if I buy a used trailer. what do I need?

Bill of Sale - check.
do I need a title? 

anything beyond that?   I see lots of trailer for sale and they are missing a title.  will I get jammed up at DMV??

I’ve never registered a used trailer, but I have registered a kit-built trailer and a completely DIY trailer. The DIY trailer didn’t even have a VIN number, so I’m sure there is a way to register just about anything. I posted details somewhere here about registering the home-built DIY trailer, in case you want to know what forms were involved, etc.

My impression is that what happens at the DMV is somewhat random, as there were far more hassles trying to register my kit-built trailer (which had a VIN and all of the paperwork) than my DIY trailer, which had nothing.

If you are near Capitola, I’d recommend that DMV office, as they were much easier to deal with and more professional, as compared to the Los Gatos DMV.

If no title then they should have a PTI in their name/address.

If no title then they should have a PTI in their name/address.

This is a slip of paper from the DMV?  Or will the plate on the trailer suffice?

It's an official slip similar to a registration paper from the DMV.

I went through this when I bought our little boat. The previous owner thought that the trailer reg was actually permanent (it's not!!) and that it was tied to the boat (also not true!!).

Basically had to have him sign a lost title application, and submit that with the registration and title transfer paperwork. Wasn't too bad, just delayed. I think it cost around $200 for everything - boat, trailer, title transfers, etc.

A kit built or home built trailer requires inspection, which is just another step and another ~$60, depending on where you got for that. IIRC, they basically just tested the lights and called it good.

A kit built or home built trailer requires inspection, which is just another step and another ~$60, depending on where you got for that. IIRC, they basically just tested the lights and called it good.

The “inspection” consists of some DMV person looking at the trailer for about 10 seconds—nothing was tested in either case. Mainly, they are just looking to collect sales tax, and safety is a nonissue.

A kit built or home built trailer requires inspection, which is just another step and another ~$60, depending on where you got for that. IIRC, they basically just tested the lights and called it good.

The “inspection” consists of some DMV person looking at the trailer for about 10 seconds—nothing was tested in either case. Mainly, they are just looking to collect sales tax, and safety is a nonissue.

+1

Bill of Sale - check.
do I need a title? 

anything beyond that?   I see lots of trailer for sale and they are missing a title.  will I get jammed up at DMV??

Kinda off topic, however, if you're looking for a kayak trailer I have one I may consider parting with, PTI, title on hand.
I'm away from home and can send pix in a couple days.

I just purchased a use trailer and there is specific PTI paperwork it’s two forms from DMV. if there is no title.

Many trailer sellers will not have titles or Pink Slips. When you purchase and register one , DMV will offer you an option to get a Pink Slip. For another fee of course. It’s worth it as it will make it easier to sell later if you should ever do so.

Many trailer sellers will not have titles or Pink Slips. When you purchase and register one , DMV will offer you an option to get a Pink Slip. For another fee of course. It’s worth it as it will make it easier to sell later if you should ever do so.

PTI cost $15 and very similar to a pink slip minus the fancy certificate look.

Good to know. This was my first trailer purchase and was unsure if the paperwork for the PTI came with any form of Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability like a Certificate of Title did so I went with that. The guy I purchased it from had a Pink and I felt comfortable that there wasn’t any funny business going on.