Trouble getting tags for trailer

[JenT]

We live in WV and bought a boat trailer in Ohio. It was purchased from a lady whose father had passed away, it was his and it hadn’t been used in many years. We have the title and all documents that we thought we’d need, had the VIN verified by a local police officer etc. when we went to get tags, they said they can’t do so without having the last valid registration. It was last registered 30 years ago and the daughter no longer has any of that kind of documentation.

Any ideas on how to get this road legal without that? I’m assuming the issue comes it being purchased from an individual in another state? I have never heard of needing an old registration before. Any advice appreciated.

 

[Alumarine]

Have you tried saying it was never previously registered?

 

[tpenfield]

I'd double check that with the WV website. Usually, if you have the previous title, there is no need for previous registration.

 

[jbcurt00]

The clerks at the DMV aren't always the most up to date on what's required.

Which DMV did you go to? I'm in WV and registered several titleless trailers in Bridgeport, Morgantown, Martinsburg & Ransom.

Did you take pix of the trailers w you to DMV, was required, as was having to label them homebuilt & provide a list of materials.

I've been denied by 1 clerk, knew I had all that was required, sat down @DMV waited 15min, got a new # & when helped by different clerk, got title & registration.

I've also done the same being denied at 1 DMV and immediately driven to another DMV & got reg & title from them.

All boat & trailer info crosses 1 guys desk in Charleston, so when it's not a normal straight forward same old process DMV clerks sometimes don't actually know what's required. And for me, it was fruitless to argue if denied. Easier & better, IMHO, to just go to different clerk/DMV

Good luck

 

[airshot]

Title should override any registration !! Those clerks probably get minium wage and little training !!

 

[ScottinAZ]

Never heard of needing last registration, unless they are going to try and ding you for fees from the last time it was registered..... Ive even gone in and had to do a bonded title on a trailer that came with a boat, and the trailer had no title. Still a fairly easy process to do. For the record, AZ has permanent trailer plates, so the title often gets lost, and since there is no registration, nobody really cares.

 

[JenT]

Appreciate all the advice! We’re going to try a different DMV location and see if we have better luck.

 

[jbcurt00]

Appreciate all the advice! We’re going to try a different DMV location and see if we have better luck.

1st confirm what IS required & take that all w you.

 

[JenT]

1st confirm what IS required & take that all w you.

Absolutely! Thank you

 

[liquidlabfx]

We live in WV and bought a boat trailer in Ohio. It was purchased from a lady whose father had passed away, it was his and it hadn’t been used in many years. We have the title and all documents that we thought we’d need, had the VIN verified by a local police officer etc. when we went to get tags, they said they can’t do so without having the last valid registration. It was last registered 30 years ago and the daughter no longer has any of that kind of documentation.

Any ideas on how to get this road legal without that? I’m assuming the issue comes it being purchased from an individual in another state? I have never heard of needing an old registration before. Any advice appreciated.

Did you try registering it online regardless..? I had the exact same issue and just registered it in the same state I bought it from. With only the renew registration info and hull I.D.