New York Trailer Bill of Sale Template

New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law § 156 defines a trailer as a vehicle not propelled by its power. When you purchase a trailer in New York, the state requires you to register it as a passenger vehicle. Registration requirements and fees vary depending on the trailer’s type, weight, and use.

Trailer registration in New York has a fixed expiration date of December 31. You must renew your registration annually before the expiration date.

What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in New York?

To register your trailer in New York, you must provide specific registration documents, including:

• New York Trailer Bill of Sale
• Statement of Transaction – Sale or Gift
• Damage Disclosure Statement
• Vehicle Registration/ Title Application
• Proof of Identification for all owners and registrants
• Proof of insurance, if necessary

Ownership transfers in New York are different for trailers over 1,000 pounds versus small trailers.

Trailers with model years 1973 or later that weigh 1,000 pounds or more unladen must provide a New York State Certificate of Title and a bill of sale for a trailer in New York.

If the trailer’s model year is 1972 or earlier or it weighs less than 1,000 pounds, you can transfer ownership using a New York State Transferable Registration and a New York bill of sale for a trailer.

Trailer Registration Fees

The cost of registering your trailer in New York will differ depending on its size, weight, and use. Taxes, fees, and other charges you may owe for trailer registration include:

• $5.39 for every 500 pounds of maximum gross weight
• Minimum annual fee of $14.38, prorated daily
• Taxes
• Plate Fees

Title for Trailer

Trailer registration in New York requires you to know the trailer’s unladen weight and maximum gross weight with the vehicle, passengers, and cargo. You must title a trailer with an unladen weight over 1,000 pounds or a maximum gross weight over 3,000 pounds.

Insurance

New York does not require you to carry insurance for most non-commercial trailers. Most liability insurance for towing vehicles covers personal-use trailers up to a specific size.

You may need trailer insurance if you use your trailer for business purposes, including agricultural activities. Check with your insurance provider or local NY Department of Motor Vehicles office to ensure that you have appropriate coverage for your trailer.

Exemptions

Vehicles with mounted devices, such as welding machines, well drillers, and water pumps, are exempt from registration. Trailers that serve as onsite offices or store tools and equipment may also be exempt if they do not haul tools on the road. The state provides a full list of trailer-type vehicles not requiring registration in New York.

Special Requirements and Inspections

New York requires annual safety inspections for all trailers. If your trailer is for a boat, you must take precautions to protect local waters from aquatic invasive species.