How to Sell an RV Privately in Illinois (2026)
| Titling agency | Illinois DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 20 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.25% (Private vehicle use tax applies based on purchase price bracket) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fees by weight class | Yes — heavier rigs cost more to title |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Not required |
| Lien release form | VSD 790 ↗ |
How to Sell an RV Privately in Illinois — 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. Illinois 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. Illinois uses VSD 790.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Illinois 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 Illinois 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. Illinois 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 Illinois title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Illinois requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Illinois DMV — buyer must title and register within 20 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Illinois DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
Illinois lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes VSD 790 (Notice of Lien Release).
- Owner submits VSD 790 with current title to the Secretary of State.
- Pay $15 title fee.
- Receive new title with lien removed.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Illinois, 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 Illinois DMV.
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Start My Illinois RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Illinois?▾
Yes. Illinois 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 Illinois 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). Illinois titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the Illinois RV title transfer deadline?▾
Illinois 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 Illinois?▾
Illinois charges 6.25% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Private vehicle use tax applies based on purchase price bracket The buyer typically pays the tax at Illinois DMV when titling the RV. Illinois 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 Illinois RV bill of sale?▾
Illinois does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before Illinois DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Illinois?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Illinois DMV and pays the title fee plus 6.25% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 20 days of the sale date.
Source: Illinois DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07