A Rhode Island Trailer Bill of Sale is a document outlining the legal transfer of ownership involved in a trailer transaction.
All Rhode Island trailers must be registered, but only those with a gross weight of 1,000 pounds or greater require a safety inspection.
REQUIREMENTS
Bill of Sale: Required
Registration: Required
Title: Not Required
Insurance: Not Required
Signing: Buyer and seller
LAWS
Statutes: § 31-1-5
Registering a Trailer in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, trailers must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if they are:
- Models from 2001 or newer, and
- Models with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 3,001 or more
Trailers that fit these criteria must also have a title.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Rhode Island?
You must submit all required paperwork to register a Rhode Island trailer successfully. Typically, that includes:
- The Rhode Island trailer bill of sale
- The trailer registration application form (TR-1)
- Proof of auto insurance that complies with Rhode Island insurance requirements
- The trailer title
- A completed Rhode Island use tax form
- A copy of your ID (driver’s license, passport, green card, or immigration work authorization card)
Note that there are slightly different requirements for private party sales involving out-of-state trailers, camper trailers, and homemade trailers.
Trailer Registration Fees
When registering a trailer in Rhode Island, you must pay title and registration fees based on the trailer’s weight. The registration fees include the following:
- A quarterly fee
- An annual fee
- A credit card fee for transactions over $65
You can calculate the total fees through a chart the Rhode Island DMV provides.
Title for Trailers
You must have a title for the trailer if it meets the same criteria for registration (over 3,001 GVWR and 2001 or newer). When you transfer the title through the Rhode Island DMV, you must pay a one-time fee of $52.50.
Rhode Island Trailer Insurance Requirements
You generally don’t need separate insurance for your trailer in Rhode Island. Your auto insurance policy will likely cover trailers pulled by your covered vehicle. However, checking with your insurance company about your specific coverage is always a good idea.
Exemptions for Homemade Trailers
You must file a separate form when registering a homemade trailer in Rhode Island.
Special Rules for Camping and RV Trailers
Trailers designed as living quarters (temporary or permanent) have additional registration requirements. You must get camping plates for these trailers. Your trailer must also pass a safety inspection.
Rhode Island Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Rhode Island trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
