Free Alabama Trailer Bill of Sale Template

An Alabama trailer bill of sale is a written record of a private trailer sale, naming the buyer and seller and describing the trailer. It matters more here than in most states, because Alabama does not issue titles for the trailers most people buy and sell.

Usually not. Under Alabama Code section 32-8-31, utility trailers are excluded from titling altogether. The Department of Revenue defines a utility trailer as a vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by a passenger car or pickup truck, so a standard bumper-pull trailer never gets an Alabama title.

Travel trailers and folding or collapsible camping trailers are treated differently. Those must be titled if they are not more than 20 model years old.

There is also an age cutoff that applies across the board. Since January 1, 2012, no certificate of title is issued for any trailer, semi-trailer, travel trailer, or folding or collapsible camping trailer more than 20 model years old. Those trailers stay subject to registration.

One caveat is worth knowing if you are buying an older trailer that already has paperwork. The department notes that the titling exemption does not invalidate an Alabama certificate of title that is currently in effect, so an existing title stays good even where a new one could not be issued today.

Alabama does not mandate a particular bill of sale form for private trailer sales, so the content is up to you. The points below are the ones that matter for a trailer specifically.

Who handles the paperwork

The Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division administers titles. Title applications reach the department through a designated agent rather than being mailed by the buyer.

Notarization

Alabama sets no notarization requirement for a private trailer bill of sale. Some buyers still prefer it, and it costs little.

Homemade trailers

A trailer built from parts has no manufacturer VIN. The Department of Revenue assigns one through form INV 26-1, and the form notes that utility trailers are exempt from titling under section 32-8-31(11), so the owner is responsible for the assignment paperwork.

Why the document carries weight

Because no title changes hands on a utility trailer, the bill of sale is often the only proof the buyer owns it. Treat it as the permanent record rather than a receipt.

Registration still applies even when titling does not. Work through it in this order.

1. Complete the bill of sale with both parties present, and have the seller sign it.
2. Confirm which category your trailer falls into, since a camping trailer and a utility trailer follow different rules.
3. Take the bill of sale and your identification to your county license plate issuing official.
4. For a homemade trailer, submit form INV 26-1 first so the department can assign a serial number.
5. Pay the registration fees and any ad valorem tax due, then keep your copy of the bill of sale with your records.

Fees are set by the state and change from time to time, so confirm current amounts with the Department of Revenue or your county office before you go.

Cover the trailer’s year, make, and serial or VIN, the sale price, the sale date, and the full names and addresses of both parties. Add a line stating the trailer is sold as-is if that reflects the deal.

Describe the trailer well enough that someone who has never seen it could identify it. Length, axle count, and colour all help, because a utility trailer carries no title photograph or registration description to fall back on.

Both parties should sign, and each should keep an original. Sellers often overlook their own copy, then have no record if the buyer never registers the trailer.