Do you need a bill of sale to sell a trailer?
Almost always, yes — and for trailers it matters more than for cars. Here's why: many states only issue titles for trailers above a certain weight (commonly around 2,500–4,000 lbs GVWR, though the threshold varies). A small utility trailer, boat trailer, or single-axle cargo trailer often has no title at all. When there's no title to sign over, the bill of sale becomes the primary legal record that the trailer changed owners — it's what the buyer shows the DMV to register it, and what the seller keeps to prove they no longer own it.
Even in states that do title trailers, the DMV typically wants a bill of sale to establish the purchase price for sales-tax calculation. And if the trailer is homemade, the bill of sale (plus a state inspection in most states) is the starting point for getting it registered at all.
What a trailer bill of sale must include
- Seller and buyer — full legal names and addresses of both parties.
- Trailer description — year, make, model, and the VIN or serial number. On most trailers the VIN plate is riveted to the tongue (the A-frame near the coupler) or stamped on the frame rail; enclosed trailers often have a sticker just inside the door.
- Physical details — length, number of axles, and color help identify the exact trailer, especially for untitled ones.
- Price and date — the exact amount paid and the day ownership transferred. Write the real price: understating it to dodge sales tax is illegal in every state.
- As-is clause — private-party trailer sales are almost always “as-is.” Saying so explicitly protects the seller from later complaints about bearings, brakes, or floor rot.
- Signatures — both parties, both copies. Add notarization if your state requires it (the generator warns you automatically).
No odometer section is needed — federal odometer disclosure applies only to self-propelled motor vehicles, and trailers are exempt.
Titled vs. non-titled trailers — what changes?
| Situation | What the bill of sale does | What else you need |
|---|---|---|
| Titled trailer (heavier / newer, depending on state) | Documents price & date for taxes; backup proof of the transaction | Sign the title over to the buyer; buyer applies for a new title |
| Non-titled trailer (many utility & boat trailers) | Primary proof of ownership transfer — the document the DMV registers from | Old registration card (if any); state inspection for homemade trailers |
| Homemade trailer | Proof of how you acquired it — first step toward a state-assigned VIN | State VIN inspection / certification, weight slip in many states |
General guidance, last reviewed August 2026. Title thresholds differ by state — confirm yours with the state DMV.