Trailers, Travel Trailers, & Campers

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, are only 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 OR 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  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 have a completed bill of sale from the seller. If selling a boat and small trailer together, the seller must itemize the value of each.

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. Visit https://iowadot.gov/biip/ for more information and to contact an investigator. If the trailer is under 2000 lbs, we will register this trailer as a homemade small trailer. 

Travel Trailers

All travel trailers & camping trailers have a title regardless of weight. See title transfers for more information.