Reassign a missing trailer VIN

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VIN reassignment overview

Lightweight 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.

However, when you purchase an older, used trailer, the VIN cannot always be easily verified at the time of inspection. This is different than when a stamped or riveted VIN has been removed.

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

Process

What you need:

The trailer needs to have a valid title or other appropriate proof of ownership dependent on its age, weight, and jurisdiction of prior registration.
You will need a properly executed bill of sale, (Form H-31) that shows:
- the name and address of both the seller and the buyer
- the model year
- original VIN
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 buyer of the trailer has met all the requirements, a new VIN may be assigned according to 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 specifically 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 tell the new owner of the trailer that they may have the new VIN metal stamped in an area adjacent to the VIN sticker.

Fees

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.

Reassignment of missing trailer VIN

Reassignment of missing trailer VIN

VIN reassignment overview

What you need:

Assignment of VIN for trailers

Fees