How to Register Your DIY Teardrop Trailer

Do you need help knowing how to register your DIY Teardrop Trailer? You’re not alone. When I made my first DIY Teardrop trailer in 2007, I had to figure out how to register it in my home state of Washington. It was a bit tricky to know what was needed to pass inspection. Because it was a hassle, I’m sharing this article so you don’t have to spend a lot of time searching online.

Here’s all you need for contact information and key steps to get your homemade Teardrop trailer registered the first time. Building your own teardrop trailer can be a fun and rewarding project, but it also you’ll also need to register your DIY Teardrop Trailer with your local authorities. The information here should fast-track that process.

Registering your trailer is not only a legal requirement, but also a way to protect your investment, ensure your safety, and increase your resale value. In this article, we will guide you through the main steps involved in registering your DIY teardrop trailer.

Key Takeaways

Before we get into the step-by-step process of registering your DIY teardrop trailer, here are some key points you need to remember:

Registration requirements vary by state. Depending on where you live, you may have different rules and regulations for registering your trailer. You need to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency for the specific requirements and fees in your area. You can also visit their website, call their office, or consult a local trailer dealer for more information.
You need a VIN for your trailer. A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-digit code that is assigned to your trailer by the manufacturer or the state. It is used to identify your trailer and track its history. You may need to apply for a VIN or have your trailer inspected to get one. You will also need to display your VIN on your trailer in a visible location.
You need a title and a license plate for your trailer. A title is a legal document that proves your ownership of the trailer. A license plate is a metal tag that displays your registration number and expiration date. You may need to submit your VIN, proof of ownership, and other documents to get a title and a license plate. You will also need to attach your license plate and sticker to your trailer in the correct location.
You may need to pay taxes and fees for your trailer. Depending on your state, you may need to pay sales tax, use tax, property tax, registration fee, or other charges for your trailer. You may also need to renew your registration periodically and display a valid sticker on your license plate. You can find out the exact amount and frequency of these payments by contacting your local DMV or equivalent agency.

Now that you have a general idea of how to register your DIY Teardrop Trailer, let’s move on to the actual steps of registering your teardrop trailer.

Check Your State’s Registration Requirements

The first step to register your DIY teardrop trailer is to find out the specific requirements for your state. Different states may have different rules and regulations for registering trailers, depending on their weight, size, safety equipment, lighting, brakes, and other factors. You need to comply with these requirements to avoid any legal issues, fines, or penalties.

To check your state’s registration requirements, you can do one of the following:

Visit the State Specific Guide at the end of this article where I put together what you need for your state in one place.
Visit the website of your local DMV or equivalent agency and look for the section on trailer registration. You may find a list of the requirements, a FAQ page, a registration form, or a contact number for more information.
Call the office of your local DMV or equivalent agency and ask for the trailer registration requirements. You may need to provide some information about your trailer, such as its weight, size, type, and features. You may also need to make an appointment for an inspection if needed.
Ask a local trailer dealer or manufacturer and ask for their advice on trailer registration. They may have some experience or knowledge about the registration process and the requirements in your area. They may also offer some services or assistance to help you register your trailer.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here is a table that compares the registration requirements for some of the most popular states for teardrop trailers:

State	Weight Limit	Safety Equipment	Lighting	Brakes	Inspection
California	10,000 lbs	Safety chains, reflectors, license plate light	Tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, clearance lights	Required for trailers over 1,500 lbs	Required for homemade trailers
Texas	4,500 lbs	Safety chains, reflectors, license plate light	Tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, clearance lights, side marker lights	Required for trailers over 4,500 lbs	Required for homemade trailers
Florida	None	Safety chains, reflectors, license plate light	Tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, clearance lights	Required for trailers over 3,000 lbs	Not required
New York	1,000 lbs	Safety chains, reflectors, license plate light	Tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, clearance lights, side marker lights	Required for trailers over 1,000 lbs	Required for homemade trailers

Note: This table is for reference only and may not reflect the most current or accurate information. Please verify the registration requirements for your state.

General Teardrop Trailer Inspection Requirements

If your state requires an inspection for your DIY teardrop trailer, you need to meet the inspection requirements before you can register your trailer. An inspection is a process where a certified inspector checks your trailer for its safety, functionality, and compliance with the state standards. You may need to request an inspection, schedule an appointment, or find an authorized inspector in your area.

To request an inspection, you may need to fill out a form, provide some information about your trailer, and pay a fee. You may also need to show some documents, such as a bill of sale, a weight slip, or receipts for materials. You can find the inspection request form and the instructions on the website of your local DMV or equivalent agency.

To schedule an appointment, you may need to call the office of your local DMV or equivalent agency and choose a date and time that works for you. You may also need to confirm your location and the type of trailer you have. You can find the contact number and the hours of operation on the website of your local DMV or equivalent agency.

To find an authorized inspector, you may need to search online, ask around, or visit a nearby trailer dealer or manufacturer. You may need to make sure that the inspector is certified, experienced, and reputable. You may also need to check their availability, rates, and reviews. You can find some online directories or databases of authorized inspectors on the websites of some trailer associations or organizations.

During the inspection, the inspector will look for the following items on your trailer:

Brake connections
Coupling chains
Doors
Hitch
Landing gear
Lights
Roof
Springs
Tarpaulin
Tires
Wheels

The inspector will also check your VIN, if you have one, or assign you one, if you don’t. The inspector will also verify your documents, such as your proof of ownership, proof of identity, proof of insurance, etc.

After the inspection, the inspector will give you one of the following outcomes:

Pass: Your trailer meets the inspection requirements
Fail: You need to change/improve the trailer in some specific way

Apply for a VIN for Your Trailer

The third step to register your DIY teardrop trailer is to apply for a VIN for your trailer. A VIN is a unique 17-digit code that is assigned to your trailer by the manufacturer or the state. It is used to identify your trailer and track its history. You need a VIN to get a title and a license plate for your trailer. You also need to display your VIN on your trailer in a visible location (usually a badge or stamped into the tongue).

To apply for a VIN, you may need to fill out a form, provide a bill of sale, show receipts for materials, and other documents. You can get a form from your local DMV or equivalent agency or download one from their website.

Depending on your state, you may also need to get your trailer inspected to get a VIN. You can refer to the previous section for more information on how to request and prepare for an inspection.

Once you have applied for a VIN, you will receive a confirmation letter or email from your local DMV or equivalent agency. You will also receive a VIN plate or sticker that you need to attach to your trailer in a visible location.

Here is a list of the common documents you need to apply for a VIN:

Proof of ownership. You need to bring proof of ownership that shows that you own your trailer. You can use a title, a registration, or a manufacturer’s statement of origin as your proof of ownership. Note: Welded Teardrop frames do not qualify for a manufacturer’s statement of origin – receipts are all that are needed. Bolt-together frames do need the manufacturer’s statement of origin.
Proof of identity. You need to bring proof of identity that matches the name on your proof of ownership and your application form. You can use your driver’s license, passport, or state ID card as your proof of identity.
Proof of insurance. You need to bring proof of insurance that shows that you have liability coverage for your trailer. You can use an insurance card, a policy, or a binder as your proof of insurance.
Application form. You need to bring an application form that shows that you have applied for a VIN for your trailer. You can get an application form from your local DMV or equivalent agency or download one from their website.
Bill of sale. You need to bring a bill of sale that shows the price of your trailer. You can use all of your receipts, an invoice, or a contract as your bill of sale. Note: If you purchase kits from Overland Trailer, All of this information is provided on the 1-2 page invoice that is emailed at the time of purchase.
Receipts for materials. You need to bring receipts for materials that show the cost of the materials that you used to build your trailer. You can use a receipt, an invoice, or a statement as your receipts for materials.

Title and License Your Teardrop Trailer

The fourth step to register your DIY teardrop trailer is to get a title and a license plate for your trailer. A title is a legal document that proves your ownership of the trailer. A license plate displays your registration number and expiration date. You need a title and a license plate to legally operate your trailer on public roads in most countries. You also need to attach your license plate and sticker to your trailer in the correct location.

To get a title and a license plate, you may need to submit your VIN, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and other documents. You may also need to pay taxes and fees for your trailer. You can submit your documents and payments online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV or equivalent agency.

Once you have submitted your documents and payments, you will receive a confirmation letter or email from your local DMV or equivalent agency. You will also receive your title, license plate, and expiration sticker by mail or in person.

Here is a table that compares the taxes and fees for some of the most popular states for teardrop trailers.

State	Sales tax	Use tax	Property tax	Registration fee
California	7.25% of the purchase price	None	None	$20 for trailers under 10,000 lbs
Texas	6.25% of the purchase price	None	None	$45 for trailers under 6,000 lbs
Florida	6% of the purchase price	None	None	$46.15 for trailers under 2,000 lbs

Note that these are only general estimates and may not reflect the latest changes or updates. You should always check with your local DMV or equivalent agency for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Maintain and Renew Your Registration

The final step to register your DIY teardrop trailer is to maintain and renew your registration.

To maintain your registration, you need to:

Keep your documents and tags safe. You need to keep your title, registration, insurance, and VIN in a secure place.
Update your address and contact information. You need to inform your local DMV or equivalent agency of any changes in your address and contact information. You may need to update your documents and tags accordingly.
Report any changes or damages to your trailer. You need to report any changes or damages to your trailer to your local DMV or equivalent agency. You may need to update your documents and tags accordingly.

To renew your registration, you need to:

Check the expiration date. You need to check the expiration date of your registration on your license plate sticker. You should receive a renewal notice from your local DMV or equivalent agency before your registration expires.
Pay the renewal fee. You need to pay the renewal fee for your trailer. You may also need to pay taxes and fees for your trailer. You can pay online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV or equivalent agency. You need to attach the new sticker to your license plate in the correct location.

To transfer or cancel your registration, you need to:

Sell or donate your trailer. You need to sell or donate your trailer to another person or organization. You may need to provide a bill of sale, a title transfer, or a donation receipt to the buyer or the recipient. You may also need to remove your license plate and sticker from your trailer -depending on your state’s requirements.
Notify the DMV. You need to notify your local DMV or equivalent agency of the sale or donation of your trailer. You will likely submit your title, registration, or license plate, and other documents. You may also need to pay taxes and fees for your trailer. Typically, you can notify the DMV online, by mail, or in person.

Register Your DIY Teardrop Trailer

Registering your DIY teardrop trailer is an important step to enjoy the benefits of having a registered trailer, such as legal compliance, insurance, and resale value. In general, these steps are: