Boat trailer license

  • jig_n_pig
    Balsam Lake Wisc.
    Posts: 183
    September 11, 2003 at 9:56 pm #1214309

    I just moved to Wisconsin and am wondering if I have to license my boat trailer. I have been told “no” and “yes”.
    I am running a tandem axle trailer under a Stratos 21SS Extreme with a 225 Rude Ram on the transom.
    Any help would be appreciated.

    Steve Plantz
    SE MN
    Posts: 12240
    September 12, 2003 at 1:12 am #276027

    Jerry,
    This is just a guess, but I would think that if your current trailer plate has not expired you should be ok.

    Gianni
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Posts: 2063
    September 12, 2003 at 2:04 pm #276060

    I wouldn’t be so sure, when my wife moved here from MN, she had either 30 or 60 days to get her plates changed over. MN refunded (pro-rated) a portion of their money.

    mossboss
    La Crescent, MN
    Posts: 2792
    September 12, 2003 at 2:19 pm #276063

    I am 98% sure you do not have to license then trailer in WI, only the boat. At least I hope so!!

    kenwarren
    Olin, Iowa
    Posts: 423
    September 12, 2003 at 2:59 pm #276066

    I am not sure about WI specifically but I have lived in states which did not require boat trailer licenses. If you travel out of state you had to have one, however. They are not usually expensive so it is good to have.

    If you traveled to another state without one you would be ticketed if caught reguardless of WI law. That is what I was told at the license branch in Kentucky when I lived there. I assume it applies here as well.

    rgeister
    SW Wisconsin
    Posts: 972
    September 12, 2003 at 4:01 pm #276071

    No, you do NOT have to license the trailer, only the boat.

    I HAVE registered my trailer, however… here’s why:
    In WI it is not required, but it is in MN and most other states. If you travel to other states (or outside the country – ie. Canada or Mexico), and licensing is MANDATED in that state, the cops CAN pull you over. Once you are identified as a WI resident with a WI boat, you are okay.

    However, why give them an excuse to mess with you… I go to Canada a couple times a year and to MN, IL fishing. A State trooper from IL and a Canadian Mounty BOTH gave me this advise.

    Just thought I’d share! Hope this helps!

    lenny_jamison
    Bay City , WI
    Posts: 4001
    September 12, 2003 at 4:29 pm #275453

    In Wisconsin registration of a trailer rated under 3000# is optional. Any trailer rated over 3000# does need to be registered and have plates issued to it. I hope this helps you.

    Gator Hunter

    jig_n_pig
    Balsam Lake Wisc.
    Posts: 183
    September 12, 2003 at 9:05 pm #276102

    Thanks for the help. Went to a marine dealer today to get there input and Reel Guy and gator hunter are right on. Wi. is different than neighboring states.
    Thanks again

    danwi
    westby wi
    Posts: 864
    September 12, 2003 at 10:38 pm #276105

    If you have to im in big trouble…..

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