How to Register and Title a Trailer in Lexington, NC

North Carolina Trailer Registration Guide

The North Carolina DMV has strict requirements for titling and registering trailers. Showing up to your local tag office without the right paperwork means you'll be turning right back around. Our trailer registration instructions will help you navigate this process with ease.

1. Gather Required Documents

Before you arrive at the DMV, you’ll want to make sure you have all the paperwork you need. The North Carolina DMV treats trailers very similarly to cars and trucks, requiring similar documentation when it comes to registration. To register a trailer in North Carolina, the buyer must have the following documents in hand:

• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License: You must be legally licensed to drive in North Carolina to register a trailer. If you recently moved to the state, a temporary North Carolina driving certificate is acceptable.
• Proof of Tow Vehicle Insurance: You must be able to prove the vehicle that will pull the trailer is insured. You can present an insurance card or a declaration page from your insurance policy.
• Proof of Ownership: You must be able to demonstrate that you are the legal owner of the trailer. If you purchased the trailer new, you should present a notarized Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), which we provide at Trailer Liquidation Direct. If you purchased used, you must provide the original title, properly reassigned and notarized by the seller.
• A Bill of Sale: The bill of sale must include the buyer and seller’s names, addresses, the purchase amount, and both parties' signatures.

2. Prepare for the Fees and Taxes

Customers at our Lexington trailer dealership are sometimes surprised to find there are fees associated with registering your trailer. If you’re registering your trailer here in Lexington, or elsewhere in the state, you should expect to pay the following fees:

• 3% Highway Use Tax: In North Carolina, you don't pay traditional sales tax on a trailer. Instead, you pay a 3% Highway Use Tax when you register your vehicle. The NC highway use tax trailer owners pay is based on the purchase price listed on the Bill of Sale (minus the value of any trade-in).
• Title Fee: A flat fee to officially process the title in your name.
• Registration/Tag Fee: You can choose a standard single-year registration or opt for a multi-year/permanent tag. A multi-year tag is a great choice if you plan to keep the trailer for a long time, as it spares you future DMV trips.
• Property Taxes: North Carolina’s "Tag & Tax Together" program means that you’ll pay your vehicle property tax at the same time you pay for your registration.

3. Visit the Lexington DMV Tag Office

Whether you’re registering your trailer here in Davidson County or elsewhere in the state, you can find your closest License Plate Agency location on the North Carolina DMV’s office locator. Once you arrive, you hand over your documents, pay your fees, and receive your new license plate and registration card. Your trailer’s physical title will be mailed to your address in a few weeks.

What If I Bought a Used Trailer Without a Title?

If you purchased your second-hand trailer from a private seller, there’s a good chance the person you bought it from won’t have proper documentation. If a seller tells you, "I just have a bill of sale," you’re going to have a much harder time registering your trailer. Without a title, this process typically requires a DMV License & Theft Bureau inspection and an indemnity bond. To skip the hassle, always demand a clean, notarized title when you purchase from an individual seller. Or better yet, shop for a used trailer from a reputable trailer dealer, where you’ll never get the runaround on official documentation.

Contact Your Trusted Experts on North Carolina Trailering

Getting a NC DMV trailer title for your trailer doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. The team at our Lexington trailer dealership is here to help make the experience of purchasing and registering your next trailer as smooth and straightforward as possible. Shopping with a reliable trailer dealership like Trailer Liquidation Direct means your Bill of Sale and Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin are correctly filled out and notarized, making your trip to the DMV as seamless as possible.

If you have any questions about the purchase or registration process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We’re proud to help North Carolina drivers have the best trailering experience possible.