Registration is required for all non-farm trailers operating on public highways. Registration and titling requirements vary according to trailer type and weight. Most utility trailers fall into two categories:
- Manufactured (built by a trailer manufacturer)
- Assembled (built by a hobbyist)
In addition, trailers are categorized by
- Gross weights (the trailer weight plus the weight it can carry) 4,000 lbs. or less
- Over 4,000 lbs.
Determine the Type of Trailer You Have
Start by looking on the trailer tongue. This is where you are most likely to find the manufacturer’s name, which confirms you have a manufactured trailer. If you do not know whether the trailer is manufactured or assembled, it must be inspected by an auto theft law enforcement officer. Authorized inspectors can be found by contacting a local law enforcement agency, an MVCPA grantee organization or by contacting a TxDMV Regional Service Center.
If your manufactured trailer's gross weight exceeds 4,000 lbs., it must be titled. Submit the following documents to your county tax assessor-collector office:
- A completed Application for Texas Title and or Registration (Form 130-U)
- Applicable fees
- Evidence of ownership, as defined in the table below
| Type of Trailer | Evidence of Ownership |
|---|---|
| New trailer | Manufacturer Certificate of Origin* |
| Used trailer over 4,000 lbs. gross weight | Certificate of Title |
| Used trailer less than or equal to 4,000 lbs. gross weight | Bill of Sale + Registration Receipt or Certificate of Title if one was issued |
* The Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) is the document that allows you to register and/or title a new trailer. This is your trailer's "birth certificate," showing its unique identification information. A trailer manufacturer is required to provide a MCO to dealers or purchasers for every vehicle it manufactures.
Note: A manufactured trailer with missing paperwork cannot be registered as an assembled trailer.
Newly assembled trailers (including farm trailers) are titled based off the gross weight. Titling is optional for all newly assembled trailers with a gross weight of 4,000 pounds or less, and newly assembled farm trailers with a gross weight of 34,000 pounds or less. For additional information on required documents and the titling process, please visit Assembled Vehicles. Assembled trailers with a non-titled record in Texas or registration receipt from another state may continue to be non-titled. The below documents are required to title a newly assembled trailer.
- Evidence of ownership:
- New trailer: Completed Trailer Verification Statement of Fact (Form VTR-141)
- Used trailer over 4,000 lbs. gross weight: Certificate of Title, or
- Used trailer less than or equal to 4,000 lbs. gross weight: Bill of Sale + Registration Receipt or Certificate of Title if one was issued
- A completed Application for Texas Title and or Registration (Form 130-U)
- Applicable fees
If the assembled trailer does not have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a completed Law Enforcement Identification Number Inspection (Form VTR-68A), and Notice of Assigned or Reassigned Identification Number (Form VTR-68-N) will be required.
Vehicle Identification Number
Newly-assembled trailers are required to have a VIN. To acquire a VIN for your assembled trailer, you must first have the trailer inspected by an auto theft law enforcement officer. More information on how to obtain a VIN is available on our VIN Assignment / Reassignment Process page, or contact your local TxDMV Regional Service Center.
A farmer or rancher who owns a farm trailer or farm semitrailer may obtain a distinguishing Farm Trailer license plate for a $5 fee under certain conditions provided the trailer/semitrailer only transports:
- Agricultural products,
- Livestock
- Farm Supplies
- Participates in equine activities or livestock shows
Titling and registration requirements for farm trailers vary. For information about all required documentation and fees, contact your county tax assessor-collector office.
Farm Trailers 4,000 lbs. or less:
- Exempt from title and registration requirements if primarily used as a farm vehicle.
- May be titled at the owner’s request by submitting the application with the appropriate fee.
- Qualify to obtain a Farm Trailer license plate.
- Temporary additional weight permits issued for hauling seasonal agricultural products do not affect a semitrailer's gross weight and status for titling purposes.
Farm Trailers in excess of 4,000 lbs. and no more than 34,000 lbs.:
- Exempt from title requirements.
- Qualify for Farm Trailer license plate.
- May be titled at the owner's request by submitting the application with appropriate fee.
Trailers in excess of 34,000 lbs.:
- Must be titled and registered with Trailer license plates.
- Do not qualify for Farm Trailer license plates.
More Information
In some cases, you may be asked to provide additional information such as:
- Weight Certificate
- Photograph of trailer
For information about all required documentation and fees, contact your county tax assessor-collector office.