Reassignment of Missing Trailer VIN

Light-weight camp, utility, and boat trailers are usually sold by the original manufacturer with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) displayed by the Mylar decal or sticker-type label required under the federal motor vehicle safety standards.

But many times, when an older, used trailer is purchased, the VIN cannot be verified at the time of inspection. This is to differentiate from the situation in which a stamped or riveted VIN has been removed. 

What to do:

• The trailer must be accompanied by a valid title or other appropriate proof of ownership dependent on its age, weight, and jurisdiction of prior registration.
• A properly executed Bill of Sale, (form H-31) which clearly indicates the name and address of both the seller and the buyer and shows the model year and original VIN must be presented.
• An inspection of the trailer for its VIN must show that the factory VIN is missing or illegible.
• Once eligibility is established, the purchaser of the trailer will be required to complete an affidavit.

Assignment of VIN for Trailers

After the purchaser of the trailer has fulfilled all of the requirements, a new VIN may be assigned in accordance with the following:

• Inspection of trailers that require a VIN assignment are performed at a DMV safety inspection location.
• The newly assigned VIN will be a trailer VIN of the type used for homemade trailers.
• The assigned VIN will be installed on the tongue portion of the frame by an inspector. If the tongue of the trailer is of the "V" or "Y" shape, the VIN sticker will be installed on the left half. The inspector may advise the new owner of the trailer that he or she may have the new VIN metal stamped in an area adjacent to the VIN sticker.

• If the trailer is 3,000 pounds or less GVWR there is no fee.
• If the trailer is over 3,000 pounds GVWR the cost is $50.

To contact our DMV Inspection Lane, call 860-263-5080.