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In this article, we’re going to talk about buying a used trailer with a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), also known as the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO). It’s important to know that an MSO is not the same as a title. An MSO is a paper from the manufacturer that you use when you first register your trailer. A title is what you get from your state after the trailer is registered. If you’re in Pennsylvania, we do the registration for you.
When you’re buying a used trailer from a private seller, it’s easy to make a common mistake: not knowing the difference between an MSO and a Title. Some people think if they buy a used trailer that still has an MSO, because the previous owner never registered it, they can just go and register it themselves. But it’s not that simple. It’s really important to understand how an MSO and a Title work when you’re buying a used trailer.
When a used trailer still has an MSO, it indicates that the original owner never finished the registration process. To properly register a trailer, the original owner should have taken the necessary documents to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and asked for the trailer to be registered. During this process, they would pay any required taxes. After that, the trailer becomes officially registered, and the owner would usually receive the title in the mail a few weeks later. This changes slightly if the trailer is financed. In that case, the finance company holds onto the title until the loan is fully paid. Alternatively, the buyer might receive the title with the finance company listed as the lienholder.
The key point to remember is that only the original owner, whose name is on the back of the MSO, can register the trailer. This is why you can’t simply register a trailer yourself if you buy it with an MSO from the previous owner. It’s a crucial step that needs to be completed by the person who initially bought the trailer from the manufacturer or dealership. Without their action to convert the MSO into a proper title, the registration process remains incomplete, and this can create significant challenges for subsequent buyers.
Before you finalize the purchase of a used trailer, it’s a wise decision to visit the DMV with the person you’re buying it from. This step is crucial for a smooth and problem-free transaction. The DMV staff are experts in these matters and can assist you in ensuring all the paperwork is correctly filled out and submitted. This can save you a lot of time and prevent future frustration.
At the DMV, they will check to make sure that the seller has the title for the trailer, not just the MSO. They will also verify that there are no liens on the trailer. If there happens to be a lien, the DMV can provide guidance on the best course of action. Taking this proactive approach before buying a used trailer can help ensure that everything is legally and properly handled, giving you peace of mind in your purchase.
Dan Tabler
05/01/2025
Great place to do business, no pressure very professional and they don’t try to push you into anything. I got several quotes and overall they are the best value
Jonathan
04/30/2025
Had a fantastic experience. Super friendly and helpful staff made my out of state purchase quick and painless. Very knowledgeable and the best prices I could find for hundreds of miles. Highly recommend!
Scot Evans
04/29/2025
I came a very long distance and worked with Shane over a three week period, and I must say from day one through the day I picked up my unit, the service was outstanding. Not only do they sell superior products, but the customer service is top-notch. Thank you, Brechbill Trailer Sales!
Jeffrey Bagley
04/29/2025
Purchased a new Eby dump trailer. Great experience during both a phone order/ purchase, and on my pick up / delivery day. No hidden fee’s or surprises. I would recommend them as everyone I encountered was very positive and helpful.
Frederick Forrester
04/28/2025
Professional,informative, no hassle, person centered approach.Great snack bar (Twinkies available)
Cystal Garrett
04/25/2025
We brought our B wise dump trailer to Jud for things that needed fix and he did an awesome job. Also we had a local Chevy dealer install a brake controller on our 2023 Tahoe, after the 3rd controller, we had Jud look at it. Jud found that the Chevy dealership installed them wrong and it was burning the brake controller module up. Jud took the time to replace it and install a new one for us, he is very professional and explained everything to us. 10 out of 10, we will be back to Brechbill for anything trailer related. Jud definitely earned our trust..
Heather Bearce
04/18/2025
We purchased an enclosed trailer in a matter of three hours. Two of those hours were the drive to the shop. We were approved in 5 mins with Ryan’s help and Steven was amazing with helping us hook up and explain everything in detail. Highly recommend. Friendly and knowledgeable staff with rapid results! You guys rock!!!
Unfortunately, your options are quite limited if you’ve purchased a used trailer that comes with an MSO (Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin) instead of a title. From the state’s perspective, it may appear as though you have stolen the trailer, since there’s no official documentation linking it to you. The MSO will still bear the original owner’s name, and simply signing below their name on any other lines is not a legal option.
To legally register the trailer under your name, you’ll need to involve the original owner, which can be complicated, especially if the trailer has had multiple owners. The original owner is required to take the MSO and the bill of sale to their local DMV, pay the necessary taxes, and go through the process of officially registering the trailer. Only after this process is completed and they receive the title, can they legally transfer the ownership to you. It’s a challenging situation, but reaching out and coordinating with the original owner is the only way to resolve this and ensure everything is legal.
