No trailer title

Eddyj · Sep 10, 2015

I haven't been in Alabama long enough to know the ins and outs. But we have a 36 foot enclosed trailer that's bounced around my famy for 10 years. To my knowledge it's never been tagged or insured. What is the best way to get it legal?

RustyC · Sep 10, 2015

I built my own trailer to haul my Jeep on. I went to the St. Clair Co. courthouse in Ashville and told them straight up that I built it and needed a tag. Their response was that they needed a serial #. I gave them 7 digits and they issued a utility trailer tag right then and there. I think they needed a basic size and description as well. $14 or so a year. Well worth avoiding a ticket. They did not issue a title for the trailer only a tag.
I also bought an enclosed trailer our of state new. I have a certificate of origin from the manufacturer. I have it tagged as well but was told the state does not issue titles on trailers.
Hope that helps.

Eddyj · Sep 11, 2015

Good info. Thank you.

Nuts · Sep 11, 2015

Don't know about down there, but in Ohio you just need a weight slip together plates, and Kentucky you don't even need to have plates on a trailer

jeeptj99 · Sep 11, 2015

AdamF said:
Don't know about down there, but in Ohio you just need a weight slip together plates, and Kentucky you don't even need to have plates on a trailer

same as Tennessee

mna0121 · Sep 11, 2015

Tags are easy in Alabama. I live just inside the FL line and my BIL is in AL. Florida would not issue a tag to me on a hot rod I built. I gave my BIL a bill of sale, he went to the court house and came out with a tag. The hot rod is a 33 pick up so no title ever was involved.
RTR

John Galbreath Jr. · Sep 11, 2015

There are no titles in Alabama on 1975 and older. So IF it was manufactured before 1975, a title is not needed. You can "home build" a trailer, you will need to get it inspected, then a title is not needed. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a lost title.

Bebop · Sep 11, 2015

jeeptj99 said:
same as Tennessee

I'm moving to TN soon.

If I buy a trailer there, I put no plates on it ? Not even the towing truck ones ? How do you insure it ?

Excuse me, those questions might seem dumb, but I'm used to Europe regulations and overly complicated administration and this appears too good to be true.

jeff150 · Sep 11, 2015

I always try and apply for title in my name even if it is not required in AL. The only reason is because if i want to sell it out of state, the next owner will probably need it.

85toyo · Sep 11, 2015

I think they gave me one when I registered my trailer in St. Clair county a few years ago. I will check when I get back in town.

Shortbus · Sep 11, 2015

I'm guessing it's a bumper pull? If so - like RustyC said - you just go to your county license office, pay taxes and fees and you get a license plate or tag. It's for personal use right

For Alabama
Since 2009 there have been no titles on utility trailers regardless of age.
Beginning in 2012 Simi, recreational and gooseneck trailers 20 years and under need a title.

If you home build a non utility trailer less than 20 years old you still must get a title.