How to Sell an RV Privately in South Carolina (2026)
| Titling agency | South Carolina DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 45 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5% (IMF applies to all vehicle sales, capped at $500 max) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fees by weight class | No — flat fee regardless of weight |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Not required |
| Lien release form | TI-003A |
How to Sell an RV Privately in South Carolina — 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. South Carolina 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. South Carolina uses TI-003A.
- 4Gather documentation — clean South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. South Carolina requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify South Carolina DMV — buyer must title and register within 45 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with South Carolina DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
South Carolina lien release procedure
- Obtain Form TI-003A from the South Carolina DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs TI-003A releasing the lien.
- Submit TI-003A with the existing title and title application at a SC DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean South Carolina title.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina DMV.
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Start My South Carolina RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in South Carolina?▾
Yes. South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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). South Carolina titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the South Carolina RV title transfer deadline?▾
South Carolina requires the buyer to transfer the RV title within 45 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 South Carolina?▾
South Carolina charges 5% sales/use tax on private RV sales. IMF applies to all vehicle sales, capped at $500 max The buyer typically pays the tax at South Carolina DMV when titling the RV.
Do I need a notary for a South Carolina RV bill of sale?▾
South Carolina does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before South Carolina DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in South Carolina?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to South Carolina DMV and pays the title fee plus 5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 45 days of the sale date.
Source: South Carolina DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07