How to Sell an RV Privately in Louisiana (2026)
| Titling agency | Louisiana DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 40 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4.45% (Sales tax applies; parish taxes vary significantly) |
| Bill of sale notary | Required |
| Title fees by weight class | No — flat fee regardless of weight |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · LA requires a VIN inspection at the Office of Motor Vehicles before titling out-of-state vehicles. |
| Lien release form | DPSMV 1863 |
How to Sell an RV Privately in Louisiana — 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. Louisiana 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. Louisiana uses DPSMV 1863.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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. Sign in front of a notary.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Louisiana title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Louisiana requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Louisiana DMV — buyer must title and register within 40 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Louisiana DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Louisiana DMV.
Louisiana lien release procedure
- Obtain Form DPSMV 1863 from the Louisiana OMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs DPSMV 1863 releasing the lien.
- Submit DPSMV 1863 with the existing title and title application at a Louisiana OMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Louisiana title.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana DMV.
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Start My Louisiana RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Louisiana
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Louisiana?▾
Yes. Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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). Louisiana titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the Louisiana RV title transfer deadline?▾
Louisiana requires the buyer to transfer the RV title within 40 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties. Louisiana is unique: a bill of sale for a motor vehicle must be signed before a notary public and two witnesses to be legally valid. This is required under Louisiana Civil Code art. 1833.
Is sales tax owed on a private RV sale in Louisiana?▾
Louisiana charges 4.45% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Sales tax applies; parish taxes vary significantly The buyer typically pays the tax at Louisiana DMV when titling the RV.
Do I need a notary for a Louisiana RV bill of sale?▾
Yes — Louisiana requires notarization of the RV bill of sale. Louisiana is unique: a bill of sale for a motor vehicle must be signed before a notary public and two witnesses to be legally valid. This is required under Louisiana Civil Code art. 1833. Sign both copies (buyer + seller) in front of a notary public.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Louisiana?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Louisiana DMV and pays the title fee plus 4.45% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 40 days of the sale date. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Louisiana DMV or a licensed inspector. LA requires a VIN inspection at the Office of Motor Vehicles before titling out-of-state vehicles.
Source: Louisiana DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07