If you have a new trailer, you need to ensure it is legal to travel on the road. You should secure a trailer bill of sale in Connecticut because you will need it to register and title the trailer.
Registering a Trailer in Connecticut
Connecticut considers all trailers to be camp trailers. The state defines a trailer as a vehicle without power pulled by one with a motor.
You must title and register a trailer. This requires an appointment at a Department of Motor Vehicles location. Before you go, make sure you have no outstanding compliance issues.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Connecticut?
You will need the following documentation to register your trailer:
- Identification, such as a driver’s license or passport
- Completed application
- Connecticut trailer bill of sale
- Title for all trailers that are 20 years old or newer, or the previous owner’s title for older trailers
You will also need to get a trailer inspection if it is a 1967 or newer model. For the inspection, you will need to bring proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale for the trailer in Connecticut, and go to a DMV inspection lane.
You also must ensure it is in good condition, which includes the following:
- No sharp edges or projections
- Doors that latch
- Proper floor reinforcements
- No unsecured parts
- Fenders covering tires
- Frame parallel with the ground
- Proper and secure hitch
- Lit and secured number plate
- For trailers over 3,000 pounds, a working brake system
- For trailers under 30 feet in length, three red identification lights on the rear in the center, plus reflectors
- For trailers under 30 inches, one red light or reflector on the center rear and a white marker light
Trailer Registration Fees
The registration fee for a trailer is $43.50. It will also include sales tax based on the type of trailer and the purchase price. The fee also includes a Passport to the Parks charge of $15 for new registrations. It allows vehicles to park for free at state parks and beaches and helps fund these areas.
Title for Trailer
You must have a title if your trailer is over 3,000 pounds. The title fee is $25.
Insurance
You do not have to have insurance under the law, but you likely will already have some protection through your auto policy. Check with your insurance agent. You may want to add coverage that will pay for damage to the trailer.
Exemptions
There are some exemptions to the sales tax charge for registrations. You will pay no sales tax if you are a new resident and the trailer was registered in another state for at least 30 days. You may also qualify for credit on sales tax for out-of-state purchases where you already paid sales tax, but you must have documentation showing payment and should have a copy of the Connecticut trailer bill of sale pdf noting the tax paid and in which state.
No tax is due if you bought the trailer from an immediate family member (parent, sibling, child, spouse), but note this on the Connecticut bill of sale for the trailer. You also will pay no tax on gifts or for farm use.
Connecticut Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Connecticut trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
