Tennessee requires camper trailers to be titled and registered. Utility trailers and pop-up campers do not need to be titled or registered as long as they are towed behind properly registered Tennessee vehicles. However, owners who take their trailers outside of Tennessee may need to have their trailers licensed to travel in other states.
Homemade or assembled trailers and trailers that have been modified since registration must be inspected before they can be titled and registered. Homemade trailers must have a VIN assigned to them before they can be sold or transferred.
Registering a Trailer in Tennessee
All motor vehicles, including camper trailers, are registered by the county where the owner resides. You can find the closest county Department of Revenue office here.
New residents to Tennessee have 30 days to title and register their vehicles in their county. Owners who have purchased a new or used vehicle should title and register it immediately after purchase to protect their legal rights.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Tennessee?
Camper trailers must have a valid title before registration. Titles and registration can be obtained at the same time. You should contact your local office for hours and availability. Some offices may require an appointment. You will need to bring the following:
- Proof of identity and proof of residency
- Multipurpose application
- Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin or Certificate of Title with prior owner’s signature
- Invoice (for new trailer only)
- Current out-of-state registration (new residents only)
If you do not have a certificate of title, you may need to apply for a surety bond. A surety bond explains why there is no title and allows the state to issue a bond in the owner’s name. The usual reason for the lack of a title is that the state where it was initially purchased did not title trailers. To apply for a surety bond, you will need to send the following:
- Surety Bond application
- Tennessee trailer bill of sale
- Supporting information requested in the application
The documents are sent to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, confirming that the trailer has not been stolen. The title can be processed through the county clerk’s office when the bond is issued.
Trailer Registration Fees
Registrations are handled through the county clerk’s office. Fees vary depending on your county and city of residence. Before paying your fees, you should check the county clerk’s site and determine what fee you need to pay.
Title for Trailer
Only camper trailers need to be titled. Utility and pop-up campers (campers that fold down) do not need to be titled or registered. Fixed mobile homes do not require registration but must be titled and may need an abstract of land ownership upon transfer.
Insurance
Tennessee does not require separate trailer insurance except for commercial trailers. All drivers must carry basic liability insurance. Most insurance companies recommend trailer owners consider insuring their trailers with more than basic insurance since liability insurance will not cover severe collision damage.
Exemptions
Pop-up/fold-down trailers, farm and utility trailers, and boat trailers do not have to be titled or registered.
Tennessee Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Tennessee trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
