How to Sell an RV Privately in California (2026)
| Titling agency | California DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7.25% (Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fees by weight class | Yes — heavier rigs cost more to title |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · Out-of-state vehicles require a California VIN verification (REG 31) performed by a DMV employee, CHP officer, or licensed vehicle verifier. |
| Lien release form | REG 227 ↗ |
How to Sell an RV Privately in California — 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. California 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. California uses REG 227.
- 4Gather documentation — clean California 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 California 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. California title fees scale by weight class — note the GVWR so the buyer can budget for title fees.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the California title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. California requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify California DMV — buyer must title and register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with California DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with California DMV.
California lien release procedure
- Obtain REG 227 from the DMV or lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs REG 227.
- Submit REG 227 with title application at DMV or by mail.
- Receive new title without lien notation (allow 4–6 weeks by mail).
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in California, 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 California DMV.
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Start My California RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — California
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in California?▾
Yes. California 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 California 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). California titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the California RV title transfer deadline?▾
California requires the buyer to transfer the RV title within 10 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties. CA does not require notarization of the bill of sale, but the title transfer (REG 262) must be signed by both parties.
Is sales tax owed on a private RV sale in California?▾
California charges 7.25% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate The buyer typically pays the tax at California DMV when titling the RV. California also scales title fees by weight class — heavier rigs (Class A motorhomes) cost more to title than travel trailers.
Do I need a notary for a California RV bill of sale?▾
California does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. CA does not require notarization of the bill of sale, but the title transfer (REG 262) must be signed by both parties. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before California DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in California?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to California DMV and pays the title fee plus 7.25% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 10 days of the sale date. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with California DMV or a licensed inspector. Out-of-state vehicles require a California VIN verification (REG 31) performed by a DMV employee, CHP officer, or licensed vehicle verifier.
Source: California DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07