How to Register, Title, and Insure Your Trailer (By State)
If you’re buying a new aluminum trailer, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“How do I register and title my trailer in my state?”
The good news — Rugged Aluminum Trailers makes it easy.
When you buy direct, every trailer includes a Certificate of Origin (CO) and a Bill of Sale — the two documents most state DMVs require for registration and titling.
There’s no dealer, no markup, and your paperwork arrives ready to go when your trailer does.
Below, you’ll find what documents you need, how the process works, and a verified list of registration and title links for every continental U.S. state.
What You’ll Need to Register a Trailer
Requirements vary by state, but most DMVs follow the same basic steps:
- Certificate of Origin (CO) – Provided by Rugged Aluminum Trailers.
Serves as the trailer’s “birth certificate,” confirming manufacturer details, VIN, and model information. - Bill of Sale – Provided by Rugged.
Proves ownership and purchase price. - Application for Title & Registration – Available online or at your local DMV.
- Proof of Identity & Address – Driver’s license and proof of residency.
- Weight Slip (in some states) – Certain DMVs require an official empty trailer weight for first-time registration.
Rugged provides estimated trailer weights for reference if needed. - Payment for Fees & Taxes – Paid directly at the DMV during registration.
💡 Tip: Bring both your Certificate of Origin and Bill of Sale to the DMV.
For most customers, that’s all you’ll need to register and title your Rugged Aluminum Trailer.
Do I Need to Title My Trailer?
Most states require both registration and titling for trailers used on public roads.
Some states exempt small or lightweight trailers, but nearly all require registration.
Examples:
- Massachusetts: Titles required for trailers over 3,000 lbs.
- New Hampshire: Titles required for trailers over 3,000 lbs GVWR.
- Michigan: Titles not required for trailers under 2,500 lbs, but registration still is.
- Florida: Titles required for trailers over 2,000 lbs.
State-by-State Trailer Registration & Title Guide (Continental U.S.)
The links below take you to each state’s official DMV or DOT website for trailer registration and title requirements.
All links are verified and current as of 2025.
| State | Registration Required | Title Required | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | Yes (over 16 ft or 3,000 lbs) | revenue.alabama.gov/motor-vehicle |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes | azdot.gov/motor-vehicles |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes | ardot.gov |
| California | Yes | Yes | dmv.ca.gov |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes (over 2,000 lbs) | dmv.colorado.gov |
| Connecticut | Yes | Yes | portal.ct.gov/DMV |
| Delaware | Yes | Yes | dmv.de.gov |
| Florida | Yes | Yes (over 2,000 lbs) | flhsmv.gov |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes (over 2,000 lbs) | dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicles |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes | itd.idaho.gov |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes | ilsos.gov |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes | in.gov/bmv |
| Iowa | Yes | Yes | iowadot.gov/mvd |
| Kansas | Yes | Yes | ksrevenue.gov |
| Kentucky | Yes | Yes | drive.ky.gov |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes | expresslane.org |
| Maine | Yes | Yes | maine.gov/sos/bmv |
| Maryland | Yes | Yes | mva.maryland.gov |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes (over 3,000 lbs) | mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-motor-vehicles |
| Michigan | Yes | No (under 2,500 lbs) | michigan.gov/sos |
| Minnesota | Yes | Yes | dps.mn.gov |
| Mississippi | Yes | Yes | dor.ms.gov |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes | dor.mo.gov/motorv |
| Montana | Yes | Yes | dojmt.gov/driving |
| Nebraska | Yes | Yes | dmv.nebraska.gov |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | dmv.nv.gov |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes (over 3,000 lbs) | nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes | state.nj.us/mvc |
| New Mexico | Yes | Yes | mvd.newmexico.gov |
| New York | Yes | Yes | dmv.ny.gov |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes | ncdot.gov/dmv |
| North Dakota | Yes | Yes | dot.nd.gov |
| Ohio | Yes | Yes | bmv.ohio.gov |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Yes | oklahoma.gov |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | oregon.gov/odot/dmv |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes | dmv.pa.gov |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes | dmv.ri.gov |
| South Carolina | Yes | Yes | scdmvonline.com |
| South Dakota | Yes | Yes | dor.sd.gov |
| Tennessee | Yes | Yes (over 1,500 lbs) | tn.gov/revenue/title-and-registration |
| Texas | Yes | Yes | txdmv.gov |
| Utah | Yes | Yes | dmv.utah.gov |
| Vermont | Yes | Yes | dmv.vermont.gov |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes | dmv.virginia.gov |
| Washington | Yes | Yes | dol.wa.gov |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes | transportation.wv.gov |
| Wisconsin | Yes | Yes | wisconsindot.gov |
Do You Need Insurance for a Trailer?
In most states, trailers are covered under your tow vehicle’s liability insurance when being towed.
However, it’s smart to add comprehensive or collision coverage to protect against theft, fire, or damage when your trailer is parked or stored.
Common add-ons include:
- Comprehensive coverage – Theft, weather, or vandalism
- Collision coverage – Damage while towing
- Accessory coverage – Protects racks, tongue boxes, or add-ons
💡 Tip: Adding trailer coverage to your auto policy usually costs just a few extra dollars per month.
Buying Direct from Rugged Aluminum Trailers
When you purchase from Rugged, your trailer ships with all the documentation needed for registration:
- Certificate of Origin (CO)
- Bill of Sale
- VIN plate and manufacturer details
That’s everything most state DMVs require to issue a title and registration.
No dealership, no markup, and no delays.
The Bottom Line
Registering and titling your trailer doesn’t have to be complicated.
When you buy direct from Rugged Aluminum Trailers, you receive the Certificate of Origin and Bill of Sale required for registration in every continental U.S. state — no dealer involvement, no hidden fees.
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance only. Always verify registration, titling, and insurance requirements with your local DMV or Department of Transportation.
Ready to get started?
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