After following registration procedures and suggestions from members here, I've discovered the most up to date registration information for anyone assembling and registering a trailer kit in PA.
There was another thread, but the most current information is listed below. I have obtained much of my information from PennDOT's Specially Constructed Vehicle Fact Sheet, as well as my own experiences this week. I visited with multiple notaries yesterday and today, and was given the exact same information at each.
SO HERE IT IS>>>
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PROCEDURE:
1. Buy your trailer kit . KEEP YOUR RECEIPT! Put it with your trailers Certificate of Origin.
2. Assemble your kit and be sure that all lights work, and safety chains are present. (If you put a plywood deck on your trailer, put that receipt with your Certificate of Origin and trailer receipt.)
3. Take 4 pictures of the assembled trailer. Be sure to show each side of the trailer, making sure to show that all lights are in place. Also be sure that the safety chains are clearly visible in a couple of the pictures.
4. Find an Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspection Station. If this link expires for some reason, you can find the stations list from PennDOT's Motor Vehicle Services website. While you're at PennDOT's Site, print out MV-426B. Fill in as much information on the form as you know.
5. Find a certified weigh station. These are typically found at concrete plants, quarries, etc. Go get your trailer weighed. This shouldn't cost more than $5. For your $5, they will give you a piece of paper that says your trailer weighs XXX lbs.
6. Call the inspection stations in your area to find one with a reasonable price. Be sure to tell them that you have a trailer assembled from a kit. I tried to go to a regular inspection station, and they refused to do it. The first "enhanced station" I called wanted $200 for the inspection. I called another place and got my enhanced inspection for $53. HINT: Look for the "mom-and-pop" garages on PennDOT's list.
7. Take your trailer to the enhanced inspection station. Also take your 4 pictures, your insurance card for your tow vehicle, your MV-426B, and your certified weight slip. The inspector will complete the MV-426B, and give everything back to you. My inspector even signed the backs of the 4 pictures, as if to certify them.
8. Go to a notary that does vehicle registration. TAKE EVERYTHING WITH YOU: Trailer assembly manual, receipts, Certificate of Origin, the 4 pictures, and your weight slip. They may or may not ask for the assembly manual... better safe than sorry. For registration and notary fees, you can expect to pay $60-$80 total. NOTE: I called PennDOT this afternoon, and this type of registration CAN NOT BE DONE over the counter at PennDOT's headquarters in Harrisburg.
FINAL NOTE: Each notary I contacted told me that it takes 4-6 weeks to receive your plates. PennDOT told me the exact same thing. I will update this when I recieve my plates. My paperwork went in today, March 25, so we shall see.
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UPDATE>>>
The notary received my title and license plate on Saturday April 3.
Thats 1 week and 2 days since the paperwork was sent to PennDOT.
While that is MUCH FASTER than PennDOT claims, DO NOT WAIT until the last minute to register your trailer.
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Hope your registration goes as "smoothly" as mine!!
