An RV bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) sign to document the transfer of ownership of a recreational vehicle.
Unlike a car, an RV is often financed, insured, and registered differently depending on whether it's a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or truck camper. A bill of sale protects both parties by creating a dated, signed record of who owned the RV, what was paid, and what condition it was in at the time of sale. This document becomes important if questions arise later about the sale, and it's often required by your state's DMV or RV registration authority before you can transfer the title.
The bill of sale is separate from the title itself. The title is the legal document that proves ownership and is held by your state's DMV or equivalent agency. The bill of sale is a private contract between you and the other party that documents the transaction. You keep it for your records, and the buyer may need to present it when registering the RV in their name.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale should include the RV's VIN, make, model, year, the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both the seller and buyer.
- Some states require a bill of sale before the DMV will process a title transfer, while others treat it as optional but strongly recommended.
- The bill of sale should note the RV's condition, any known defects, and whether it's being sold as-is or with any warranty.
- You can use a template from your state's DMV website, a generic bill of sale form, or create your own as long as it includes all required information.
- Both the seller and buyer should keep a signed copy for their records, and the buyer will typically need to bring their copy to the DMV when registering the vehicle.
What Information Must Go on an RV Bill of Sale
The bill of sale should start with the date of the transaction and the full legal names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer. Include the RV's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which you'll find on the driver's side dashboard or on the title itself. Add the year, make, model, and body type (motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, etc.).
Next, write the sale price in both numbers and words to avoid confusion. For example: "$25,000 (Twenty-five thousand dollars)." If the buyer is assuming a loan or if there's a trade-in involved, note that clearly. State whether the sale includes any personal property — such as a generator, awning, or furniture inside the RV — or if those items are excluded.
Include a statement about the RV's condition. Many sellers write "sold as-is" to indicate the buyer is purchasing the vehicle in its current state without warranty. If you're offering any warranty or if the buyer has inspected the RV and found specific issues that you've agreed to repair, document that. Finally, both the seller and buyer must sign and print their names, and ideally add the date they signed.
How State Requirements Vary for RV Bills of Sale
Some states require a bill of sale before the DMV will process a title transfer for an RV, while others do not. States like California, Texas, and Florida have specific forms or requirements for RV sales. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether a bill of sale is mandatory or optional for your type of RV.
A few states distinguish between motorhomes (which are titled as vehicles) and travel trailers (which may be titled differently or not at all, depending on weight and age). The bill of sale requirements can differ for each category. If you're selling an RV across state lines, the buyer's state of registration will determine what documents they need to present. It's worth checking both your state's requirements and the buyer's state requirements before you complete the sale.
Even if your state doesn't require a bill of sale, creating one is a smart practice. It protects you as the seller by documenting that you transferred ownership on a specific date, and it protects the buyer by creating a record of what was included in the sale and what condition the RV was in.
Where to Find or Create an RV Bill of Sale Form
Your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles website often provides a free bill of sale template specific to RVs or recreational vehicles. Search "[Your State] DMV bill of sale" to find it. If your state doesn't provide one, you can use a generic bill of sale form from a legal document website and customize it for an RV by adding the VIN, RV-specific details, and any clauses about personal property or warranties.
Some RV dealers and private sellers use forms from organizations like the National RV Dealers Association or templates available through legal document services. The form doesn't have to be fancy or official-looking — it just needs to include all the required information and be signed by both parties. You can type it up in a word processor, print it, sign it by hand, and make copies for both parties.
If you're financing the RV or if there's a lien on the title, your lender may have a specific bill of sale form they want you to use. Check with them before you finalize the sale.
Handling Liens and Outstanding Loans on the RV
If you still owe money on the RV, the title will show a lien — a legal claim held by your lender. You cannot transfer a clear title to the buyer until that lien is paid off. The bill of sale should note whether there is an outstanding loan and what the plan is to pay it off.
In most cases, the sale proceeds go directly to your lender to pay off the loan, and then the remaining money goes to you. The buyer should understand this and should not hand over payment until the lien is released. Your lender will provide a lien release document once the loan is paid in full. You'll need that document to transfer the title to the buyer.
Some buyers and sellers arrange for the buyer to assume the loan, meaning the buyer takes over the payments. This is less common with RVs than with cars, and it requires the lender's approval. If this is the arrangement, the bill of sale should state that clearly, and the buyer should have a separate agreement with the lender.
What Happens After Both Parties Sign
Once you and the buyer have both signed the bill of sale, make at least two copies — one for you and one for the buyer. Some people make a third copy to keep with their records. The buyer will typically need to bring their signed copy to the DMV or RV registration office when they register the vehicle in their name.
As the seller, keep your copy for at least three to five years. If a question ever arises about when you sold the RV or what condition it was in, you'll have proof. The buyer should also keep their copy permanently, as it documents their purchase and may be needed if they sell the RV later.
The bill of sale does not transfer the title itself — that happens through a separate DMV process. The buyer will need to submit the bill of sale along with the title (signed by you), proof of insurance, and any other documents your state requires. The timeline for title transfer varies by state, but it typically takes two to four weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Bill of Sale
The most common mistake is leaving out the VIN or writing it incorrectly. Double-check the VIN against the title or the RV itself before you write it on the bill of sale. Another frequent error is not specifying what's included in the sale — for example, whether the propane tank, hitch, or contents of the RV are part of the deal or being sold separately.
Don't leave the sale price blank or write it only in words without numbers. Be clear about whether the price is cash, whether a check is being held in escrow, or whether the buyer is financing. If there's any disagreement later about what was promised, the bill of sale is your record.
Avoid signing the bill of sale before the buyer has inspected the RV and you've both agreed on the condition and price. Once it's signed, it's a binding record of the transaction. Also, make sure both parties sign in ink and print their names clearly — a signature alone can be hard to read later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale if I'm selling an RV to a family member?
Yes. Even within a family, a bill of sale creates a clear record that the transfer happened on a specific date and protects both parties. Your state's DMV will likely require it before processing the title transfer, regardless of your relationship to the buyer.
What if the buyer wants to pay in cash but I'm worried about safety?
You can ask the buyer to bring a cashier's check or money order instead of cash, which is safer and creates a paper trail. The bill of sale should state the payment method. Never hand over the keys or sign the title until you've confirmed the payment has cleared.
Can I sell an RV with an outstanding loan without paying it off first?
Not with a clear title transfer. The lender's lien must be released before you can sign the title over to the buyer. The sale proceeds typically go to the lender first to satisfy the loan, and you receive the remainder. The buyer should not complete the purchase until the lien is released.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The bill of sale is a record of the transaction between you and the buyer. The title is the legal ownership document held by your state's DMV. You need both — the bill of sale documents the sale, and the title transfer completes the ownership change.
What if I lost the bill of sale after I sold the RV?
If you're the seller and you've already transferred the title, losing your copy of the bill of sale is inconvenient but not critical — the DMV has a record of the transfer. If you're the buyer and you've lost your copy, contact the seller and ask for another signed copy, or contact your state's DMV to see if they can provide a copy of the transaction record.