You may be curious about the paperwork if you’re looking to purchase a trailer for your jet skis. Is a title from the prior owner required when buying something used, in particular?
The titles of trailers are necessary in certain states but not in others. Titles are not necessary in Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. While the remaining states only require trailer titles when certain conditions are met, several states demand them without exception. To be sure, check your state’s regulations.
We will examine these standards in more detail, state by state, throughout the remainder of this essay. You can use our guide to better understand any regional weight limitations that could be in place. We’ll also look at a few suggestions for buying a used jet ski trailer.
Titling Requirements By State
States have different requirements for titles, and some states have different standards based on the size or weight of your trailer. Others will take into account the production date. Some states flat-out don’t demand a title at all.
To help you get started, we’ve produced a quick reference list of the states that either always require titles, require them occasionally, or don’t require them at all. This manual will get you started, but you’ll want to go a little more into your specific state and circumstance.
States That Unconditionally Require Titles For Trailers
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- N. Carolina
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Washington (State)
States That Conditionally Require Titles For Trailers
- Connecticut: If the weight is less than 3000 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 1360 kilograms). For weight beyond 3000 pounds, a title is necessary (about 1360 kilograms).
- Florida: If the weight is less than 2000 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 907 kilograms). For weight beyond 2,000 pounds, a title is necessary (about 907 kilograms).
- Iowa: If the weight is less than 2000 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 907 kilograms). For weight beyond 2,000 pounds, a title is necessary (about 907 kilograms).
- Kansas: If the weight is less than 2000 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 907 kilograms). For weight beyond 2,000 pounds, a title is necessary (about 907 kilograms).
- Maine: A title is necessary if the trailer was constructed within the previous 15 years and weighs more than 3000 pounds (1360 kilograms).
- Massachusetts: If the weight is less than 3000 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 1360 kilograms). For weight beyond 3000 pounds, a title is necessary (about 1360 kilograms).
- Michigan: If your trailer is 20 feet (6.1 meters) or longer, a title is necessary.
- New Hampshire: A title is necessary if the trailer was manufactured within the previous 15 years and weighs more than 3000 pounds (1360 kg).
- New Jersey: If the weight is less than 2500 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 1134 kilograms). For weight beyond 2500 pounds, a title is necessary (about 1134 kilograms).
- New York: If the weight is less than 1000 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 454 kilograms). For weight over 1000 pounds, a title is necessary (about 454 kilograms).
- Ohio: If the weight is less than 4000 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 1814 kilograms). For weight over 4,000 pounds, a title is necessary (about 1814 kilograms).
- Rhode Island: A title is necessary if the trailer was constructed within the previous ten years and weighs more than 3000 pounds (1360 kilograms).
- South Carolina: If the weight is less than 2500 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 1134 kilograms). For weight beyond 2500 pounds, a title is necessary (about 1134 kilograms).
- Texas: If the weight is less than 4,000 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 1814 kilograms). For weight over 4,000 pounds, a title is necessary (about 1814 kilograms).
- Utah: If the weight is less than 750 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 340 kilograms). For weights greater than 750 pounds, a title is necessary (about 340 kilograms).
- Wisconsin: If the weight is less than 3000 pounds, titles are not necessary (about 1360 kilograms). For weight beyond 3000 pounds, a title is necessary (about 1360 kilograms).
States That Do Not Require Titles For Trailers
- Only registration is necessary in Alabama
- Alaska just requires registration
- Georgia
- Only registration is necessary in Hawaii.
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
What These Regulations Mean To You
Remember to find out where the seller has the trailer registered or titled if you’re buying a used jet ski trailer. You could have a lengthy procedure ahead of you to title in your state without a title from the previous owner if the seller purchased the trailer in a location where they don’t title these sorts of vehicles.
When you buy the trailer, the seller must give it to you if you live in a state where the title is necessary. The seller must file a lost title application and complete the necessary steps at the local Department of Motor Vehicles if they claim they don’t have it. The trailer can then be properly and formally sold once this process is finished.
However, if the vendor of the secondhand trailer you’re interested in claims they never had a title, this may also be true. The list demonstrates how many states refuse to grant titles for specific types of lightweight trailers. To learn more about the requirements in the state where you live and make your purchase, do some research.
How To Title Your Jet Ski Trailer
You must first obtain more detailed information if registering or titling your jet ski is necessary in your state. Your neighborhood motor vehicle office will probably handle the titling and registration of your jet ski trailer. You might try seeking for the required paperwork on your state’s motor vehicle website to get this process started.
Enter “register my jet ski trailer” in the search bar and enter the name of your state. This should take you to the most helpful page on your state’s DMV, where you may begin. The appropriate paperwork, comprehensive terms, and any associated costs will all be visible to you. For further details, you might also try calling the office during business hours or going in person.
You should obtain all of the necessary materials as soon as you are aware of the necessary paperwork and expenses. Check any further particular instructions and the allowed methods for submitting payment once more. The procedure ought to go more smoothly the more prepared you are before submitting your documentation.
Homemade Jet Ski Trailers
The process for registering and titling a trailer that has been customized or that you have built from scratch may differ somewhat. The procedure might include a number of phases, albeit it differs from state to state.
For instance, in order to obtain your Vehicle Identification Numbers in New York, you must legally weigh the trailer (more commonly known as a VIN). You must submit the weight slip, material receipts for the trailer’s construction, as well as a few predetermined paperwork, to the DMV.
Once you have received your VIN, you must permanently brand your trailer with it using an authorized procedure. After completing this stage, you will need to provide identification and pay the necessary costs in order to obtain the trailer’s license plate and legal paperwork. After the paperwork has been obtained, you will only have a little window of time for your trailer to pass an official safety inspection.
What To Look For In A Jet Ski Trailer
There are a few characteristics to consider while looking for a new trailer or one that is new to you. Even though they can increase the trailer’s price, some of these additions might be worthwhile. Let’s look at a few qualities that customers have complimented favorably.
Built-In Retractable Ratchet Straps
It might be a very useful feature to have retractable ratchet straps integrated into your jet ski trailer. When these are built-in, the straps you need to tie your jet ski to your trailer are always available. Never worry about carrying additional straps or losing track of where you put them. These straps are constantly stored in a coil and fastened to the trailer frame, ready for usage.
They may also provide greater security than standard straps. Since the strap’s other end is firmly fastened to your trailer, these built-in straps only have one hook. Regular straps feature two hooks, which means there are two potential locations for a hook to come loose.
Due to its convenience and security, you will probably thank yourself if you can find a used jet ski trailer with these built-in straps.
Frame Mounted Trailer Wiring
All of the necessary wiring will be safely placed inside the trailer frame if you purchase a trailer with frame-mounted wiring. It is shielded from the weather and other usage-related damage by being safely enclosed inside the metal frame.
All the lights on your trailer, including the brake lights, turn signals, and any additional parking lights you might have, will be powered by your wiring. You won’t have many problems with your trailer lights if you keep the wiring secure and safe. Lighting fixtures will be better shielded the safer your cables are.
Aluminum Wheels And Oversized Tires
A used jet ski trailer with aluminum wheels and tires may cost a little more, but it will significantly extend the life of your trailer.
The metal will keep your trailer from corroding if you frequently go to seawater. The extra-large tires are also durable enough to be used on uneven terrain and shouldn’t need much maintenance. They won’t require air inflating as frequently as more delicate, smaller tires would.
When it comes to traveling on the highway, these wheels and tires are a tremendous asset. These tires won’t let you down if you want to go at top highway speeds while retaining agility.
When acquiring a used trailer, you should pay close attention to the condition of the tires. Before packing up your jet skis and heading out on the road, you should replace them if they appear worn.
Single, Double, And Fully Enclosed Options
Jet ski trailers are available that can accommodate a variety of jet ski counts. You may purchase a smaller trailer that just holds a single jet ski if you only need to move one jet ski. The cost of a single jet ski trailer is less than that of larger choices. In several places, they are also exempt from title requirements because of their low weight.
You might consider the bigger trailers if you have two jet skis or want to be able to load up a friend’s for a weekend getaway. A pair of jet skis may often fit in two parallel slots found in trailers. The two side by side may be loaded with ease and taken on the road for a trip with friends or family.
Consider a completely enclosed trailer if you’re seeking for a more sophisticated solution. If you reside in a state with weight limits, these trailers will weigh more and will likely require a title. However, these will provide your jet skis with the most protection as you move them over any terrain and any weather.
Final Thoughts
The registration and titling process for a jet ski trailer will depend on a variety of things. The laws varies in every state. While some states will always demand a title, others will base their choice on the size, age, or weight of your trailer. Some states have strict rules on title requirements.
To learn what your state requires of you in terms of titling your trailer, check the local legislation. If you are purchasing a trailer from a vendor in another state, don’t forget to verify the laws in that state.
