A Vermont Trailer Bill of Sale validates the transaction and establishes the new ownership of the trailer.
In Vermont, all trailers and semi-trailers towed on public roads require registration. Leased vehicles operated in the state must also be registered annually by the lessors.
Commercial trailers will require an inspection and are subject to separate fees and taxes. Commercial drivers should consult the Department of Motor Vehicles’ commercial vehicle website regarding trailer registration.
REQUIREMENTS
Bill of Sale: Required
Registration: Required
Title: Not Required
Insurance: Depends on the trailer’s use
Signing: Buyer and seller
LAWS
Statutes: 23 V.S.A. § 370, 23 V.S.A. § 371, 23 V.S.A. § 1432
Registering a Trailer in Vermont
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles the titling and registration of all motor vehicles, including trailers. Registration can be done by mailing documents to the main office at Montpelier or at any branch office. Appointments are required for inspections or testing.
New residents must obtain a Vermont registration within 60 days of establishing residency in Vermont. Once the vehicle has been registered, it must be inspected at a licensed inspection station within 15 days. The vehicle can still be operated but must be in good condition and meet all safety standards.
Renewals may be carried out online, by phone, and by mail. When you receive your notice of registration due, you can send your payment to the Vermont DMV website, mail it to the Montpelier office, or mail it to the Montpelier office. If your vehicle requires an inspection or the registration date has passed, you may need to pay your renewal in a DMV office.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Vermont?
Vermont does not title trailers below 1500 pounds empty weight. Trailers above 1500 pounds empty weight, camper trailers attached to a vehicle, and semi-trailers should all be titled. To register a trailer, you will need to submit the following:
- Properly assigned title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
- Vermont trailer bill of sale
- Vermont Registration Tax & Title Application
- Registration fees and taxes
Salvaged, rebuilt, or assembled trailers may require additional forms or inspections. Information can be found on the Vermont DMV website.
Trailer Registration Fees
Registration fees are based on the empty weight of the trailer. Registration can be paid for one, three, or five years at a time. There is a one-time replacement or transfer fee for trailers when the owners transfer the registration.
Title for Trailer
Vermont does not title trailers under 1500 pounds empty weight. All other trailers must be registered and require titling for registration. Vehicles that are more than 15 years old are not titled. Instead, the vehicle registration is considered to act as a title to transfer the vehicle.
People who need a title to sell or transfer the trailer (for instance, to a state requiring a title for sale) may request an exempt vehicle title for vehicles over 15 years old.
Insurance
Vermont does not require specific insurance for trailers except commercial trailers. Vermont does require drivers to carry minimum personal injury and property damage insurance. Owners who use their trailers often should consider having more than basic insurance to protect themselves against collisions and severe weather, such as heavy snowfall or rain.
Exemptions
Vermont has no specifically enumerated exemptions to the registration requirement for trailers.
Vermont Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Vermont trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
