Tips for titles and other legalities?

[mscarried]

Hi!
Can anyone direct me to a thread already on what needs to be done / legal wise, when buying a new Used trailer?

I saw the 'Checklist" but more dmv+ style,
I need the Title, registration, Bill of Sale... Notarized, not?
Seem to be a bunch of stories, and I see the state you buy it in .. Bring it to matters,
but not sure for which part?
One man i had called with an older re-do, 'kit' trailer, said there was no title because it was a kit. Is this valid? Is there a clause for more homemade trailers, or kits.. (in that situation, it was a playpak)

I see there are many long stories I can sift through, how people dealt with issues, but if there is a list anyone has compiled, that would be real helpful!
Then I can sort out what I need to look into, what doesn't really matter.
Thank you!!
(I live in New York)

[Eddie Longest]

Ca
Each state has different requirements for trailer titles, registration and notary requirements. First start with your current State DMV for your state requirements either on-line or visit an office. They should also be able to help with out of state rules and regulations but it is best to study the out of state rules if buying out of state. Usually no title means issues to contend with. Also if in a no title state they usually require you have a tag registration card to get a new title. There are also regulations on obtaining titles for home built trailers. Mfg. of kit trailer or new trailers provide a Certificate of Origin you take this to DMV to get the first title. No checklist is available since each state DMV rules are different.
Eddie

[mscarried]

Thanks, that is helpful.
What about the use of notarizing the bill of sale, is this necessary or just helpful?

[Eddie Longest]

Again a state thing. In Va. we don't require a notary for titles of boats or vehicles but most surrounding states to Va, do. I did sell a Federally documented boat this weekend and I have to find a notary today for that paperwork.
Most Bill of Sales you get online have a place for at least a witness but again it's more than likely a state rule. Your DMV should be able to help you with that also.

Eddie

[mary and bob]

You need to check with New York DMV. They required titles back into the early 70's. With a kit trailer maybe you could license it as "home made". Notarized bill of sale may help avoid some hassle. I had to do that when I bought a camper that the title had been lost. I think you can go online and print DMV's forms. If there is an existing title, usually the seller just has to sign it, but anything else may require a notarized signature. The seller also has to sign a NY DMV tax form, so take one of them with you. Anything that the seller may possibly have to sign, get them to do it at the time of sale, otherwise you have to track them down or forge their signature. I had one seller take his sweet time signing a document after the sale, he already had his money so what did he care if I was having a paperwork problem. If it is a newer trailer that the seller has financed and still owes on, that can be another problem. In NY the title will have a lien printed on it, and it will have to be paid off at the time of sale and you will then need a lien release form from where it was financed. I don't know how other states handle that issue, but this is how NY operates. Most banks have someone that is a Notary. Edit: I currently have 6 trailers registered in NY so have had plenty of experience with NY DMV!

[Donna D.]

All good advice. In Oregon, a signed title from the sellar proves ownership to the buyer (it's as good as gold!). Bills of sales are for horses.

[Francesca Knowles]

"One-size-fits-all" question, and here's my answer to it (good for all fifty States and however many Canadian Provinces there are )

All transactions involving paperwork in any way out of the ordinary should take place only at the offices of the Government Body charged with the oversight licensing/sales tax requirements.

Don't give anyone your hard-earned unless you walk away with the papers you need to get a trailer on the road.