Forum Discussion

theczar's avatar
theczar
Explorer
Apr 23, 2018

Is PTI really Permanent?

ok so I am about to sell my Tent Trailer and went to retrieve my paperwork. On the registration there is no exp date printed. There is however a handwritten note that says "expires" with a date that is 5 years after purchasing the trailer. That would have been 3 years ago. I am not certain if PTI is unique to California or not. As you may or may not know, Permanent Trailer Identification plates do not have any annual tags you have to stick on. I have heard that PTI is indeed 5 years but I have never received a renewal from the DMV. I also have a boat trailer and never received a renewal for that one either. Does anyone know is PTI truly Permanent or does it require renewal fees at some point? Thanks
Seeking Advice
  • paul_arc's avatar
    paul_arc
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2018
    I got my trailer in 08' and can't remember the last time I got something from DMV saying to renew it until just a couple months ago. I got a renewal in the mail for $10 total. Sent a check and who knows when I'll hear about it again..
  • 4x4van's avatar
    4x4van
    Explorer III
    Apr 23, 2018
    I have 3 different trailers with PTI plates (actually, 2 with PTI plates, 1 with a "one-time" PTI sticker - that was used in the first iteration of the PTI program); I get renewal notices/bills from CA DMV on all 3 trailers every 5 years, and once paid I get a new registration for each. I'm pretty sure that the registrations on mine do in fact show an expiration date.
  • discovery4us's avatar
    discovery4us
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2018
    The PTI is $10 per year billed once every five years. The CA DMV has never missed a chance to bill me. Maybe wrong address on title?

    Also new for me is the CA DMV is not issuing a title/Pink Slip for newly registered PTI trailers. If you want a title it is an additional fee.
  • D_E_Bishop's avatar
    D_E_Bishop
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2018
    Tom, I think toedtoes has it right, some really small fee every 5 years. If you belong to ACSC(AAA) contact them for information. Contacting DMV is like contacting the IRS for information, you will always get someone's inaccurate interpretation of what they read.
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    Apr 23, 2018
    Per DMV, the plate is "permanent", however you are required to pay a maintenance service fee every 5 years or you may choose to pay a PNO fee (planned no operation). I would contact the DMV and ask them about the maintenance fees and late charges.

    You should also read the link Old Biscuit posted regarding the title and transfer of ownership.
  • mobeewan's avatar
    mobeewan
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2018
    In Virginia we have permanent trailer plates and registration. The plates (no stickers) and registration are in deed "permanent" to the current registered owner and never expire as long as they own the trailer. When they sell the trailer they are non transferrable to the next owner, who has to obtain new title, registration and plates.

    In your case, California appears to be a state in which permanent is only in 5 year incriments. I wouldn't sweat it, since as long as you don't park or pull the trailer on the road you shouldn't get a ticket. If you plan to use it until you actually sell it then you need to get the plates up to date, otherwise it's the next owners problem.

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