Missouri requires all trailers to be titled and registered within 30 days of purchase. A bill of sale may be needed for out-of-state trailers, farm wagons, and trailers assembled from kits.
Some utility trailers, such as cotton, hay trailers, and tow dollies, do not need to be titled or registered. Homemade trailers without VINs need to be inspected and have a VIN issued before they can be titled and registered with the state.
Registering a Trailer in Missouri
Newly purchased trailers must be registered within 30 days of purchase. New residents must title and register all vehicles, including trailers, 30 days after arriving in the state, or they may face a penalty.
Homemade trailers must be inspected by the county sheriff or by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. You must take an Application for Vehicle/Trailer Identification Number Plate or Verification (Form 5062) to the inspection and then submit it with the other paperwork for the title and registration.
What Paperwork Is Required to Register a Trailer in Missouri?
You can title and register a trailer at the same time. Titles and registrations are done at the Department of Revenue office nearest you. Your local office can be found here. You should have the following documentation with you:
- Application for Missouri Title and License
- Title signed by the previous owner
- Original paid property tax receipt or statement of non-assessment for registration
- Payment for fees and taxes
- Proof of ownership. If you do not have the title, or if the state of purchase did not title trailers, you will need the following:
- A bill of sale
- An invoice
If you are unsure whether you need a bill of sale, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue.
You might need a Lien Release form if there was a lien on the trailer before purchase.
Trailer Registration Fees
State and local sales tax will be assessed when you register the trailer. Local sales tax is based on where you live, not where the trailer was purchased. If the trailer was owned and used in another state for at least 90 days before moving to Missouri, then you may not be assessed any sales tax upon registering in Missouri.
Trailers may be registered for one or three years. One- and three-year registrations can be renewed online. Permanent registration is available for a slightly higher fee.
Title for Trailer
All trailers must be titled and registered in Missouri, including camping trailers, pop-up trailers, farm and agricultural wagons, boat trailers, utility trailers, kit and assembled trailers, flatbed and semitrailers, and livestock trailers.
Insurance
Missouri does not require drivers to carry separate trailer insurance. However, all drivers must have minimum liability insurance, including uninsured motorist insurance. If you use your trailer frequently on the highway, most insurance companies recommend having more coverage than basic liability insurance to protect yourself and your investment in case of collision.
Exemptions
Some trailers are exempt from the titling and registration requirement. These include:
- Cotton trailers
- Some hay trailers
- Tow dollies
Missouri Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Missouri trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
