’s title with all the important signatures signed at the closing. When submitting the application to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you have to fill in the description of your trailer, including the trailer’s model, VIN, and manufacturer.
In some states, you may be able to get your trailer’s title without regular registration. To confirm that you’re indeed the legal owner of a trailer, you can use a copy of your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Well, the identification number used in registering is the tax account number for business owners. Then, you also have to provide proof of identity and a vehicle certificate to determine that you are the owner of a trailer.
Lastly, you need to pay the registration fees. After that, the DMV staff will present a license plate for your trailer. The registration fees will differ depending on the state. In addition, the fee you should pay for registering your license plate is also subject to change based on your trailer’s type, weight, and use.
It’s important to note that you will have to register your trailer again at your new residence when you move to a new state. You can contact your local DMV to get more information about how to get a license plate for your trailer.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
