Trailer vin registration help'

[woody367]

I have a PWC trailer that has not been registered in over 20 years. I lost the reg. for it, DMV does not go back that far to look it up. And the VIN sticker is worn off. Do these trailers have a VIN stamped somewhere on it? The only sticker still able to read is BANDIT which I have no clue who made it. Can anyone help? Does anyone gave a tongue with a VIN and reg. or just a reg. form a trailer no longer? If so please PM me. Thanks'

[Myself]

Throw a fresh coat of paint on it and go register it as a "homemade". That's how they do it 'round here.

[steve45]

So you own the trailer, but just haven't registered it for a long time. Hard to believe that your state doesn't have a record of it. What state are you in? Do you have to get it inspected if you try to register it as homemade?

I'm in Texas and, over the years, I've had a number of 'homemade' trailers. They've started cracking down on this in some cases, but they haven't bothered me. I have built my own trailer from scratch and I was surprised that I didn't have to get it inspected prior to registration. That is only required in Texas if you want a title for it, which I didn't need.

For what it's worth, I keep up with titles and registration papers for all my stuff (6 cars, 10 JetSkis, 3 power boats, 2 sailboats, 14 trailers...). I created a spreadsheet with all the VIN & HIN numbers, descriptions, license plate numbers, and expiration dates. Some vehicles don't get used, so they don't get registered, but I still keep up with the info on them. Over the years, it sure has helped me to keep stuff straight.

[steve45]

This sounds like something that I should do. You don't mind if I steal your idea, do you?

Of course not! When I get a renewal notice in the mail, I look at my spreadsheet to see what else is due for renewal that month so I can get everything done in one trip to the tax office--even if I don't get a renewal notice for some reason. In my state, you can renew vehicle license plates, trailer plates, and boat registration at the same office. Vehicles are due every year, boats every other year, so it can get confusing if you don't stay on top of it.

[Jonesyfxr]

Your local PD can run a search for any vehicles ever registered under your name.