How to Sell an RV Privately in New Mexico (2026)
| Titling agency | New Mexico DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 90 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4% (4% motor vehicle excise tax applies to all vehicle 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 | MVD Title (lien section) |
How to Sell an RV Privately in New Mexico — 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. New Mexico 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. New Mexico uses MVD Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — clean New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. New Mexico requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify New Mexico DMV — buyer must title and register within 90 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with New Mexico DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with New Mexico DMV.
New Mexico lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on the back of the existing New Mexico title.
- Owner submits the released title and title application at a New Mexico MVD office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean New Mexico title.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in New Mexico, 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 New Mexico DMV.
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Start My New Mexico RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — New Mexico
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in New Mexico?▾
Yes. New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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). New Mexico titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the New Mexico RV title transfer deadline?▾
New Mexico requires the buyer to transfer the RV title within 90 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 New Mexico?▾
New Mexico charges 4% sales/use tax on private RV sales. 4% motor vehicle excise tax applies to all vehicle sales The buyer typically pays the tax at New Mexico DMV when titling the RV.
Do I need a notary for a New Mexico RV bill of sale?▾
New Mexico does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before New Mexico DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in New Mexico?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to New Mexico DMV and pays the title fee plus 4% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 90 days of the sale date. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with New Mexico DMV or a licensed inspector.
Source: New Mexico DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07