Do I need the title to register my old trailer?

Q: If my trailer is 2001 and is 1,999 pounds gross weight, do I need the title or just the old registration to register it?

— Anonymous

A: Our website (dmv.ri.gov) has a whole page dedicated to trailer registrations. You can find it under the “Registration, Plates & Titles” tab, then the “Registrations” tab and then “Trailer Registrations.” All forms needed for this transaction can be printed from here as well, or under the “Forms” tab.

Trailers (that are not designated as campers) that have a 3,000 pound GVWR or less do not require a title in our state, no matter the year.

To register the trailer, you would need a bill of sale or gift letter from the seller, as well as “proof of ownership” from that seller. Examples of proof of ownership would be a stamped sales tax receipt in the seller’s name or an old registration issued in the seller’s name. (An old title issued in the seller’s name would also constitute proof of ownership.) You would also need to complete a TR-1 form and your own sales tax form to complete the transaction at the DMV. RI insurance is needed, too, but the insurance is on the vehicle that is towing the trailer.

Q: I’ve been thinking of ordering a special plate from a nonprofit organization. Can I request the same plate number as my current regular plate?

— Anne, Portsmouth

A: One of the good things about ordering a charity plate is that you keep your current registration! All you’re doing is changing the background design of it. You’re also supporting a local charity and its cause.

If you go to our website (dmv.ri.gov), then go to “Registration, Plates & Titles” tab and then the “License Plates” tab, you’ll see “Charity Plates.” Click on this and you will see all the charity plates that are in production, along with charities that are taking preorders to meet their minimum number before the plate is put in production, and you will also find forms needed to order the charity plate of your choice.

Story continues

Plates that are currently in production are generally made in a couple of weeks. We will mail the charity plates out to you, along with new stickers and a new registration certificate indicating a plate design change.

The charities that are taking preorders will place your order and your payment in an escrow account. Once the charity has met their minimum number of preorders, you will get a notice that the plate has been ordered for you.

Generally, with the initial plate order for a charity, a special event is held to distribute all the plates. After the initial order, the DMV takes over the orders and mails out the plates.

Remember that charity plates are not part of the state reissuance program. Only blue “wave” plates will be replaced, and this program will begin sometime this summer.

Chuck Hollis is assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Please email your questions to [email protected] with “Ask the DMV” in the subject field.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Ask the RI DMV: Do I need the title to register my old trailer?