VS-105 Form – If you’re building or have built a custom (homemade) trailer in New York State, the VS-105 Form from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) is your essential guide. This official document provides complete instructions for registration and titling custom trailers, ensuring your trailer meets all legal, safety, and equipment requirements for highway use. Whether your trailer is under or over 1,000 pounds unloaded, the VS-105 outlines the exact steps, required documents, and processes to get your custom trailer legally registered and titled.
Download the latest VS-105 PDF directly from the official NY DMV website here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs105.pdf.
What Is the VS-105 Form?
The VS-105 Form, titled “Registration & Title for Custom (Homemade) Trailers” (revised 10/18), is an official NY DMV publication that explains how to register and title homemade or custom-built trailers. It is not an application form you fill out yourself but a comprehensive instruction guide. The form details procedures for obtaining a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), weighing requirements, document submission, and compliance with New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
It applies specifically to trailers constructed by individuals using parts and materials (not factory-built trailers purchased from dealers).
Who Needs the VS-105 Form for Custom Trailers?
You need the VS-105 guide if you are:
- Building or have built a custom/homemade trailer for highway use in New York.
- Planning to register a trailer that was not manufactured by a licensed dealer.
- Seeking to title a trailer weighing 1,000 pounds or more (unloaded).
All custom trailers must comply with equipment standards under Section 375 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law and pass annual safety inspections. Trailers under 1,000 lbs. receive registration only (no title), while heavier ones require both title and registration.
Key Differences by Trailer Weight: Under 1,000 lbs vs. 1,000 lbs or More
The VS-105 process splits based on unladen (unloaded) weight:
- Trailers under 1,000 lbs.: No title required. DMV staff assign the VIN during registration at a local office. You receive a registration document (proof of ownership) and a 10-day inspection extension sticker.
- Trailers 1,000 lbs. or more: Title and registration are mandatory. You must apply for a VIN through the DMV’s Division of Field Investigation in Albany before registration. The VIN is permanently affixed by DMV staff after inspection.
Step-by-Step: Weighing Your Custom Trailer
Before any VIN assignment or registration:
- Take your unloaded trailer to a certified public scale.
- Obtain an official weight slip showing the unladen weight.
- Contact local city, town, or village officials or the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Bureau of Weights and Measures (518-457-3146 or [email protected]) to locate a scale.
Important note: Section 402(3) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law allows you to tow an unloaded, newly constructed trailer to and from the weighing station without registration.
Obtaining a VIN for Your Homemade Trailer
All custom trailers require a VIN before registration.
- Under 1,000 lbs.: VIN is assigned by DMV staff at the time of registration.
- 1,000 lbs. or more:
- Complete Form MV-272.1 (Application for Vehicle Identification Number).
- Mail it with the required fee (check/money order) and original insurance ID card (FS-20) for your tow vehicle to the Division of Field Investigation in Albany.
- DMV schedules an examination, provides a temporary transport permit, and affixes the VIN decal after verifying sales receipts.
- You receive the validated MV-272.1 as proof.
You must permanently mark the VIN on the trailer (stamping, welding, or other permanent means) as instructed by DMV staff.
Required Documents for VS-105 Custom Trailer Registration and Titling
Prepare these original documents (photocopies are not accepted for key items):
- Original sales receipts for all materials and parts used to build the trailer.
- Official unladen weight slip.
- Form MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application).
- Form DTF-803 (Claim for Sales and Use Tax Exemption) OR Form FS-6T (Sales Tax Clearance).
- Form MV-272 (Vehicle Identification Number for Homemade Trailer) — or validated MV-272.1 for heavier trailers.
- Proof of your identity (see Form MV-82.1 for acceptable documents).
For title-only requests (heavier trailers, no registration needed), use Form MV-82TON and mail required items to the Title Bureau in Albany.
Equipment Requirements and Safety Inspections
Your custom trailer must meet all equipment standards in Section 375 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Refer to Form MV-529C (“Equipment Required for Trailers”) for details. After registration, you receive a 10-day inspection extension sticker and must pass a yearly safety inspection at an authorized station.
Complete Process: How to Register and Title Your Custom Trailer
- Weigh the trailer and obtain the weight slip.
- Secure the VIN (via local DMV or Division of Field Investigation).
- Gather all required documents listed above.
- Visit a NY DMV office (or mail for title-only).
- Pay the registration fee (based on gross weight; DMV staff will calculate it).
- Receive your license plate, registration document, and inspection sticker.
Registration document notes: Only documents marked “Transferable” can be used to sell the trailer.
Download the Official VS-105 PDF
Get the most current instructions instantly:
Download VS-105 Form PDF (Official NY DMV source).
All related forms (MV-82, MV-272, MV-272.1, etc.) are also available free on the NY DMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions About VS-105 Custom Trailer Registration
Do I need insurance?
No, insurance is not required for non-commercial trailers.
What are the fees?
Registration fees are weight-based (minimum $14.38 annually, prorated). VIN assignment and title fees apply for heavier trailers—exact amounts are provided at the DMV office.
Can I sell my registered custom trailer?
Yes, if your registration document says “Transferable.”
Where do I submit everything?
Local DMV office for most cases; Albany offices for certain VIN or title-only requests.
Why Follow the Official VS-105 Guide?
Using the VS-105 Form ensures your custom trailer is fully compliant, legal on New York roads, and properly documented for ownership transfer. Always refer to the official NY DMV website for the latest updates, as requirements are designed to promote safety and proper titling of homemade vehicles.
For personalized assistance, contact your local NY DMV office or visit dmv.ny.gov. Start your custom trailer registration process today with the official VS-105 guide!