Idaho is synonymous with beautiful mountains and parks. Residents take advantage of the scenery to hike, camp, and boat in their state using travel trailers, toy haulers, and boat trailers. Any vehicle that can be operated or towed on a public road must have a title in Idaho, and if it is not titled in your name, you must have an Idaho trailer bill of sale when you go to have the vehicle titled.
Utility trailers (open-sided trailers for hauling) must be registered and have separate requirements. Campers purchased prior to 2009 are not required to be titled or registered.
Registering a Trailer in Idaho
All vehicles in Idaho must be titled within 30 days of purchase. New residents must reside in Idaho for 90 continuous days before registering their vehicle in Idaho. Temporary residents may register their vehicle if it remains in the state for more than a year (for instance, a trailer that will remain in storage or on a lot for part of the year).
Idaho residents who are temporarily out of state, such as students or military personnel, can register their vehicles in Idaho via mail.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Idaho?
Vehicle registrations are done through the county Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. County offices are located on the main DMV website. You must contact the office to make an appointment before registering your trailer since it may need an inspection before registration.
First-time registrants should bring the following documents to the DMV:
- Title, with the proper release by the previous owner
- Proof of Idaho residency
- Valid driver’s license or state ID
- Idaho trailer bill of sale. The bill of sale must include:
- Seller’s signature
- Vehicle description, including VIN, year, make, model
- Date of sale
- Sale amount
- Signatures of buyer and seller
- VIN Inspection
- Cash or check for payment of fees
The vehicle needs to be brought to the DMV office so the county assessor or deputy sheriff can inspect the VIN.
If you are applying for a title through the mail, you must include an Idaho Transportation Department power of attorney form. This form authorizes the County Assessor’s office to sign the application on behalf of the owner. The power of attorney form is available through the DMV website and must include a complete description of the trailer or vehicle.
Trailer Registration Fees
Registration fees for trailers and other vehicles are based on the age and weight of the vehicle. The fee schedule can be found on the DMV website. Utility trailers are assessed a $5.00 annual fee and can be registered for five or ten years at a discounted rate.
Title for Trailer
All vehicles that can be towed or pulled on public highways must be titled. This includes utility and boat trailers over 2000 pounds.
Insurance
Idaho does not require insurance for towed vehicles as long as the towing vehicle has the required liability insurance. RVs must have liability insurance like other moving vehicles.
Exemptions
The following vehicles are exempt from Idaho’s trailer registration requirements:
- Utility trailers under 2000 pounds
- Truck campers purchased before 2009
- Non-resident vehicles that will be in Idaho for a brief period of time but which are legally registered in their own states
Idaho Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download an Idaho trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
