Registering a trailer in California. Do I have to have it Verified?

[ngt]

Bought a trailer for $100. It was made by a real company in 2001, has plates with PTI stickers on them, bought it used on craigslist without a pink slip. Just bill of sales. Guy says he hasn't paid anything on the tags since he got the pti stickers 5-6 years ago.

Do I really have to drag this thing down to the Highway Patrol office or the DMV with me and get it checked out?? It's raining here and I'm sick.

The DMV paper says "Peace Officer: Specify_____________" Is a Park Ranger a Peace Officer? My friend is a park ranger and lives right down the street.

thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Registering a trailer in California. Do I have to have it Verified?

Ayuh,... I woud think a phone call to your local Dmv would answer those questions mighty quickly...

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Registering a trailer in California. Do I have to have it Verified?

Do I really have to drag this thing down to the Highway Patrol office or the DMV with me and get it checked out?? It's raining here and I'm sick.

The DMV paper says "Peace Officer: Specify_____________" Is a Park Ranger a Peace Officer? My friend is a park ranger and lives right down the street.

Go back and read that form again:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg343.pdf

"This form must be completed in full by an authorized DMV representative, California licensed vehicle verifier, authorized auto club, or peace officer who has been properly trained to perform vehicle verifications."

So I'd say 1) Yes, you have to have the trailer verified and 2) No, your park ranger buddy probably isn't going to cut it.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Registering a trailer in California. Do I have to have it Verified?

Call 911 and tell them someone is breaking into the house next door. When they start to leave after finding nothing, ask them to fill out the verification.

Good luck with that

 

[tractoman]

Re: Registering a trailer in California. Do I have to have it Verified?

I had to get my trailer verified since it was registered in Nevada. I didn't have to get the boat verified though, also registered in Nevada, and while any old law enforcement officer used to be able to do it, now you have to go to the DMV or a CHP office to get done. It is a hassle. Why do you need verification? Is it out of state? Have the PO get a duplicate title and sign it over to you.

 

[Cannondale]

Re: Registering a trailer in California. Do I have to have it Verified?

Is it out of state? Have the PO get a duplicate title and sign it over to you.

That only would work if the state titles the trailer in the first place....not all states title trailers. Register, yes....title, no.

 

[Reel Kahuna]

Re: Registering a trailer in California. Do I have to have it Verified?

If the PO registered it in his name and has a Ca PTO plate, all you'll need is a bill of sale from him along with the VIN. DMV has the "paperless" trail in their computer.
In CA, when one transfer ownership on a CA trailer, DMV give an option whether or not the new owner wants a "pink" slip which is about $15 extra fee, otherwise the trailer is registered to the new owner w/o a title but DMV does issue the new owner the registration paperwork to the new owner.

Now if it is an out of state trailer, then the VIN has to be verified by an "authorize" personnel...DMV, CHP, etc.

Here's a twist and for the life of me don't quite understand....if a boat is purchased out of state, DMV does not require a VIN verification!! Just bring in the title or a bill of sale, pay the fees then "wha-la" you get a title. And if the boat doesn't have a VIN, DMV will assign a "special construction" VIN (that will have to be affixed on the boat), then assign CF numbers with title and you're good to go. Go figure :redface: