How are Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) trailers transferred to a new owner?

Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) trailers are specifically designed to facilitate the identification and registration of trailers that do not require a standard title due to their characteristics or use. To transfer ownership of a PTI trailer, it is required to endorse the PTI certificate, which acts as proof of ownership, and submit it along with the transfer application to the appropriate authority, typically the DMV. This process ensures that the new owner receives the necessary documentation to register the trailer under their name.

The reason for this procedure lies in the nature of PTI trailers, which often do not have traditional titles. Instead, the PTI certificate serves as the official ownership document, making it essential to endorse this certificate during the transfer. This ensures a clear and legal transition of ownership that can be tracked and verified by the DMV.

The other options do not fully capture the formal requirements for transferring a PTI trailer. Simply registering the trailer at the DMV or signing a bill of sale fails to account for the necessity of the PTI certificate endorsement, which is a critical component of the transfer process. Similarly, returning the old title to the buyer is not applicable since PTI trailers do not operate under the conventional title system, further reinforcing the importance of the PTI certificate in the transfer