THSCC Forums

I have a utility trailer that I bought used and have been driving around without a plate. I decided to go legitimate and get a plate but I can't find any of the documents. Does anyone know what i need to do to get a plate for it?

Thanks
Rob

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1990 Faded Reddish CSP Lite Miata
2002 Electron Blue Corvette Z06
2005 Mazda 6 Wagon
2003 Nissan Pathfinder DTV (Dog Transport Vehicle)

I don't remember the requirements, but I do remember, "Have fun with that."

With no existing title or bill of sale you will probably need to take it to the State PD in Raleigh and get it inspected as a home built trailer. I think they will stamp it with a serial number. Once inspected and serialized, you can get it registered.

If there is already a serial number I don't know what happens.

Lots of conflicting info floating around, but AFAIK there is only one legit way to get it titled/registered in your name, depending on the past history of the trailer.

If it's been titled in NC, then you'll have to find the owner of record (i.e.- the last person who had it titled in NC) and get the title transferred from them to you, pay the fees, sign the papers, etc.

If you're not sure about the title history, you can file abandoned vehicle paperwork, fill out the paperwork, obtain a bond equal to the value of the trailer, the DMV processes the paperwork and issues you a title contingent on no one coming forward to dispute the ownership of the trailer. After a certain time passes (one or two years IIRC), then you can get a clear title and theoretically get your bond money back from DMV.

All of the above info is applicable IF the trailer has a serial number on it somewhere (tongue and axle, usually). If it doesn't have a serial number stamped on it, you can get it titled/registered as a homebuilt trailer pretty easily, you'll need to have a DMV person inspect it, get the serial number stamped on it as they require, then fill out papers, pay fees.


Best bet would be to call DMV (!) and ask them, hopefully you can talk to someone who can steer you in the right direction.


On a slightly related note, when you do get your trailer titled and registered, ask about a "permanent" trailer plate. IIRC they're like $60 or $75 but they are indeed permanent, you pay once and never have to worry about license plate renewal fees or stickers. I did this on my car trailer more than 15 years ago and it's paid for itself a few times over by now.

Yay. Found it. Never thought to look in the office where we keep papers and legal crap.

I am going to see if I can get a permanent tag to save me the trouble of misremembering again

_________________
1990 Faded Reddish CSP Lite Miata
2002 Electron Blue Corvette Z06
2005 Mazda 6 Wagon
2003 Nissan Pathfinder DTV (Dog Transport Vehicle)