I have a guy who is willing to trade me a popup travel trailer for some old 3 wheeler ATVs I have, but he doesn’t have the title on the trailer. I am assuming that I will need to register the trailer (even though it’s just a little popup) , and so will have to go through a big bond title process on it, checking liens and all kind of stuff? Is that true? Any advice?

I bought a boat off my old boss several years ago. He couldn't find the title so I talked with the TPWD (I think) about the problem. Basically I had to do a lost title and, if I remember correctly, he had to sign a piece of paper. I think I had to pay a fee to get the new title but it wasn't that large. I'm not sure if the same process would apply to your trailer.

I also had a wave runner trailer that was a manufactured trailer but I didn't have a title or a serial number for it. I think the tax office licensed it as an untiled trailer for the tags. I don't remember it being a big hassle.

You might call your local licensing office and ask them. Depending on how the deal is worked they might try to get you to pay sales tax.

Good luck

My dad recently lost the title on a vehicle he had. Went to the tax office, filled out a short form, mailed it in and got a shiny new title 2 weeks later.

I would assume the same holds true for trailers. Just go to the tax office and have him sign the papers, send them in( I think it cost 5 dollars) and you should be able to transfer it from there.

I would make sure that you you get the title before he gets the 3 wheelers. If there is a lien on it you won't be able to transfer to you.

Had it happen to a truck I bought. Guy told me it was clean and i just needed to take the lost title form down to the county. Luckily it all worked out for me.

Don't trade without the title.

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What he said. If he's legit he shouldn't have any problem getting a new title for the trailer. Unless he's a really good friend, I'd make him get the new title before making the trade. What if the trailer's been stolen?