How to Sell an RV Privately in Ohio (2026)
| Titling agency | Ohio DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5.75% (Sales 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) | Not required |
| Lien release form | BMV 3774 |
How to Sell an RV Privately in Ohio — 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. Ohio 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. Ohio uses BMV 3774.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Ohio 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 Ohio 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. Ohio 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 Ohio title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Ohio requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Ohio DMV — buyer must title and register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Ohio DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
Ohio lien release procedure
- Obtain Form BMV 3774 from the Ohio BMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs BMV 3774 releasing the lien.
- Submit BMV 3774 with the existing title and title application at a county title office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Ohio title.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Ohio, 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 Ohio DMV.
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Start My Ohio RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Ohio
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Ohio?▾
Yes. Ohio 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 Ohio 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). Ohio titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the Ohio RV title transfer deadline?▾
Ohio 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 Ohio?▾
Ohio charges 5.75% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Ohio DMV when titling the RV. Ohio 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 Ohio RV bill of sale?▾
Ohio does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before Ohio DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Ohio?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Ohio DMV and pays the title fee plus 5.75% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Ohio DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07