How to Register Your DIY Teardrop Trailer in Iowa

If you have built your teardrop trailer and want to visit the Hawkeye state of Iowa, you need to register it with the state authorities. Registering your DIY teardrop trailer in Iowa is not only a legal requirement, but also a way to protect your investment, ensure your safety, and increase your resale value. 

Key Takeaways

Get Your Trailer Inspected and a VIN Number in Iowa

Before you can register your DIY teardrop trailer in Iowa, you need to get it inspected and a VIN assigned to it. This is to ensure that your trailer meets the safety and emission standards of the state. Here are the steps you need to follow to get your trailer inspected and a VIN in Iowa:

1. Make an appointment for a VIN inspection. You can contact your local law enforcement agency or a certified VIN inspector to schedule an appointment.

2. Weigh your trailer. You need to know the weight of your trailer for the inspection and registration. You can weigh your trailer at a public scale or a weigh station.

3. Fill out the forms and gather the receipts. You need to fill out the Iowa Vehicle Registration Application form and the Iowa Certified VIN Inspection form. You also need to gather the receipts for every major component you purchased for your trailer build, such as the frame, the axle, the wheels, the lights, etc.

4. Pass the inspection. You need to bring your trailer, the forms, the receipts, and your photo ID to the inspection. The inspector will check your trailer for the following items:

   • Lights: brake lights, turn signals, tail lights, license plate light, and reflectors
   • Brakes: electric or surge brakes
   • Safety chains: two chains that can support the weight of the trailer
   • Coupler: a device that connects the trailer to the towing vehicle
   • Tires: properly inflated and in good condition
   • Fenders: covers over the wheels to prevent mud and debris from flying
   • VIN plate: a metal plate that displays the VIN of the trailer
   • Proof of ownership: the receipts for the major components of the trailer

   If your trailer passes the inspection, the inspector will sign and stamp the forms and assign a VIN to your trailer. You will also receive a VIN plate that you need to attach to your trailer in a visible location.

Title and License Your Trailer in Iowa

After you get your trailer inspected and a VIN, you need 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 is a metal tag that displays your registration number and expiration date. Here are the steps you need to follow to get a title and a license plate for your trailer in Iowa:

1. Go to the DMV. You need to visit your local DMV or equivalent agency within 30 days of getting your VIN. You need to bring the following documents with you:

   • The signed and stamped Iowa Vehicle Registration Application form
   • The signed and stamped Iowa Certified VIN Inspection form
   • The receipts for the major components of the trailer
   • The VIN plate for your trailer
   • Proof of insurance for the vehicle pulling the trailer
   • A valid driver’s license or ID card

2. Pay the taxes and fees. Depending on your state, you may need to pay sales tax, use tax, property tax, registration fee, or other charges for your trailer. You can find out the exact amount and frequency of these payments by contacting your local DMV or equivalent agency. Here is a table of the common forms and fees for registering your trailer in Iowa:

   Form	Fee
   Iowa Vehicle Registration Application	$10.00
   Iowa Certified VIN Inspection	$10.00
   Title	$25.00
   License Plate	$10.00
   Registration	Varies by weight and type

3. Get your title and license plate. If you have submitted all the required documents and paid all the taxes and fees, you will receive a title and a license plate for your trailer. You will also receive a sticker that shows the expiration date of your registration. You need to attach your license plate and sticker to your trailer in the correct location.

Keep Your Trailer Current with the State of Iowa

Once you have registered your DIY teardrop trailer in Iowa, you need to keep it current with the state authorities. This means that you need to renew your registration periodically, display a valid sticker on your license plate, and update your information if you move or sell your trailer. Here are some tips on how to keep your trailer current with the state of Iowa:

• Renew your registration. Depending on your state, you may need to renew your registration every year or every few years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your registration expires. You can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person. You will need to pay the registration fee and any taxes or charges that apply. You will also receive a new sticker that shows the new expiration date of your registration. You need to replace the old sticker with the new one on your license plate.
• Display a valid sticker. You need to display a valid sticker on your license plate at all times. The sticker shows the expiration date of your registration and the type of your trailer. The sticker helps law enforcement and the DMV to identify your trailer and verify your registration. If your sticker is lost, damaged, or stolen, you need to request a replacement sticker from the DMV. You may need to pay a fee for the replacement sticker.
• Update your information. If you move or sell your trailer, you need to update your information with the DMV. You need to notify the DMV of your new address within 30 days of moving. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person. You may need to pay a fee for the address change. You also need to notify the DMV of the sale or transfer of your trailer within 30 days of the transaction. You need to provide the name and address of the buyer or transferee, the date of the sale or transfer, and the VIN of the trailer. You can report the sale or transfer online, by mail, or in person. You may need to pay a fee for the sale or transfer.

Register Your DIY Teardrop Trailer in Iowa: Contacts

Now you know how to register your handmade DIY Teardrop Trailer in Iowa.  Your next task?  CAMPING!!

Here is a bulleted list of all the relevant DMV contact information for the state of Iowa:

• DMV website: https://iowadot.gov/mvd
• DMV phone number: (515) 244-8725
• Certified VIN inspectors list: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/help-center