hi....if the trailor was regestered before 1985...you dont need a complience plate but the trailor will have a number stamped on the draw bar you can use that...that IS the law... after 1985 you need a complience plate...if prior to 1985 and you get it regestered and let it run out then its back to the complience plate..any questions send me a pm...i have been here with a bike trailor...bob