Utility trailers that are designed for pulling behind an automobile or pickup truck remain subject to State Law requirements for ownership by Certificate of Title and registration by the payment of license fees and ad valorem taxes. (Code of Alabama, 1975, 40-12-252).  Exemptions for title and tag requirements are limited to the following:

• Boat Trailers

• Farm Trailers: Trailers used exclusively for transporting farm products to and from market or for transporting the personal property of the farmer for his own use on the farm.

• Equipment Trailers:  Trailers with permanent mounted equipment such as a crane or well-drilling equipment.  Trailer is not equipped for hauling supplies.  

• Beginning in 2004, a single-axle trailer, with a bed 16 feet or less, is exempt from the title law. Such trailers remain subject to registration fees and taxes.

Utility trailers required for registration include, but are not limited to, open trailer for commercial equipment or personal mowers or golf carts, horse trailer, enclosed auto transporter and tow dolly.

A sample of the necessary documents for title transfer is listed below.  For additional information concerning registration and title provisions, you may wish to call the License Commissioner's Office at (256) 233-6430 or the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, at (334) 242-9000.

NEW MANUFACTURED UTILITY TRAILER 

• Manufactured Statement of Origin Issued to Dealer and Assigned to New Owner
• Bill of Sale, From Dealer to New Owner
• Visual Inspection At Courthouse or By Alabama Law Enforcement Officer, MVT Form 5-10, (download form)

USED MANUFACTURED UTILITY TRAILER (Built On or After 1/1/75)   PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED IN ALABAMA

• Alabama Certificate of Title Issued in Seller Name and Assigned to New Owner or Copy of Alabama Title Application MVT 5-1C Issued To New Owner
• Bill of Sale From Seller to New Owner
• Current Alabama Tag Registration, or Alabama Tag Number, Decal Number & Year, Renewal Month
• No Visual Inspection Required at Courthouse

USED MANUFACTURED UTILITY TRAILER (Built On or After 1/1/75)   PREVIOUSLY TITLED IN ANOTHER STATE

• Out-of-State Certificate of Title (If Titling State) Issued in Seller Name and Assigned to New Owner
• Bill of Sale, From Seller to New Owner
• Visual Inspection

USED MANUFACTURED UTILITY TRAILER (Built On or After 1/1/75)   PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED IN ANOTHER STATE, BUT EXEMPT FROM TITLE

• Current Out-of-State Tag Registration Receipt (If Non-Titling State) Issued in Seller Name
• Notarized Bill of Sale For Each Seller to Buyer Assignment
• Visual Inspection

USED MANUFACTURED UTILITY TRAILER (Built On or After 1/1/75) ITEM OF HUSBANDRY (FARM USE) AND EXEMPT FROM TITLE AND TAG REGISTRATION

• Most Recent MSO or Certificate of Title
• Notarized Bill of Sale For Each Seller to Buyer Assignment
• Affidavit Supporting Vehicle as Item of Husbandry
• Visual Inspection

NEW OR USED MANUFACTURED UTILITY TRAILER (Built On or After 1/1/75) SELLER DOES NOT PROVIDE PROPERLY ASSIGNED TITLE

• Approved Surety Bond Application To State of Alabama Issued by New Owner
• Bill of Sale, From Seller to New Owner
• Visual Inspection  

USED MANUFACTURED UTILITY TRAILER WITH SINGLE AXLE AND BED 16 FEET OR LESS 

• Bill of Sale, From Seller to New Owner with valid VIN and trailer description

• Current Alabama Tag Registration, or Alabama Tag Number, Decal Number & Year, Renewal Month
• No Visual Inspection Required at Courthouse 

USED MANUFACTURED UTILITY TRAILER (Built Before 1/1/75)

• Bill of Sale, From Seller to New Owner with valid VIN and trailer description
• Current Alabama Tag Registration, or Alabama Tag Number, Decal Number & Year, Renewal Month
• No Visual Inspection Required at Courthouse 

ASSEMBLED OR HOMEMADE UTILITY TRAILER LONGER THAN 16 FEET OR WITH MULTIPLE AXLES (Built On Or After 1/1/75)

• State Form 26-2 with Approval Letter from State MVD
• Visual Inspection At Courthouse or By Alabama Law Enforcement Officer

State Form MVT 26-1 must be completed and forwarded to the Alabama Department of Revenue.  Forms are available by mail or in person from License Commissioner's Office.  No fee is required.  Upon approval by State, Form MVT 26-2 and an Alabama Assigned Vehicle Identification Number Plate will be mailed from Montgomery to owner.  After attaching plate to homemade trailer, owner must take Form MVT 26-2 and trailer for inspection and make application for Alabama title.  License tag is issued along with title application.