How to get a VIN in Florida

[jmedclay]

Here is a thumbnail sketch of what I had to do to get a VIN for my trailer in Florida. I'm in Tallahassee where the main HSMV office is located so that made the logistics convenient.

New info for additional context: I built the steel trailer from scratch so it had no VIN or title. I also built and installed the box before getting the VIN and title. The easier and less expensive method would obviously have been to build and title the trailer alone, then add the box afterwards. Had I done that, a single trip to any tag office would have sufficed (though probably not strictly legal) from what I gather, though my guess is that insurance on the finished teardrop would have been more difficult, if even possible. The trailer lighting would have been different too, as in not integral to the box.

0.5) Went to county tag agency and found out that since the trailer had 120 volt wiring it had to be classified as an RV and that I'd have to go through the HSMV dept for a VIN and title. I can't remember if the 12 volt system alone would trigger the same process.

1) Visited the HSMV office tasked with RV construction inspections with all construction receipts, a few photos of construction and completion, and a paragraph description of how I built it. I had to fill out a few forms and pay a fee. The office classified and processed it as "trailer built from parts"; that seemed to be the enabling administrative key to the process and one not known by all staff. NOTE WELL: Mandatory receipts are axle, wheels/tires, steel frame material and enough of the cabin materials to show it was purchased (as in not stolen). They didn't ignore the other receipts, but those specific ones were required. STRONG RECOMMENDATION: Get a bucket file folder and immediately toss every new receipt in. Don't forget Internet purchases! Failure with the receipts means that you would have to make your case for a VIN and title in front of a judge I was told.

2) Later I emailed a much more detailed description, particularly about the electrical work and components that I had prepared for my insurance company. Not sure it was necessary but it helped to indicate a thorough approach to the construction and transparency on my part.

3) The dept has to make a permanant file on the trailer and do some paperwork; it took a couple of weeks. I checked back in and made an inspection appointment.

3.5) Got it weighed at the landfill and submitted the weight slip at inspection time.

4) Had the inspection performed. It was quick but my trailer was scrumptiously legal wrt lighting (over 80" wide) and I had prepared them well with the description of what it was and how it was built. A little more paperwork and some signatures and I had a VIN and title. Down the hall I got the tag.

5) Fees were inspection, tax on the major out of state purchases (axle & wheels for me), and registration.

My experience was superbe; the two staff members were professional, helpful and efficient. It makes me happy to pay my taxes! Tag is on and I am ready to go camping, first stop is St Augustine!