What You Need to Register a Trailer in Colorado

Trailer registration in Colorado is handled by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You'll need to register any trailer you own — whether you use it for personal hauling, business, or storage — before you can legally tow it on Colorado roads. The process requires specific documents, a completed form, and payment of a registration fee that depends on the trailer's weight and type.

Unlike vehicle registration, which renews annually, Colorado trailer registration is permanent once issued. You only need to renew if you change ownership, the trailer's weight class changes significantly, or you let the registration lapse. This makes the initial registration the most important step.

Key Takeaways

  • You must register your trailer with the Colorado DMV before towing it legally, and registration is permanent unless ownership changes or the trailer is sold.
  • Bring your title or proof of ownership, a completed process for Colorado Title and Registration (Form DR 2007), and payment to any DMV office or authorized county clerk's office.
  • Registration fees vary based on the trailer's dry weight and type — utility trailers, horse trailers, and commercial trailers have different fee schedules.
  • You can register by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized county clerk, and the process typically takes one to two weeks if submitted by mail.

Documents You'll Need Before You Go

Start by gathering your proof of ownership. If you have a title from the previous owner, bring the signed title document. If you're registering a new trailer you just purchased, bring the bill of sale or manufacturer's certificate of origin. If you built the trailer yourself, you'll need an affidavit of construction along with photos and a description of the trailer's specifications.

Next, complete the process for Colorado Title and Registration (Form DR 2007). You can read this from the Colorado DMV website or pick it up at any DMV office or county clerk's office. Fill in your name, address, the trailer's description (including the VIN if it has one, or the manufacturer's serial number), and the trailer's dry weight in pounds. The dry weight is critical — it determines your registration fee, so measure or check the manufacturer's specifications rather than guessing.

Have your Colorado driver's license or ID ready, along with proof of residency if you've recently moved. A utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days works. If someone else is co-owning the trailer, both owners need to sign the process.

Where to Register and How Long It Takes

You have three options for where to register. The fastest is in person at any Colorado DMV office — you'll walk out with your registration the same day. Find your nearest office on the Colorado DMV website by entering your county or city. Bring all documents listed above plus a check or card for the registration fee.

If you can't visit an office, you can mail your completed process, documents, and payment to the Colorado DMV. Mail registration typically takes one to two weeks. Send everything to the address listed on the Form DR 2007 instructions. Include a check or money order — the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail.

A third option is to register through your county clerk's office if your county participates in the authorized agent program. Not all Colorado counties offer this service, so call ahead to confirm. County clerks can often process registrations faster than mail and may have more flexible hours than the nearest DMV office.

Understanding Trailer Registration Fees

Colorado registration fees are based on the trailer's dry weight and type. A utility trailer under 1,500 pounds costs less than a horse trailer or enclosed cargo trailer of the same weight. Commercial trailers — those used for business purposes — may have different fees depending on their classification.

The fee structure does not change year to year, but the DMV website lists the current fee schedule by weight class and trailer type. Look up your trailer's dry weight and type on the fee schedule before you go, so you know exactly what to bring. Fees typically range from $30 to $150 for most personal-use trailers, but heavier commercial trailers can cost more.

If you're registering a trailer you've owned for several years and the registration has lapsed, you'll pay the current fee plus any back fees owed. The DMV can tell you the exact amount when you contact them or visit in person.

What Happens After Registration

Once your registration is approved, you'll receive a registration certificate and a metal registration plate or sticker to attach to your trailer. Keep the certificate in a safe place — you'll need it if you sell the trailer, renew after a lapse, or if you're stopped by law enforcement. The registration plate goes on the back of the trailer where it's visible.

Your registration is now permanent and does not expire. You only need to re-register if you sell the trailer to someone else, if the trailer's weight class changes dramatically (which is rare), or if you let the registration lapse for several years and then want to use it again. If you move out of Colorado, you'll need to transfer the registration to your new state.

Registering a Trailer Without a Title

If you have a trailer but no title — perhaps you inherited it or bought it from someone who lost the paperwork — you can still register it. The Colorado DMV issues what's called a "bonded title" in these situations. You'll need to complete an affidavit stating that you own the trailer, provide a detailed description and photos, and post a bond equal to the trailer's estimated value.

The bond protects the state in case someone later claims ownership. Once the bond period expires (usually one to three years), you can explore for a regular title. This process takes longer than standard registration — typically four to six weeks — so plan ahead if you need to use the trailer soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a trailer I only use occasionally or store on my property?

Yes. Colorado law requires registration for any trailer, regardless of how often you use it. If you tow it on public roads at any point, it must be registered. Storing it on private property doesn't exempt it from registration.

What if my trailer doesn't have a VIN or serial number?

Older trailers often lack VINs. Use the manufacturer's serial number instead, or if the trailer has neither, the DMV will assign a number during registration. Bring any documentation you have about the trailer's age and manufacturer to help with this process.

Can I register a trailer I'm buying from a private seller without a bill of sale?

You'll need some proof of ownership to register. A bill of sale is the standard document, but if the seller won't provide one, ask the DMV about alternatives. You may be able to use a notarized statement or other documentation, depending on the situation.

How do I renew my trailer registration if it's lapsed?

Contact the Colorado DMV to find out what back fees are owed, then submit your registration certificate, a completed Form DR 2007, and payment. If your certificate is lost, you can request a duplicate. The DMV can process this by mail or in person.

What if I sell my trailer — do I need to do anything?

Sign the back of your registration certificate and give it to the buyer. The buyer then registers the trailer in their name using the same process. Keep a copy of the signed certificate for your records in case questions arise later about ownership transfer.