How to Register a Trailer in Minnesota
Own and Register a Trailer in Minnesota
Trailers, whether purchased from a dealership or from an individual, need to be properly licensed and registered in the state of Minnesota. The Department of Public Safety has regulations on how to title and register a trailer in the state. These often depend on the weight of the trailer. Trailers under a specific weight may not require a title, but still need to be registered. To help keep Minnesotans safe and abide by state regulations, we’ll cover the basic laws regarding trailer ownership.
Trailer Registration
Minnesota requires every trailer on the street or highway be registered with the state. Though only trailers over a specific weight require a title. Small utility trailers (a GVWR under 3,000 lbs.) get a permanent registration. The registration sticker is placed on the tongue of the vehicle. This is normally the extent of the regulation on recreational trailers.
If your trailer is more than 3,000 pounds, the registration will be based on weight. Your registration will expire and need to be routinely renewed on heavier trailers. Commercial trailers and trailers used for farming have their own regulations that can be found on the Minnesota DPS website.
What do I need to register a trailer?
When you register a new trailer, be sure to bring a few forms of personal identification. You’ll also need to know the name of your insurance company, the policy number and the expiration date of the policy. These requirements are always subject to change, so we recommend contacting your local government office and to confirm what you’ll need before you go.
When does my trailer need a title?
Utility, boat and snowmobile trailers with a GVWR under 4,500 pounds don’t need a title in Minnesota, unless there is a lien. To get a title for your trailer, you should bring the registration as proof of ownership to the local DMV. You’ll also need to sign and bring section B of the Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle. These two documents should be all you need to get a trailer title, but we always recommend you check with your local deputy registrar!
Minnesota Trailer Laws
Before you purchase and register a trailer in Minnesota, you should be familiar with state trailer laws. Trailers should have adequate brakes, abide by signal and lighting laws, and meet dimension and weight restrictions.
Weight and Dimension
Trailers should not exceed 45 feet in length, and the maximum length of the tow vehicle and trailer should not exceed 60 feet combined. The max height is 102 inches and max height is 13 feet and six inches.
The trailer brake requirement depends on the weight. A trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, or weighs more than the tow vehicle, needs to have adequate brakes installed. Additionally, a trailer over 6,000 lbs. must have brakes that can hold the weight of the trailer if it’s detached from the tow vehicle.
Lastly, the drawbar connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle cannot be more than 15 feet.
Trailer Lighting and Mirrors
In Minnesota, trailers made in 1960 or later have to be equipped with at least two rear headlamps and two reflectors. The rear headlamps should emit red light at least 500 feet behind the trailer. Trailers made before 1960 only require one rear headlamp.
Trailer reflectors should be 20 to 60 inches from the ground. They should be visible from at least 300 feet away from the trailer.
Any trailer that obstructs the view from the tow vehicle, particularly behind the vehicle, should have a rearview mirror that allows the driver to see at least 200 feet behind the trailer.
Remember that state and local trailer requirements are always changing, so you should confirm that your trailer meets the current regulations before you begin towing.
If you need trailer service to repair brakes or lighting so that they meet state law and safety requirements, bring your trailer by M&G! Our team can install brakes, repair wiring and more. And, if you need a new trailer, we can help with that too! Start by browsing trailers for sale on our website. Stop in once you’re ready to get your new trailer!
In Need of a New Trailer?
Check out our full trailer inventory online today! We have tons of trailers in any model you need. Shop dump, enclosed, snowmobile, utility, fuel tank trailers, truck beds and more at M&G Trailers! Contact us online or stop by our Minnesota trailer dealership when you’re ready to make a purchase.