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Section A. Types of Trailers
Section B. Title and Registration – New and Used Trailers
Section C. Other Trailer Situations
Section D. Homemade and Kit Trailers
Revised November 29, 2017
Trailers are subject to three different types of registration and plates – regular trailer, recreational travel trailer, and freight trailer.
Regular trailer registration and plates
Most trailers (those not registered as RVs or freight trailers), including most utility trailers, are registered as trailers and receive regular trailer plates.
These include:
Utility Trailers (§66-1-4.18(B))
A “utility trailer” is defined in statute as “any trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer, but does not include freight trailers, manufactured homes, trailers of less than one-ton carrying capacity used to transport animals, or fertilizer trailers of less than 3,500 pounds empty weight.”
This definition is broad and includes a variety of types and designs of trailers. In simple terms a utility trailer is designed for general use and is towed by a motor vehicle. The following trailers fall within the general definition of utility trailers.
Kit Trailers
Kit trailers are bought unassembled from dealers who are not required to be licensed by the Dealer Bureau. Upon complete assembly of the trailer, the applicant may apply for a New Mexico Title.
Liquid Fertilizer Trailers
A liquid fertilizer trailer is a tank type trailer, with an empty weight of 3,500 pounds or less, that is used for the delivery or distribution of liquid fertilizer to farmers. In the “Remarks” section indicate that it is a liquid fertilizer trailer. This type of trailer is issued a regular utility trailer plate.
Recreational Travel Trailers (§66-1-4.15(E))
A “recreational travel trailer” is a camping body designed to be drawn by another vehicle. Recreational travel trailers are registered as recreational vehicles (RVs) and are issued a recreational vehicle license plate.
These trailers have a camping body placed on a frame with wheels. Recreational travel trailers are towed by a motor vehicle and are not more than eight feet wide or longer than 40 feet. Collapsible trailers and camping trailers fall under the category of recreational travel trailer. The weight conversion chart below can be used when only the length of a travel trailer is known. It will assist in computing the registration fees for recreational travel trailers.
RECREATIONAL TRAVEL TRAILER WEIGHT CONVERSION CHART
Length Empty Weight Length Empty Weight Length Empty Weight 13′ 1520 23′ 3540 33′ 5800 14′ 1920 24′ 3600 34′ 6000 15′ 2100 25′ 3760 35′ 6800 16′ 2200 26′ 3800 36′ 7900 17′ 2300 27′ 4100 37′ 8000 18′ 2400 28′ 4500 38′ 8100 19′ 3120 29′ 4800 39′ 8300 20′ 3150 30′ 5000 40′ 8500 21′ 3380 31′ 5120 22′ 3510 32′ 5300Freight Trailers (§66-1-4.6(G))
A “freight trailer” is:
A permanent freight trailer plate is issued upon the initial registration of a freight trailer. The body type for a freight trailer is “FR”.
Trailers Exempt from Registration
Trailers exempt from registration include utility trailers that are owned by individuals engaged in the business of farming and ranching. These trailers do not have to be registered as long as they are pulled by a vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds and are:
In no case may the owner of such an unregistered trailer perform such uses for hire.
If the trailer is to be registered it will receive a regular trailer plate.
The owners of a farm trailer who wishes to apply for title, and who does not have the original document to support issuance of title, must provide the division with proof of ownership (registration certificate, dealer’s invoice, security agreement, etc.) and a completed Affidavit Certifying Ownership.
Other trailers that are exempt from registration include:
Permanent Registration (§66-3-2A)The registration for freight trailers is permanent. Freight trailers will be registered once. At the time of resale, the new owner will be required to pay the registration fee in their own name. The license plate itself will have affixed to it by stamp or impression the word “PERM” and/or “PERMANENT.” The paper registration certificate for that plate and vehicle will reflect the term “permanent” in regards to expiration. Both the vehicle and Certificate of Registration will be permanent for the life of the vehicle. Utility trailers and travel trailers not used in commerce whose gross vehicle weight is under 6,001 lbs. may also be registered permanently. The permanent registration fee for a utility trailer is $25.00 for the first 500 pounds, plus $5.00 for each additional 100 pounds rounded. The fee for a travel trailer is computed by dividing the weight by 2, then assessing $25.00 for the first 500 pounds, plus $5.00 for each additional 100 pounds rounded. The registration fee for transfer of a permanently registered trailer is $5.
Revised November 29, 2017
Title and Registration of New Trailers – Requirements
Title and Registration of Used Trailers – Requirements
Revised December 1, 2017
There are some states that do not require small utility trailers to be titled and/or registered.
1. Trailer with a VIN from a state where title/registration not required:
If the applicant for title and registration cannot provide proof of ownership documents, he will be required to obtain title through a “surety bond” process.
2. Trailer with Registration Certificate Showing Full Vehicle Description
??Requirements:
3. Trailer with Registration Certificate that Does Not Indicate VIN:
If the registration certificate does not indicate the vehicle identification number because the trailer is homemade or shop-built, the transaction shall be processed as a first-time homemade trailer:
4. Trailer with a VIN that is Not Indicated on the Registration Certificate:
If the registration certificate does not indicate the vehicle identification number, and upon the visual inspection of the trailer you find that it does have a manufacturer identification number, the registered owner should proceed in one of the following ways.
a) Contact current licensing jurisdiction to obtain a duplicate Certificate of Registration, which indicates the vehicle identification number. Complete the application process, by obtaining a:
b) Apply for Title and Registration through a “surety bond” process:
Revised November 29, 2017
Requirements for Kit Trailers
The “Vehicle Equipment Affirmation” form (MVD-10053), must be completed and signed by the applicant. Review the document to be sure that the applicant has checked off all equipment required for the type of vehicle being registered. Assembled vehicles must comply with federal standards for highway use (this is the owner’s responsibility).
CSRs should also verify that all required equipment indicated upon the Vehicle Equipment Affirmation form (MVD-10053) is in place and in working order.
If any of the required equipment is still missing or not working, DO NOT process the transaction.
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