Should I Buy a Vintage Trailer without a Title?

Buying a vintage trailer without a title can be a risky decision, but it’s not always a dealbreaker—it depends on your state’s laws, how you plan to use the trailer, and your willingness to deal with potential paperwork hassles. Here’s what you need to consider:

1. Why Does the Trailer Lack a Title?

• Lost or never issued – Some older trailers (pre-1970s) may not have had titles originally.
• Abandoned or salvaged – The previous owner might have lost interest or failed to transfer paperwork.
• Stolen or lien issues – A missing title could indicate unresolved legal problems.

2. State Laws Vary (Check Yours!)

Some states (like Arizona, Vermont, and Maine) are more lenient with title recovery for vintage trailers, while others (California, Texas, New York) have strict requirements.

• No title needed for old trailers – Some states don’t require titles for trailers over a certain age (e.g., 20+ years).
• Bonded title process – You may need to post a surety bond (costs $100-$500) to get a new title.
• Bill of Sale + Affidavit – Some states allow registration with just a notarized bill of sale and a statement of ownership.

3. Risks of Buying a Trailer Without a Title

• You may never get it legally registered – If the VIN is flagged as stolen or has a lien, you could lose the trailer.
• Hard to sell later – Many buyers won’t touch an untitled trailer.
• Insurance issues – Some insurers require a title for coverage.

4. How to Get a Title for a Vintage Trailer (If Possible)

• Vermont Loophole – Vermont allows out-of-state residents to register trailers (even without a title) if they’re over 15 years old. You can then transfer the registration to your home state. NOTE: VERMONT CLOSED THIS LOOPHOLE AND IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
• Court-Ordered Title – Some states allow you to file for a title through a court petition.
• Previous Owner Search – If you can track down the last titled owner, they may help with a duplicate title.
• DMV Inspection – Some states will issue a new title after verifying the VIN isn’t stolen.

5. When Is It Worth the Risk?

✅ If the trailer is very rare/valuable (e.g., a 1950s Airstream or Spartan) and you’re willing to go through the title process.
✅ If your state has easy title recovery options (check DMV rules first).
✅ If you’re using it off-grid (private land, not for road use).

6. When Should You Walk Away?

❌ If the seller seems sketchy (won’t provide ID, VIN is scratched off).
❌ If your state makes titling nearly impossible (like California).
❌ If you need financing/insurance (most lenders require a title).

What to Do Before Buying

✔ Run a VIN check (through NICB or a paid service like AutoCheck).
✔ Get a bill of sale (signed and notarized, with seller’s info).
✔ Check state DMV requirements before committing.

Final Verdict

If you love the trailer and are prepared for paperwork battles, it might be worth it. Otherwise, keep looking for one with a clean title to avoid headaches.

Would you like help finding title recovery services in your state? Let me know where you’re located, and I can give more specific advice!