Virginia requires all trailers, utility trailers, and campers to be registered, regardless of weight or towing capacity. Trailers may receive a permanent registration tag that does not expire unless the trailer is sold or transferred, or the owner can pay annual fees based on trailer weight.
New and newly purchased trailers may require an inspection before being registered. A title or bill of sale is needed for all trailers and other vehicles before they can be registered in Virginia.
Registering a Trailer in Virginia
Registrations are handled by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can simultaneously apply for a title and registration through any DMV customer service center. After your initial registration, you can also register online or by mail.
New residents must obtain a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days. However, you have only 30 days to title and register your vehicles, including trailers. New purchases made through dealers may take 30 days to process, so you should register them as soon as possible after receiving your title.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Virginia?
Depending on where you purchased your trailer, you may need any or all of these documents when titling and registering your trailer:
- Application for Title and Registration
- Proof of address
- Previous title or bill of sale or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
- Previous state’s registration certificate (for out-of-state trailers only)
- Title fees, sales and use tax, and registration fees
If the trailer is from a state which did not issue a title, you may submit a completed, signed, and notarized Application in Lieu of Title Certificate. This document should explain why the title is unavailable, state any efforts made to obtain another title, and provide documents to support a chain of ownership.
Virginia offers title holders the option of keeping an electronic title on file with the state and having a paper title issued only when needed. This ensures the safety of the title and protects the title holder from theft or loss.
Trailer Registration Fees
Trailer registration is offered on a one-time permanent fee based on the trailer’s weight. Some counties may assess additional use fees or other fees. Owners may opt for annual registration fees if they choose.
Title for Trailer
Virginia requires all trailers to be titled and registered regardless of weight or use. Rental trailers and motorhomes may be subject to commercial fees and emissions standards besides titling requirements.
Assembled, reconstructed, or replica trailers require an inspection and a VIN assignment before they can be titled and registered. Other requirements may exist, such as removing existing VINs, before these trailers can be titled. Anyone with a trailer of this type should consult the Virginia DMV page regarding reconstructed, specially constructed, or replica vehicles before attempting to title and license them.
Insurance
Virginia does not specifically require insurance for trailers or campers. Motor vehicles must be covered with basic liability insurance, and this insurance must include towed vehicles. Trailer owners should consider more than basic coverage if they use their trailers often or take them out of state since other states may have different requirements for towed vehicles.
Exemptions
Virginia has no enumerated exemptions for trailer registration.
Virginia Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Virginia trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
