Revised August 26, 2008

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, with:

• NCIC Certificate of Clearance
  (to verify that trailer is not listed as “stolen”)
   
• VIN Inspection
  (to verify VIN on ownership documents is the same as the one on the trailer)
   
• Weight Certificate
  (to verify weight for registration fee)
   
• Title Bond
  (must be valid for three years, issued by a company authorized to conduct business in New Mexico, and be for twice the value of the trailer)
   

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
   
• Affidavit Certifying Ownership (ACO)
  The owner(s) must sign the “affidavit certifying ownership” attesting that they are the legal owner(s) of the trailer, also that there is not any outstanding liens against the trailer.
   
• 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.
   
• NCIC check

3. Trailer with Registration Certificate that Does Not Indicate VIN

If the registration certificate does not indicate the vehicle identification number because trailer is homemade or shop built, the transaction shall be processed as a first time homemade trailer with New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. Applicant must follow all procedures for applying for a Title and Registration for a homemade trailer. The trailer must be visually inspected to verify that it does not have an assigned vehicle identification number or a manufacturer identification number.

Requirements:

• Current Registration
   
• VIN Inspection
  (to verify trailers does not have a VIN)
   
• Affidavit Certifying Ownership “ACO”
  (to attest to the ownership of lien free trailer)
   
• Weight Certificate
   
• Affidavit of Specially Constructed or Reconstructed Vehicle
  (to verify that trailer is homemade or shop built)
   
• Vehicle Equipment Affirmation
  (to verify that trailer meets all safety standards)
   
• Assign a New Mexico Vehicle Identification Number
  (to be able to identify the trailer by its VIN).
   
• Affix the identification plate
  A Motor Vehicle Division employee must affix the identification plate eight inches from the ball hitch on the left side of the trailer tongue frame. The owner should be advised to permanently stamp the number on the tongue.

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, and complete the application process, by obtaining a:

• VIN Inspection
   
• Affidavit Certifying Ownership “ACO”
  (to attest to the ownership of lien free trailer)
   
• Weight Certificate
   
• Bill of sale
  (if necessary)
   
• NCIC check

b) Apply for Title and Registration through a “surety bond” process in which applicant must surrender the following documents:

• Title Verification
  (from state where trailer is currently licensed to verify applicant is the registered owner, also from New Mexico, to verify the trailer is not registered here)
   
• NCIC Certificate of Clearance
  (To verify that trailer is not listed as “stolen”)
   
• VIN Inspection
  (To verify VIN on ownership documents is the same as the one on the trailer)
   
• Weight Certificate
  (To verify weight for registration fee)
   
• Title Bond
  (Must be valid for three years, issued by a company authorized to conduct business in New Mexico, and be for twice the value of the trailer)