How to Sell an RV Privately in Kentucky (2026)
| Titling agency | Kentucky DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (Motor vehicle usage tax applies to all sales) |
| 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 | TC 96-132 |
How to Sell an RV Privately in Kentucky — 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. Kentucky 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. Kentucky uses TC 96-132.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Kentucky requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Kentucky DMV — buyer must title and register within 15 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Kentucky DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Kentucky DMV.
Kentucky lien release procedure
- Obtain Form TC 96-132 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs TC 96-132 releasing the lien.
- Submit TC 96-132 with the existing title and title application at a county clerk's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Kentucky title.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky DMV.
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Start My Kentucky RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Kentucky
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Kentucky?▾
Yes. Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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). Kentucky titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the Kentucky RV title transfer deadline?▾
Kentucky requires the buyer to transfer the RV title within 15 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 Kentucky?▾
Kentucky charges 6% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Motor vehicle usage tax applies to all sales The buyer typically pays the tax at Kentucky DMV when titling the RV.
Do I need a notary for a Kentucky RV bill of sale?▾
Kentucky does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before Kentucky DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Kentucky?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Kentucky DMV and pays the title fee plus 6% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 15 days of the sale date. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Kentucky DMV or a licensed inspector.
Source: Kentucky DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07