How to Sell an RV Privately in Alabama (2026)
| Titling agency | Alabama DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 20 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 2% (Private sales taxed at 2% (reduced from dealer rate)) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fees by weight class | No — flat fee regardless of weight |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | MVT 5-13 |
How to Sell an RV Privately in Alabama — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the chassis VIN — on motorhomes (Class A, B, C) the 17-character chassis VIN is on the cab door jamb, dashboard, or driver-side windshield. Alabama titles the RV by chassis VIN, so this is the number that goes on every bill of sale.
- 2Record the coach serial — on motorhomes there's a second number on the coach builder's data plate (inside a cabinet door, near the entry steps, or in a basement bay). Note it alongside the chassis VIN on the bill of sale. Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups) only have one VIN, usually on the tongue or front A-frame.
- 3Clear any liens — if the RV was financed, request a payoff quote and lien release letter. Alabama uses MVT 5-13.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Alabama title (no liens), current registration card, RV maintenance records, manufacturer's owner's manual, appliance/slide-out service records, and tow capacity documentation for towables.
- 5Price the RV — check NADA RV Guides, RV Trader comps, and recent Alabama dealer sold prices. Class A motorhomes, fifth wheels, and Class B vans hold value differently — factor in mileage on motorhomes and slide-out/appliance condition on all classes.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — chassis VIN, coach serial (if motorhome), year/make/model, length, RV class (A/B/C/travel trailer/fifth wheel/etc.), sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Alabama title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Alabama requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Alabama DMV — buyer must title and register within 20 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Alabama DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Alabama DMV.
Alabama lien release procedure
- Obtain Form MVT 5-13 from the Alabama MVD or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs MVT 5-13 releasing the lien.
- Submit MVT 5-13 with the existing title and title application at your county probate court.
- Pay the applicable title fee and receive a clean title by mail.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Alabama, not as motorhomes — no chassis VIN, no odometer. The single VIN is on the tongue or front A-frame. If the trailer was sold with a tow vehicle as part of one transaction, prepare two bills of sale (one for the trailer, one for the tow vehicle) so each title transfers cleanly with Alabama DMV.
Generate your Alabama RV bill of sale
Compliant with Alabama DMV requirements. From $9 — instant PDF, no signup.
Start My Alabama RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Alabama
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Alabama?▾
Yes. Alabama requires a written bill of sale for private RV transfers to document the chassis VIN, coach serial number, year/make/model, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to title the RV with Alabama DMV. For towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels), the trailer itself usually also requires a separate bill of sale.
What's the difference between chassis VIN and coach serial on an RV?▾
Motorhomes (Class A, B, C) have two identifying numbers — the chassis VIN (on the cab door jamb, same place as a passenger truck VIN) and a coach serial number (on the coach builder's data plate, usually inside a cabinet door). Alabama titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the Alabama RV title transfer deadline?▾
Alabama requires the buyer to transfer the RV title within 20 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private RV sale in Alabama?▾
Alabama charges 2% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Private sales taxed at 2% (reduced from dealer rate) The buyer typically pays the tax at Alabama DMV when titling the RV.
Do I need a notary for a Alabama RV bill of sale?▾
Alabama does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before Alabama DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Alabama?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Alabama DMV and pays the title fee plus 2% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 20 days of the sale date. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Alabama DMV or a licensed inspector.
Source: Alabama DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07