NewStateDrive
California trailer move

Move a Trailer to California

Classify an out-of-state trailer correctly before choosing California PTI or annual registration and title documents.

Use this order

Prepare the trailer before the office visit

The government instructions are free. We show a private provider only when it is authorized for this vehicle and task.

  1. 1. Check when the application becomes due

    California requires the original registration application within 20 days after registration becomes due. A trailer coach brought in on a one-trip permit becomes due at the California destination unless exempt.

  2. 2. Prepare the correct ownership record

    Start with the out-of-state title or other accepted titling document. California may keep an electronic ownership record under PTI, while a trailer with a legal owner receives a paper title.

  3. 3. Complete identification and inspection

    When the new-vehicle form is not used, California lists REG 343, REG 31 VIN verification, and REG 256 declaring unladen weight. Confirm the trailer class before preparing those forms.

  4. 4. Register the correct vehicle class

    Most trailers use Permanent Trailer Identification. Park trailers and trailer coaches are excluded from PTI and register annually; fifth-wheel and camp-trailer classification depends on size.

Vehicle classification

Check the exact vehicle class

The trailer is separate from the tow vehicle. A boat trailer also remains separate from the vessel's California registration.

Open the primary California source before completing a form or paying a fee. The official agency decides which forms and checks apply to the specific vehicle.

Open the primary official source
No verified provider is listed for this exact transaction yet

Use the official state instructions. We do not show a near-match, unverified business, or provider with an expired authorization.

Open the official state guide
Separate state records

Other vehicles moving to California

Open only the guide for the vehicle you are registering.

Reviewed 2026-08-24

Official California sources

These are the state pages and forms used to prepare this guide.