Washington requires all trailers, including travel and tent trailers, to be registered with the state. Trailers must also have a title before being registered. Utility trailers, called “intermittent-use” trailers with a scale weight of less than 2000 pounds, are not titled but must be registered and licensed for use on public roads.
Bed-mounted campers are considered separate units from the truck they are mounted in, even if they are permanently welded to the truck, and must be titled and licensed separately from the vehicle.
Registering a Trailer in Washington
Trailer and camper registrations are done through the state’s Department of Licensing. Registration may be done online or in the county where the owner resides. You can find your nearest county office here.
New residents have 30 days to obtain a Washington driver’s license and then title and register their vehicles. You have 15 days after a private sale to transfer the title to your name. Trailers purchased from a dealer will have the title paperwork handled by the dealer.
The seller is required to submit a report of sale to the Department of Licensing. Whether the trailer or other vehicle was sold, donated, or given to another individual, this must be done.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Washington?
Trailers over 2000 pounds scale weight, travel trailers, and bed-mounted campers must all be registered and titled. You can complete both documents at the same time. You should have all documents assembled before making any appointments to visit the county office. You will need the following:
- Washington trailer bill of sale, signed by both parties
- Vehicle Title Application. It must be notarized if this is not signed at the licensing office.
- The current title, assigned to the new owner
- Registration fees. You will need to contact your county office for payment amounts.
In Washington, the new owner is responsible for transferring the title. If there is no title available from the seller, usually because the state of origin did not title trailers, the owner should contact the Department of Licensing office to ask about the next steps to take.
Homemade and “unidentifiable” trailers must be inspected before registration and licensing. You will need an appointment with the State Patrol for inspection and verification.
Trailer Registration Fees
Registration fees and use taxes are calculated by the county and sometimes the municipality. You can find tax and fee calculators here.
Title for Trailer
Trailers under 2000 pounds are not titled but must be registered for use on public roads. Slide-in campers must be titled and registered separately from the vehicle they are attached to, even if the owner has permanently attached the camper shell.
Motorhomes have separate titling and registration requirements from trailers and campers and are not considered to be either a trailer or a camper. Owners of motorhomes should consult the web page for motorhomes before titling or registering these vehicles.
Insurance
Washington does not have a specific insurance requirement for trailers or campers. RVs and motorhomes must be insured like other vehicles. Drivers with tow-behind trailers must have at least basic liability insurance. It is recommended that trailer owners consider more than basic coverage if they use their trailers regularly.
Exemptions
Washington has no exemptions for trailers other than those under 2000 pounds.
Washington Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Washington trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
