Bought Jetski with trailer - no title for trailer

[Dustindec]

ot entirely certain this is the right section, but I'm hoping it is as I could really use the help!

I bought a jetski from an individual whom purchased it earlier this year but never registered it. I've already registered the jetski, no problems there but he didn't have the title for the trailer. I went through AAA, and they said it is not reported stolen but to register it I would need the owner to fill out a paper. Since the guy I purchased it from likely didn't register it (trying to find out from him) what would my options be here?

Appreciate the feedback!

 

[alldodge]

Depends on your state, contact your local DMV

 

[tpenfield]

:welcome:

As AD said . . . depends on the state. What specifically did the AAA say beyond "filling out a paper"?

 

[Dustindec]

Sorry, I meant to add that earlier, this is California.

I'm asking around and since the DMV is closed I'm trying to work with a DMV service place now. AAA gave me paperowrk for the titled owner to fill out, but they said if I cant get the actual owner to fill it out they wont help me.

 

[alldodge]

Appears just searching IF a plate is required on a boat trailer is hard to find in CA requirements. It does mention the trailer but only in conjunction with the vessel. Wonder what someone would do if they had an extra trailer? Sorry but I'm digressing, it does appear to be required, but I'm unable to find much other then how to do a home made trailer.

Does appear that form Reg343 is used for trailers (along with boats) but don't see how it would be filled out

 

[Dustindec]

I spoke to a dmv service, they said if the trailver is valued at only $200 (what I told them it was worth) I would have to pay them to ship a letter to the titled owner. I would also need to pay for a bond on the trailer in case there was a problem in the future. So all in all $400 out the door =/.

 

[roscoe]

Maybe they can clear it up for you, but these sorts of companies are notorious for just taking your money, and then more money. Then say they've hit a dead end.

Talk with DMV.

Or take the easy way out.
Buy a different trailer with proper paperwork and get rid of the old one.


New jetski trailers usually start at around $500 and up.
Used prices in your area ????

 

[alldodge]

Wonder what another used or new trailer would cost? Maybe less trouble, sell that one on craigs list or for scrap.

Edit: roscoe has the best answer

 

[bigdee]

Depends on which state you reside in. Unfortunately CA does not make it easy. Some states do not even require tags and registration. It would probably be cheaper to buy another trailer with proper paperwork and sell your old trailer....there are people that don't care about proper paperwork!

 

[Scott06]

How much do you tow it? I never licensed my old boat trailer for 20 years, just threw an old plate on it. Never had an issue but I only used it twice a year.

 

[gdeangel]

Not every state will issue a title for a non-commercial trailer (example, Ohio). Ask the CA people what the documentation requirement would be if you were buying from one of those states. Typically they should accept a bill of sale, but they may want something that certifies this-or-that about the trailer (e.g., weight). Sometimes the seller can just sign a paper certifying that stuff, sometimes they have to provide a copy of their out-of-state regstration, and sometimes you can get it yourself -- for example, taking it to a scale and getting a weight slip, or getting some kind of mechanics inspection certificate.

All of this is a ridiculous POTA for the privledge of paying the government for a license plate. My suggestion: if the prior owner got by without registering it, do you really need to register it? I.e., are the cops in CA going to pull you over for it where you are going to be driving?

 

[LuvBoating]

If it was me, I definitely would sell the trailer and buy one that is legal and have no problem registering it. Otherwise, you could be spending out more and more money and time on this trailer. If the trailer is taken out on the street and/or freeway, and you get pulled over by law enforcement, that will be even more money from a citation.

To me, I'd never buy anything that didn't come with correct paperwork, so it can be registered. Way, way to much of a hassle, as you are now finding out.