MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICES · COLUMBIA COUNTY
Trailers: Titles & Registration
Find the paperwork for a utility or boat trailer, whether you bought it new, bought it used, built it yourself, or brought it from another state.
Start with the trailer’s empty weight
Use the trailer’s net (empty) weight. Do not use its weight with the boat or cargo loaded or its maximum rated weight.
Under 2,000 pounds
Florida generally registers the trailer without issuing a title. Bring documents showing ownership and the trailer’s net weight.
2,000 pounds or more
Florida generally requires both a title and registration for a trailer used on public roads. Bring the ownership document and ask about inspection requirements for your trailer.
Bring the documents for your trailer
New trailer
Bring the manufacturer’s certificate of origin if issued and the dealer invoice or bill of sale. Keep the purchase price, any tax paid, and any lienholder information handy. If the trailer needs a title, use the Florida title application (HSMV 82040 MV, PDF).
Used trailer under 2,000 pounds
Bring a signed bill of sale that describes the trailer and includes the previous owner’s Florida plate number if it was registered here. Bring the previous registration if available. If the seller was not the last registered owner, bring the bills of sale linking each owner to you.
Example: If the registration names the first owner and you bought from a second owner, bring the first owner’s registration and both bills of sale: first owner to second owner, and second owner to you.
If the trailer has never been registered in Florida and your paperwork does not show its net weight, bring a certified weight slip.
Used titled trailer or trailer from another state
Bring the title properly assigned to you, or a title in your name if you already own the trailer. If the other state did not issue a title, bring the prior registration and ownership documents and call before your visit. Bring any lienholder and tax-paid documents, and ask if a VIN verification or other inspection is needed for your trailer.
Homemade trailer
Call before visiting. Have the empty weight and any prior registration or bill of sale ready. If a homemade trailer has never been registered, ask about the certified weight slip, how an identification number is assigned, and whether an inspection is required. The process differs for trailers that require a title.
Renew your trailer registration
Check the expiration date printed on your registration. Individual registrations generally follow the first owner’s birthday. Company-owned trailers and semitrailers can have different renewal dates.
Common questions
Does my boat title cover the trailer?
No. The vessel and trailer have separate records. Make sure your purchase paperwork identifies both, and bring the trailer’s ownership documents when you register it.
What if I don’t have a weight or ownership record?
Call before you buy or visit. Tell us where the trailer came from, whether it was ever registered, and what documents you have. We can explain what proof you need for that trailer.
What if more than one person will own the trailer?
Ask who needs to sign and whether a power of attorney can be used if an owner cannot attend. Bring identification and any plate or registration information you want the office to review.