Trucks & Trailers - Trailer without VIN

I agreed to purchase a boat on consignment in Florida (I live in Louisiana). They called me today as they were running a credit check and notified me that they were having a problem since the trailer had no VIN and the owner was out until Monday. Supposedly he has some paper work with the VIN on it. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? I know I am going to need this information for insurance and I don't want to run into any problems when trying to register it in Louisiana.

Yeah, I'd be concerned. Paperwork means little if it can't be compared to the stamped number. I don't believe LA requires trailer registration, but FL does. No verifiable title and I'd walk ... ;)

Where in Florida is the boat/trailer? You may be able to register it as a homemade trailer but will have to have a VIN issued by your DMV. This should be an excellent want to beat them up on the price if you have to go this route.

LA does require trailer registration. I just sold my boat and that is the only thing that has a title that is registered with the DMV.

I am thinking the same thing, a piece of paper doesn't mean much if you can't compare it to the trailer. I am going to see what they come back with on Monday.

Shouldn't all trailers have a VIN stamped on them? This trailer definitely doesn't look home made.

Yeah, I'd be concerned. Paperwork means little if it can't be compared to the stamped number. I don't believe LA requires trailer registration, but FL does. No verifiable title and I'd walk ... ;)

Please school me on where you would find a stamped number on a trailer.Mine is on a tag which is attached to the frame. If and when it wears away where would i find it (stamped)?

The VIN should be stamped on the frame up near the front or the tongue, could be on a 'plate' or decal. The plate/decal could have come off and everything is up and up, but who knows ...

I do believe it is on the up and up. I just don't want to have any issues when I bring it back to LA.

Many trailers have the VIN either "stamped" or simply "written/etched" onto a manufacturer's plate. The plate can become lost from the trailer (not uncommon).

In FL, you only have to register the trailer. The Tax Office does NOT come out to the trailer and verify the VIN from the title to what is (or isn't) on the trailer.

I don't think it's a big deal as long as you have the title and a BOS.

I have seen trailers stamped with Continental/ Load Rite/ ect. registered as homemade. I personally had a Venture trailer with the VIN label that wore off. I had the DMV rivet a plate on and registered it as homemade. I was living up in MD at the time but it was only maybe 5 years ago.

From a quick Google search:

"Registering a Homemade Trailer

If you're interested in registering a homemade trailer, the first step is to contact your local Louisiana State Police Troop to arrange for an inspection. After the inspection, the trooper will issue a vehicle identification number (VIN) that will allow you to complete the rest of the registration process at a local OMV. You are required to obtain a VIN, because this number is what uniquely identifies your trailer.

The OMV will collect between $5 and $10 for the VIN assignment, depending on where it was issued. The title fee for your homemade trailer is $18.50, plus an $8 handling fee. The OMV will typically charge between $10 and $25 for license plates, depending upon the type of trailer.

Boat trailer and utility trailer registrations are valid for four years. You must renew all other trailer registrations annually. As a courtesy, the OMV will send you a reminder notice in the mail shortly before your registration is set to expire."

http://www.dmv.org/la-louisiana/other-types-of-vehicles.php#-Registering-a-Homemade-Trailer-

I would beat him up over the price if the trailer does not have a title...but at the end of the day it looks like you can still register it in LA without a title/vin

In GA the trailer has to be inspected by a LEO and a form completed before it can be registered. The VIN has to match the MSO.

It looks like you will be OK in LA.

I just talked to the dealership. They are still trying to figure things out. It seems the boat is registered in TN, on consignment in FL and ultimately needs to end up in Louisiana. In TN, they aren't required to register a trailer, therefore there isn't a title with the trailer. This just keeps getting better and better.

I have a similar situation as I just bought a boat/trailer combo from out of state (Alabama). The boat and trailer were originally titled in FL. The VIN decal wore off the trailer some years back. Since Alabama doesn't require trailer registration, the owner never did anything about it.

I brought it back to FL and now have to take it back to the original trailer dealer in Miami to get the VIN "re-stamped" on the trailer. Then I can register it with the tax collector's office and get a tag. The alternative is to register as a homemade trailer, but I do not want to go this route since we found the original trailer dealer.

There was nothing underhanded about the transaction - stuff happens. Good luck with your situation.

Did you find the VIN on the trailer, either on the tongue or axle? Not sure of Florida DMV laws, but you should be able to get a new title issued by proving the VIN is on the trailer. This could be done with a picture of the VIN and showing the picture to the DMV.
As boatlessagain mentioned if the VIN is missing and you have the correct VIN it can be ''re-stamped'' onto the trailer.

In Florida they don't issue a title for a trailer that weighs under 2000 LBS. You would just get a registration

You just need the weight of the trailer to get a homemade VIN number. It's a common practice around here with all of the trailers that had the VIN on a sticker .