Trailer Bill of Sale Form

A trailer bill of sale documents the terms under which a trailer changes  ownership.  The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) defines a trailer as a non-motorized (without an engine or motor) unit that carries passengers or property attached to and towed by a motorized vehicle. Types of trailers include: 

• Refrigerated or non-refrigerated trailers
• Drop-Deck/Step-Deck Trailers;
• Extendable Drop-Deck Trailers;
• Double Drop/Lowboy Trailers;
• Conestoga Trailers;
• Flatbeds trailers;
• Hotshot Trailers;
• Dry van trailers;
• Hauling trailers; and
• Utility trailers.

What is a Bill of Sale for Trailer?

A bill of sale is a legal document on which a buyer and seller outline the transactional terms for the sale or purchase of a trailer. 

Why is it required?

The DMV requires registration applicants to demonstrate proof of ownership by presenting the bill of sale forms. Without registration, it is illegal to operate vehicles, or to tow store, or park trailers. Consider working with an experienced lawyer to create sales templates for your team. An attorney will ensure the document protects your business interests.  

How to Register a Trailer?

Your state may require that you register a new trailer within 30 days of purchase. The registration process and applicable fees differ depending on your state of residence and whether the trailer is new or used, either manufactured or homemade. Upon submitting the required documents, most state DMVs will issue a 10-day temporary permit that allows you to bring the vehicle for inspection. 

Below you will find the process of registering new,r used, manufactured, or homemade trailers. 

New or Used Homemade Trailer Registration

For new homemade trailer registrations, you will need to present the following: 

• Purchase receipts for the component parts that make up the trailer;
• Identification documents according to state requirements;
• An application for registration and certificate of title;
• A duly completed affidavit of ownership; and
• Applicable fees including registration fees, title fees, and the safety plate fee. 

The DMV will inspect the trailer for safety at a prescribed fee and assign a  vehicle identification number (VIN) applicable when registering used homemade trailers.

New Manufactured Trailer Registration Process

To register newly manufactured trailers, you will need to do the following:  

• Submit a completed sales form that identifies the buyer and the seller. The form should also include trailer details such as price,  year of purchase, make, body style, and vehicle identification number (VIN). 
• Include a Certificate of Origin issued by the dealer. However, if you bought the vehicle from a retail store and it’s less than 3,000 pounds in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), a receipt of purchase or credit card receipt showing proof of purchase will suffice. 
• Attach a completed application for Registration and Certificate of Title. 
• Include your identification document, which may be a driver’s license, US passport, or any other appropriate personal identification document. For more than one registrant, enclose their respective identification documents. If the application is a company, present a Power of Attorney certificate unless the registrant is a company officer, in which case some evidence of the person’s office is required.  
• Submit the applicable fees.
• If you paid the sales tax to a licensed dealer and provide the supporting documentation, the DMV will give a tax credit to the registrant.  

Used Manufactured Trailer Registration Process

Registering used manufactured trailers requires the following: 

• You may be required to submit a Supplemental Assignment of Ownership form and the bill of sale for boat and trailer. You may also need to submit a dealer invoice identifying the transacting parties, VIN, and a description of the vehicle. 
• A VIN verification will be required if the trailer is a used manufactured vehicle previously registered out of state. If it was previously registered in your current state of residence, you might be required to submit the registration certificate. 
• If the GVWR is over 3,000 pounds and the trailer is less than 20 years old, you need to add an assigned title. 
• Attach a completed application for Registration and Certificate of Title. 
• Pay applicable fees.

Sample Trailer Bill of Sale (Free Word & PDF Files)

Download our free Trailer Bill of Sale template to streamline your contract drafting. Just save the file pdf and fill in all the necessary information.

How to Write a Trailer Bill of Sale

If you wonder how to write a bill of sale for a trailer, the first thing you will need is to gather all the essential information. The document demonstrates you and the buyer agree on the trailer’s condition, cost, and other details. Download a bill of sale trailer template in Word or PDF and follow the steps below.

1. Fill in all the necessary information. 

Once you have a printable trailer bill of sale PDF, fill out the details as follows:

1. Details of the Parties

Give the identification details of the parties involved, such as the name, address, and contact information. 

2. Trailer Description 

Describe the trailer in detail, including color, body style, and weight. Other information to provide can include: 

• The number of axles, e.g., a trailer with four tires has two axles, and one with six tires has three axles;
• The company that manufactured the unit;
• Potential use of the trailer;
• The make and model name;
• Year  built; and
• The VIN.

3. Terms of Sale

Provide details of the sale:

• Outline what guarantees, if any, the seller is giving to the buyer. However, unless you want to provide the buyer with exceptional warranties, a trailer is usually sold “AS IS.”
• Indicate the value of the trailer and the sales tax.
• Record the date of the sale.

2. Print and Sign

Once you have agreed on the details of the sale, print the document for both buyer and seller to sign. Consider having a third party witness the signing. Check if your state requires a notary’s signature to validate the document. 

3. File with the DMV

Depending on your state’s requirements, both parties may need to file their copies of the bill of sale with the DMV or other appropriate agency. For instance, if the vehicle is a boat, you may need to file the boat trailer bill of sale with the DMV, the marine board, or a recreational agency. 

Disclaimer

When you use this Trailer Bill of Sale PDF, you assume all responsibility and liability. Lawrina accepts and retains no legal responsibility for the legal document’s accuracy, reliability, enforceability, or functionality. Consult with a licensed lawyer for all legal information.

The unprofessional use of this legal form or other templates on this website could result in direct or indirect losses or damages. By downloading, printing, or using this agreement, you accept all liability for any loss or damage you may suffer.