Chapter 13 – Trailer

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

Section A.  Types of 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.

1. Homemade Trailers
   These are trailers assembled or constructed largely by means of essential parts, new or used. Homemade Trailers are issued a trailer plate and will be subject to registration. The only time that a freight license plate will be issued to a homemade trailer is when the combined weight of both the towing unit and the trailer exceeds 26,000 pounds.
2. Other Types of Utility Trailers
   Small Box Trailers
   Semi Trailers – if DGVW of power unit is less than 26,000 lbs.
   Boat Trailers
   Pole Trailers – if DGVW of power unit is less than 26,000 lbs.
   Flat Bed Trailers
   Stock Trailers
   Horse Trailers
   Pole Trailers
   Van 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

Freight Trailers (§66-1-4.6(G))

A “freight trailer” is:

• any trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer drawn by a truck tractor or road tractor, and any trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer drawn by a truck that has a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, but
• “freight trailer” does not include 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.

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:

• used only to transport products to market which are produced by farmers and ranchers; or
• used solely for transporting supplies back to the farms or ranches which are to be used thereon; or
• used by individuals to transport animals to and from fairs, rodeos or other events, except racetracks, where the animals will participate or take place in the performance.

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:

• a “tow dolly” (a trailer towed by a motor vehicle to transport another motor vehicle, upon which the front or rear wheels of the towed motor vehicle are mounted, while the other wheels of the towed motor vehicle remain in contact with the ground); and
• (by current MVD practice) a motorcycle trailer

Section B.  Title and Registration – New and Used Trailers

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.

Title and Registration – New and Used Trailers

Revised November 29, 2017

Title and Registration of New Trailers – Requirements

1. Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
   Note: Weight certificate required if MCO does not indicate the empty weight of the trailer.
2. Dealer’s Invoice
3. Proof of Trade-In (as needed)
4. Power of Attorney (POA) (as needed)
5. Lien Holder Information (as needed)
6. Identification
7. Proof of Residence
8. Trailer must be titled and registered within 30 Days of Purchase to avoid late registration penalties.

 Title and Registration of Used Trailers – Requirements

1. Certificate of Title
   Note: Weight certificate required if Title does not indicate the empty weight of the trailer.
2. Bill of Sale
3. Dealer’s Invoice (when trailer purchased from a dealer)
4. VIN Inspection
5. Proof of Trade-in (as needed)
6. Release of Lien (as needed)
7. Proof of Residence
8. Identification
9. Power of Attorney (POA) (as needed)
10. Lien holder Information (as needed)
11. Trailer must be titled and registered within 30 days of purchase to avoid late transfer fee and late registration penalties.

Section C.  Other Trailer Situations

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.

• General Surety, Indemnity or Certificate of Title Bond, Chapter 10 Section F

2. Trailer with Registration Certificate Showing Full Vehicle Description

??Requirements:

• Current registration
  The current registration should have the complete vehicle description, year, make and vehicle identification number.
• VIN Inspection
• Weight Certificate
  If the current registration certificate does not indicate the empty weight of the trailer, the applicant shall be required to present a weight certificate verifying the empty weight.
• Bill of Sale
  (if necessary)

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:

• Reconstructed, Rebuilt or Homemade/Shop-Built Vehicles, Chapter 9 Section A

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:

• VIN Inspection
• Weight Certificate
• Bill of sale (if necessary)

b) Apply for Title and Registration through a “surety bond” process:

• General Surety, Indemnity or Certificate of Title Bond, Chapter 10 Section F

Section D. Trailers

Revised November 29, 2017

 Requirements for Kit Trailers

• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin and Invoice for kit (body)

• Affirmation for Specially Constructed or Reconstructed VehicleThe “Affirmation for Specially Constructed or Reconstructed Vehicle” form (MVD-10015), must be completed and signed by the applicant.
• Vehicle Equipment Affirmation

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.

• Weight CertificateMust be provided to accurately assess registration fees (except for motorcycles and off-highway vehicles).
• Affidavit of VIN
• FeesNormal fees apply. The excise tax will be based on the sale price indicated on the invoice for the
  trailer kit.