How to Sell an RV Privately in Michigan (2026)
| Titling agency | Michigan DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fees by weight class | Yes — heavier rigs cost more to title |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · Out-of-state vehicles must have a VIN inspection by a Michigan Secretary of State office before a Michigan title is issued. |
| Lien release form | TR-11L |
How to Sell an RV Privately in Michigan — 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. Michigan 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. Michigan uses TR-11L.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Michigan 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 Michigan 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. Michigan 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 Michigan title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Michigan requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Michigan DMV — buyer must title and register within 15 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Michigan DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Michigan DMV.
Michigan lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes TR-11L (Notice of Lien Release).
- Owner submits TR-11L with title application (TR-11) at a Secretary of State office.
- Pay $15 title fee.
- Receive clean Michigan title.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Michigan, 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 Michigan DMV.
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Start My Michigan RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Michigan?▾
Yes. Michigan 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 Michigan 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). Michigan titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the Michigan RV title transfer deadline?▾
Michigan 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 Michigan?▾
Michigan charges 6% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Michigan DMV when titling the RV. Michigan 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 Michigan RV bill of sale?▾
Michigan does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before Michigan DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Michigan?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Michigan 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 Michigan DMV or a licensed inspector. Out-of-state vehicles must have a VIN inspection by a Michigan Secretary of State office before a Michigan title is issued.
Source: Michigan DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07