BillOfSaleNow

How to Sell an RV Privately in Maryland (2026)

BN
Reviewed against state DMV requirementsLast reviewed: May 20266 min readEditorial policy
Selling an RV privately in Maryland requires a written bill of sale documenting the chassis VIN, coach serial (motorhomes only), and the agreed price. The buyer presents the bill of sale to Maryland DMV to title the RV within 60 days of the sale. Maryland charges 6% sales/use tax.
Titling agencyMaryland DMV
Transfer deadline60 days from sale
Sales / use tax6% (Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales)
Bill of sale notaryNot required
Title fees by weight classNo — flat fee regardless of weight
VIN inspection (out-of-state)Not required
Lien release formVR-217

How to Sell an RV Privately in Maryland — 8 Steps

  1. 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. Maryland titles the RV by chassis VIN, so this is the number that goes on every bill of sale.
  2. 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.
  3. 3Clear any liens — if the RV was financed, request a payoff quote and lien release letter. Maryland uses VR-217.
  4. 4Gather documentation — clean Maryland 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.
  5. 5Price the RV — check NADA RV Guides, RV Trader comps, and recent Maryland 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Maryland title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Maryland requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
  8. 8Notify Maryland DMV — buyer must title and register within 60 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Maryland DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.

Maryland lien release procedure

  1. Obtain Form VR-217 from the Maryland MVA or the lienholder.
  2. Lienholder completes and signs VR-217 releasing the lien.
  3. Submit VR-217 with the existing title and title application at a Maryland MVA office.
  4. Pay the title fee and receive a clean Maryland title.

Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel

Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Maryland, 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 Maryland DMV.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Maryland

Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland 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 Maryland 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). Maryland titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.

What is the Maryland RV title transfer deadline?

Maryland requires the buyer to transfer the RV title within 60 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 Maryland?

Maryland charges 6% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales The buyer typically pays the tax at Maryland DMV when titling the RV.

Do I need a notary for a Maryland RV bill of sale?

Maryland does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before Maryland DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.

How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Maryland?

The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Maryland DMV and pays the title fee plus 6% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 60 days of the sale date.

Source: Maryland DMV · Last verified 2026-05-07

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$60–$85 mobile notary

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