How to Sell an RV Privately in Maine (2026)
| Titling agency | Maine DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5.5% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| 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 | Lienholder Statement |
How to Sell an RV Privately in Maine — 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. Maine 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. Maine uses Lienholder Statement.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Maine 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 Maine 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 Maine title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Maine requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Maine DMV — buyer must title and register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Maine DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Maine DMV.
Maine lien release procedure
- Lienholder provides a signed lienholder statement or completes the lien release section on the existing title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the existing title and title application at a Maine BMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Maine title.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Maine, 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 Maine DMV.
Generate your Maine RV bill of sale
Compliant with Maine DMV requirements. From $9 — instant PDF, no signup.
Start My Maine RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Maine
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Maine?▾
Yes. Maine 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 Maine 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). Maine titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the Maine RV title transfer deadline?▾
Maine requires the buyer to transfer the RV title within 30 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 Maine?▾
Maine charges 5.5% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Maine DMV when titling the RV.
Do I need a notary for a Maine RV bill of sale?▾
Maine does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before Maine DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Maine?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Maine DMV and pays the title fee plus 5.5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Maine DMV or a licensed inspector.
Source: Maine DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07