How to Sell an RV Privately in Pennsylvania (2026)
| Titling agency | Pennsylvania DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 20 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (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 | MV-38L ↗ |
How to Sell an RV Privately in Pennsylvania — 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. Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania uses MV-38L.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Pennsylvania requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Pennsylvania DMV — buyer must title and register within 20 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Pennsylvania DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
Pennsylvania lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form MV-38L (Lienholder's Release).
- Owner submits MV-38L with current title and MV-1 (Application for Certificate of Title) at a PennDOT-authorized center.
- Pay $58 title fee.
- Receive clean title by mail.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania DMV.
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Start My Pennsylvania RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Pennsylvania
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Pennsylvania?▾
Yes. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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). Pennsylvania titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the Pennsylvania RV title transfer deadline?▾
Pennsylvania requires the buyer to transfer the RV title within 20 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 Pennsylvania?▾
Pennsylvania charges 6% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Pennsylvania DMV when titling the RV. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania RV bill of sale?▾
Pennsylvania does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before Pennsylvania DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Pennsylvania?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Pennsylvania DMV and pays the title fee plus 6% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 20 days of the sale date.
Source: Pennsylvania DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07