i need to get a DMV inspection to make my trailer legal. what do i need on it to pass the DMV inspection. its a home made trailer. other then "taillights" "brake lights" what else does it need? does it have to be double axle or is single axle fine? what do they check? thanks

oh yeah, and how much do they charge??

 

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/pubs.htm

 

Your best bet is to go to the DMV in CA and ask them. There should be a booklet or at least something in California's motor vehicle code to help you. With that said-Pennsylvania has the following that I know of:
1. Electric or mechanical brakes on ALL axles. If the Gross weight is at 7000 as is my case-then you MUST have 2 axles. The DOT side markers and brake/turn signals must be placed according to the standards that exist nationally. You will also need a breakaway kit if you have electric brakes. You will also need safety chains rated for the Gross of the trailer. Wheels and tires should be of the correct type for trailers and not passenger cars-for your safety too. The tongue and the socket for the ball must be the correct one for the trailer ratings. Ours is 2-5/16", which some say is overkill. Other than that each state may have different rules. Our inspection stations for trailers, campers, RV's, and commercial trucks are licensed to do those vehicles in addition to passenger cars. Cost for my trailer in 2005 was $35 per year plus parts needed (if any).
Last thing-make absolutely certain that the fenders and any other parts like ramps are properly secured to the chassis. If you are the builder I suspect you will have to get a VIN for the trailer too.

 

I just made an appointment for the inspection+registration at the same time.
i went in, an inspector came out and made me demo the lights. He okay'ed it.
IIRC, no charge except for the registration.

 

Looks good for you. Congrat's

 

When I brought my trailer in from out of state, it wasn't yet registered. I made an appointment & brought it down to my local DMV office. Like they said above, I had to demo all of the lights for proper function. They also wanted to see the reciept to verify that I owned it legally. They checked the certification tags on the trailer tongue to register it with the correct weight ratings. Since yours is homemade, you might want to bring a parts reciept so they can verify the axle rating/brakes. HTH