Gooseneck and semitrailers are subject to State Law requirements for certificate of title and registration by the payment of license fees and ad valorem taxes. Utility trailers that are designed for pulling behind an automobile or pickup truck remain subject to Alabama registration only. Code of Alabama, 1975, 40-12-252, exemptions for title and tag requirements is limited to the following:
- Farm Trailers
Trailers used exclusively for transporting farm products to and from market or for transporting the personal property of the farmer for his own use on the farm. - Equipment Trailers
Trailers with permanent mounted equipment such as a crane or well-drilling equipment. Trailer is not equipped for hauling supplies. - Beginning in July 1, 2009, utility trailers that are designed for pulling behind an automobile or pickup truck are exempt from Alabama title laws. Such trailers remain subject to registration fees and taxes.
- Beginning in January 1, 2012, any semitrailer, travel trailer, or gooseneck trailer more than twenty (20) model years old are exempt from Alabama title laws. Such trailers remain subject to registration fees and taxes.
A sample of the necessary documents for title transfer for gooseneck and semitrailers is listed below. For additional information concerning registration and title provisions, you may wish to call the Motor Vehicle Division at (334)677-4734 or the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division.
New Manufactured Semitrailer
- Manufacturer Statement of Origin Issued to Dealer and Assigned to New Owner
- Bill of Sale, From Dealer to New Owner
- Visual Inspection At Houston County Administrative Building or By Alabama Law Enforcement Officer, State Form MVT 5-10.
Vehicle Inspection Form
Used Manufactured Semitrailer
Previously Titled in Alabama
- Alabama Certificate of Title Issued in Seller Name and Assigned to New Owner or Copy of Alabama Title Application MVT 5-1C Issued To New Owner
- Bill of Sale From Seller to New Owner
- Current Alabama Tag Registration, or Alabama Tag Number, Decal Number & Year, Renewal Month
- No Visual Inspection Required at Courthouse
Previously Titled in Another State
- Out-of-State Certificate of Title (If Titling State) Issued in Seller Name and Assigned to New Owner
- Bill of Sale, From Seller to New Owner
- Visual Inspection
Previously Registered in Another State, but Exempt from Title
- Current Out-of-State Tag Registration Receipt (If Non-Titling State) Issued in Seller Name
- Bill of Sale For Each Seller to Buyer Assignment
- Visual Inspection
Item of Husbandry (Farm Use) and Exempt from Title and Tag Registration
- Most Recent MSO or Certificate of Title
- Bill of Sale For Each Seller to Buyer Assignment
- Affidavit Supporting Vehicle as Item of Husbandry
- Visual Inspection
