A recreational vehicle bill of sale is a written record that you sold or bought an RV, signed by both the seller and buyer, and kept for your records and the DMV.
Unlike a car or truck, an RV bill of sale does not transfer legal ownership by itself — your state's DMV or equivalent agency does that when you register the vehicle in the new owner's name. What the bill of sale does is create a paper trail showing who owned the RV on what date, for how much money, and in what condition. If a dispute arises later about when the sale happened, who paid what, or what was included, the bill of sale is your proof.
The bill of sale protects both of you. The seller has evidence they no longer own the vehicle (important if the buyer later gets a ticket or is in an accident). The buyer has proof of purchase and the price paid, which matters for insurance, financing, and registration. Neither of you needs a lawyer to create one — most states provide a template, and many RV dealers will give you one automatically.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale must include the RV's VIN, the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller to be legally valid.
- The seller should keep a copy and note the sale date on their registration documents before turning the title over to the buyer.
- The buyer needs the bill of sale, the original title, and proof of sale to register the RV in their own name at the DMV.
- Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized; check your state's DMV website to confirm whether yours does.
- A bill of sale does not transfer ownership — registration with the DMV does — but it proves the transaction took place.
What information must go on the bill of sale
The bill of sale should include the RV's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which appears on the registration and on the vehicle itself (usually on the driver's side dashboard or frame). Write out the full 17-character VIN; abbreviations or partial numbers create confusion at the DMV. Also include the year, make, and model of the RV, though the VIN is what matters legally.
Add the sale price in words and numbers — for example, "Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00)" — so there is no ambiguity about what was paid. Include the date of sale, the seller's full legal name and address, and the buyer's full legal name and address. Both parties must sign and print their names. Some states ask for the odometer reading (for motorhomes) or the condition of the RV at sale; check your state DMV's website for the exact form or template.
You can also note whether any equipment stays with the RV or is excluded from the sale — for example, "Awning and exterior storage box included; generator not included." This prevents later arguments about what was supposed to transfer. If there is a lien on the RV (meaning a lender still owns part of it), the seller should note the lender's name and the payoff amount, so the buyer knows what debt, if any, is attached to the vehicle.
Whether your state requires notarization
Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized, meaning a notary public must witness both signatures and stamp the document. Other states do not require it but accept it. A few states have no requirement at all. The safest approach is to check your state's DMV website or call the title and registration office directly — the requirement varies by state and sometimes by county.
If notarization is required and you skip it, the DMV may reject your registration process, and the buyer will have to start over. If it is not required but you get it notarized anyway, that is fine — it actually strengthens the document because a notary has verified the identities of both parties. A notary typically charges $5 to $15 per signature. Banks, UPS stores, and some libraries offer notary services.
How to handle the bill of sale when you sell
If you are the seller, fill out the bill of sale completely and have both you and the buyer sign it before you hand over the title or keys. Make two copies — one for you and one for the buyer. Keep your copy in a safe place; you may need it later if a question arises about when you sold the vehicle or whether you still own it.
On your registration documents, write the date you sold the RV and the buyer's name. Some states ask you to notify the DMV that you have sold the vehicle; check your state's rules. This step protects you because it creates an official record that you no longer own the RV. If the buyer does not register it right away and gets a parking ticket or is in an accident, you want proof that you transferred ownership on a specific date.
Do not sign over the title until the bill of sale is complete and signed by both parties. The title is the legal document that transfers ownership, and you want the bill of sale to be the dated record of the transaction. Hand over the signed title and the bill of sale together.
How to handle the bill of sale when you buy
As the buyer, ask the seller for a completed bill of sale before you hand over money. Do not rely on a verbal agreement or a text message. Read it carefully to make sure the VIN matches the RV you are buying, the price is correct, and both parties have signed. If the seller says they will fill it out later, do not leave without it — get it done on the spot, even if you have to sit in a parking lot for 15 minutes.
Keep the bill of sale, the original title (signed by the seller), and proof of payment (a check, bank transfer receipt, or written receipt) together in one folder. These three documents are what you will need to register the RV in your name. Take them to your state's DMV or equivalent office, along with your driver's license and proof of insurance. The registration process usually takes a few weeks; the DMV will send you a new title and registration in the mail.
What happens if you lose the bill of sale
If you have already registered the RV in your name, losing the bill of sale is not a crisis — your registration documents are the legal proof of ownership. However, if you are trying to sell the RV and the buyer asks for a bill of sale from when you bought it, you may not have it. In that case, you can create a new one with the original seller if you can contact them, or you can explain to the buyer that the registration is the proof of your ownership.
If you are the buyer and you lose the bill of sale before you register the RV, ask the seller for another copy. If the seller refuses or is unreachable, you can still register the RV using the title alone, though some states prefer to see the bill of sale as well. Contact your state DMV to ask what documents are acceptable in your situation.
Private sale versus dealer sale
If you buy an RV from a dealer, the dealer will provide the bill of sale as part of the paperwork package. Read it before you sign to make sure all the details are correct. Dealer bills of sale often include additional terms, such as a warranty period or a return policy, so pay attention to those.
If you are buying from a private seller, you are responsible for creating or requesting the bill of sale. You can read a template from your state's DMV website, use a generic bill of sale form from an office supply store, or write one yourself as long as it includes all the required information. There is no legal advantage to using an official state form over a straightforward written agreement, as long as both parties sign it and it contains the key details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bill of sale from a different state?
Yes, a bill of sale from any state is legally valid in any other state, as long as it includes the required information. However, when you register the RV in your state, your state's DMV may ask for additional information or a specific form. Contact your DMV to confirm what they will accept.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
Do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale is a basic protection for both parties, and a seller who refuses to sign it is a red flag. They may be hiding a lien, a salvage title, or another problem with the RV. Walk away from the deal.
Do I need a bill of sale if I inherit an RV?
No. An inherited RV transfers through probate or estate documents, not through a bill of sale. You will need a death certificate, a will or court order, and proof of inheritance when you register the RV in your name. Contact your state DMV for the specific documents they require.
Can I sell an RV without the original title?
No. The original title is the legal document that proves ownership and must be signed over to the buyer. If you have lost the title, you must request a replacement from your state's DMV before you can sell the RV. This process usually takes two to four weeks.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. A bill of sale is a record of the transaction; a title is the legal document that proves ownership. The title is what the DMV uses to register the vehicle in the new owner's name. You need both — the bill of sale as proof the sale happened, and the title to transfer ownership.