When you buy or sell a trailer in Minnesota, you must register it as a motor vehicle with your local Division of Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). Since not all trailers are titled, having a Minnesota trailer bill of sale is essential to transfer ownership and legally register the trailer. The bill of sale provides a permanent record of the sale and serves as proof of ownership transfer by the owner.
Registering a Trailer in Minnesota
If your plan to pull your trailer on Minnesota roads or highways, you must register the trailer upon transfer of ownership, just as you would register a car. While Minnesota law requires you to hold a title for certain large trailers, some exceptions exist.
According to the Minnesota Division of Driver and Vehicle Services, you do not need a title to register the following types of trailers in Minnesota:
- Trailers that weigh 4,000 pounds or less, unless there is a lien on the trailer
- Snowmobile, boat, or utility trailers under 4,500 pounds
- Trailers designed for agricultural use that weigh under 10,000 pounds
- Trailers owned by the U.S. government
- Trailers marked for designated municipal services
- Trailers powered by animals
- Non-resident trailers registered in another state
If you are unsure if your trailer needs a title, speak with your local Division of Driver and Vehicle Services office.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Minnesota?
To register a large trailer over 4,000 pounds, such as a semitrailer or travel trailer, you can use the title to prove the transfer of ownership. If you buy a small non-titled trailer, you need official documentation, such as a Minnesota trailer bill of sale, to prove that you own the vehicle.
A trailer bill of sale in Minnesota should include the following:
- The seller’s printed name and signature
- The buyer’s printed name and signature
- The date you purchased the trailer
- The trailer make, model, and description
- The agreed price for the trailer
With this information, you can prove ownership and establish the vehicle’s value for tax purposes. The buyer and seller should keep copies of the Minnesota bill of sale for the trailer.
Trailer Registration Fees
The registration fees for a trailer in Minnesota vary depending on the type of trailer and the county where you register. Registration for private-use trailers under 3,000 pounds can be permanent, while commercial trailers and trailers over 3,000 pounds require annual registration renewal.
You may also owe motor vehicle sales tax, typically 6.5% of the purchase price. If you purchased the trailer for less than $3000, you might be eligible to pay an in-lieu tax instead of a percentage.
Title for Trailer
In Minnesota, all large trailers over 4,000 pounds, and some small trailers require titles. If you purchase a used trailer, review the trailer’s existing registration with your local Driver and Vehicle Services office.
If the trailer is titled, the seller can transfer trailer ownership to you directly on the most current title. You can also submit a Minnesota title application.
If your trailer is not titled, you can use a Minnesota trailer bill of sale to transfer ownership of the non-titled trailer.
Insurance
Minnesota does not require a separate insurance policy for personal trailers and their contents. If you do not have trailer insurance, your auto policy may not cover your trailer, so check with your insurance carrier before you begin towing the trailer. You could purchase additional trailer insurance on your auto or homeowner insurance policy.
Minnesota Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Minnesota trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
