Trailers

Iowa differentiates trailers by empty weight. 

• Trailers that weigh 2001 lbs or more are titled and have an annual fee of $30/year. 
• Trailers that weigh 2000 lbs or less do not get title, only are issued a registration, and have an annual 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.  

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 (bill of sale link) 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: invbureau@iowadot.us 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.