Registration and titling requirements vary according to trailer type and weight. Most utility trailers fall into two categories: Manufactured (built by a licensed trailer manufacturer) or homemade (built by an individual in their garage or shop). In addition, trailers are categorized by gross weights (the trailer weight plus the weight it can carry) under and over 4,000 pounds.

Determine the type of trailer you have

Start by looking on the trailer tongue. This is where you are most likely to find the manufacturer’s name, which confirms you have a manufactured trailer.

If you do not know whether the trailer is manufactured or homemade, it must be inspected by an auto theft law enforcement officer. To find the nearest inspection location with an auto theft law enforcement officer, contact your local county tax assessor-collector office or TxDMV Regional Service Center.

If you have a manufactured trailer

The Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) is the document that allows you to register and/or title a new trailer. This is your trailer’s “birth certificate,” showing its unique identification information. A trailer manufacturer is required to provide a MCO to dealers or purchasers for every vehicle it makes.

If you are selling a new manufactured trailer you must make sure the new buyer receives the MCO. For used trailers over 4,000 pounds gross weight, be sure to give the buyer the trailer title (signed on the back) and a complete Form 130-U, which you also must sign as the seller. For used trailers under 4,000 pounds gross weight, provide the new buyer with the registration receipt, a bill of sale and MCO (if available).

Note: A manufactured trailer with missing paperwork cannot be registered as a homemade trailer.

If you have a homemade trailer

Homemade trailers under 4,000 pounds gross weight are not required to have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) unless they are going to be titled. However, we encourage you to obtain one because we place the VIN in the state motor vehicle database, which will help identify the trailer should it ever be stolen. Another advantage is you will now be able to use our online services (such as registration renewal in participating counties, or change of address notification). To acquire a VIN for your homemade trailer, you must first have the trailer inspected by an auto theft law enforcement officer. For more information on how to obtain a VIN, contact your regional service center.

Register and/or title your trailer.

If your trailer’s gross weight is above 4,000 pounds, it must be titled.

Submit the following documents to your county tax assessor-collector office:

Evidence of ownership – please refer to the table below to determine which documents you will need to present.
A completed Form 130-U,
Applicable fees

Trailer Type	Required Ownership Document(s)
New manufactured trailer	Manufacturer Certificate of Origin
New homemade trailer	Completed Form VTR-305-A
Used trailer under 4,000 lbs. gross weight	Bill of Sale + Registration Receipt
Used trailer over 4,000 lbs. gross weight	Certificate of Title

In some cases, you may be asked to provide additional information such as:

Weight Certificate, and/or
Photograph of trailer,

For information about all required documentation and fees, contact your county tax assessor-collector office.

Additional Information

Trailers with a gross weight of 4,500 pounds or above must pass an annual safety inspection.

Farm trailers are subject to different titling and registration requirements.