If you need Arizona trailer registration, the type of registration you receive depends largely on the trailer’s use, weight and type. Arizona offers permanent registration for many utility, cargo and other qualifying trailers, while commercial trailers, travel trailers and tent trailers may follow different registration requirements. At participating 1 Stop Motor Vehicle locations, we provide eligible trailer title and registration services as an Authorized Third Party MVD provider.
Do Trailers Need to Be Registered in Arizona?
Yes. Trailers and semitrailers operated on Arizona highways must have current registration.
If you’re registering a trailer in Arizona, the type of registration available depends on factors including whether the trailer is used for personal or commercial purposes, its declared gross vehicle weight and whether it is classified as a travel or tent trailer.
Does Arizona Have Permanent Trailer Registration?
Yes. Many trailers qualify for permanent registration in Arizona.
Permanent trailer registration requires a one-time registration fee rather than annual registration fees. A permanent registration tab marked “PERM” is issued for the trailer.
Once permanently registered, there is no annual billing for standard registration fees or Vehicle License Tax as long as the use and ownership remain the same. Additional charges can still apply in certain situations, such as annual fees associated with a specialty plate.
Which Trailers Qualify for Permanent Registration?
Permanent registration is available for:
- Noncommercial trailers with a declared gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less
- Trailers with a declared gross vehicle weight greater than 10,000 pounds that meet Arizona’s requirements
For a noncommercial trailer weighing 10,000 pounds or less, the owner must certify that the trailer will not be used for a business or commercial enterprise.
This distinction is important because a trailer’s use can affect the type of registration it qualifies for.
Which Trailers Do Not Qualify for Permanent Registration?
Not every trailer qualifies for permanent registration.
Arizona excludes certain trailers, including:
- Travel trailers
- Camper or tent trailers
- Commercial trailers with a declared gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less
- Certain historic trailers designed for commercial use
These trailers may instead qualify for regular registration or another registration category.
What About Commercial Trailer Registration?
Commercial trailer registration works differently depending on the trailer’s declared gross vehicle weight.
A commercially used trailer with a declared GVW of 10,000 pounds or less generally receives non-permanent registration and is registered similarly to other commercial vehicles.
Commercial trailers over 10,000 pounds may qualify for permanent registration.
Because commercial registration can involve additional fees and weight requirements, make sure the trailer’s use and weight are accurately declared when registering it.
Do Travel Trailers and Camper Trailers Need Registration?
Yes. Travel and tent trailers used for recreational purposes and operated on public highways must be titled and registered in Arizona.
However, these recreational trailers are not eligible for permanent trailer registration.
Arizona currently allows qualifying travel and tent trailers to be registered for one, two or five years.
Unlike many utility and commercial trailers, weight is not declared for recreational travel or tent trailers. Arizona instead records information such as the trailer’s length and width when determining applicable registration requirements and fees.
What Do I Need to Register a Trailer in Arizona?
The documents needed can vary depending on how you acquired the trailer and whether it was previously titled.
Depending on your transaction, you may need:
- A completed Title and Registration Application
- The existing trailer title or other ownership documentation
- Identification
- Trailer information, including its VIN or serial number
- Declared gross vehicle weight when applicable
- Documentation related to a lien, if applicable
- Payment for applicable title and registration fees
Additional documentation or an inspection may be required for homemade trailers, trailers without proper ownership documents or trailers coming from another state.
For information about standard title and registration transactions, see our How to Title and Register a Vehicle in Arizona guide.
What If I Bought a Used Trailer?
If you purchased a used trailer, you’ll generally need to transfer the title into your name and establish the appropriate Arizona registration.
The previous trailer’s registration does not simply become yours when ownership changes.
The registration type and applicable fees will depend on the trailer’s classification, use and weight.
If you recently purchased the trailer from another person, our Arizona Sold Notice: What You Need to Know guide also explains the steps a seller should take after transferring ownership.
What If My Trailer Doesn’t Have a VIN?
A trailer without an acceptable VIN or serial number may require additional steps before it can be titled and registered.
This situation is more common with homemade, specially constructed or older trailers.
Arizona may require a vehicle inspection and assignment of an Arizona serial number before the title and registration process can be completed.
Because these transactions can vary considerably, it’s a good idea to determine the requirements for your specific trailer before visiting.
How Much Does Trailer Registration Cost in Arizona?
Trailer registration costs depend on the type, use and weight of the trailer. Arizona MVD Trailer Registration.
Other title, registration or transaction fees may also apply.
Travel trailers, tent trailers and non-permanent commercial trailers follow different fee structures.
Do I Need to Renew a Permanently Registered Trailer?
Generally, no annual registration renewal is required for a trailer with permanent Arizona registration as long as the ownership and use remain unchanged.
That’s one of the primary benefits of permanent trailer registration.
However, changes involving ownership, use, weight or other registration information can require additional MVD action. Specialty plate fees may also continue to be billed annually when applicable.
For other Arizona registration transactions, see our Arizona Registration Renewal & Reinstatement: What You Need to Know guide.
Can I Register a Trailer at a Third Party MVD?
Yes. Arizona allows trailer registration transactions to be completed through MVD or an Authorized Third Party provider.
At participating 1 Stop Motor Vehicle locations, we can assist with eligible Arizona trailer title and registration transactions, including qualifying permanent trailer registrations.
Because requirements vary based on trailer type, weight, use and ownership history, confirm what documentation you’ll need before visiting.
Register Your Trailer at 1 Stop Motor Vehicle
Whether you recently purchased a utility trailer, need to transfer a trailer title or want to permanently register an eligible trailer, understanding Arizona’s requirements can make the process easier.
Participating 1 Stop Motor Vehicle locations provide eligible Arizona trailer title and registration services through our Authorized Third Party MVD services.
Need to register a trailer in Arizona? Find a participating 1 Stop Motor Vehicle location near you and get started.