Trailers

Alert

A BILL OF SALE is REQUIRED in Wapello County for all trailer transfers.

All trailers used upon the Iowa roadways are required to be registered and plated.

Iowa differentiates trailers by empty weight.

Trailers that weigh 2001 lbs or more are titled and have an annual fee of $30/year.
Trailers that weigh 2000 lbs or less do not get title, only are issued a registration, and have an annual fee of $20/year.

Upon the purchase of a regular trailer, the title must be signed over to the new owner. If the title cannot be found, the previous owners can order a replacement title. The new owner(s) will also be required to complete an application for certificate of title and/or registration form (Form 411007) as well as have a completed bill of sale at the time of transfer.

Upon the purchase of a small regular trailer, the previous owner must sign the bottom portion of the most current registration over. If the most current registration cannot be found, the previous owner(s) can order a replacement registration for $3.00 from their county treasurer's office. If a replacement registration cannot be achieved, the previous owner(s) can complete a notarized bill of sale (bill of sale link) with all the required information. The new owner(s) will also be required to complete an application for certificate of title and/or registration form (Form 411007) as well as have a completed bill of sale at the time of transfer.

Homemade Trailers

If you have constructed a trailer from scratch that does not have a manufacturer's VIN on it, we will need the trailer's type as well as color. If the trailer's empty weight is over 2001 lbs, you’ll need to contact the motor vehicle enforcement office to be issued a VIN. You can email: invbureau@iowadot.us to get more information. If the trailer is under 2000 lbs, we will register this trailer as a specially constructed small trailer.

Upon the purchase of a homemade trailer, the previous owner must sign the bottom portion of the most current registration over. If the most current registration cannot be found, the previous owner(s) can order a replacement registration for $3.00 from their county treasurer's office. If a replacement registration cannot be achieved, the previous owner(s) can complete a notarized bill of sale with all the required information. The new owner(s) will also be required to complete an application for certificate of title and/or registration form (Form 411007) as well as a completed bill of sale at the time of transfer.