How to Sell an RV Privately in South Dakota (2026)
| Titling agency | South Dakota DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 45 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4% (Motor vehicle excise tax applies to all 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 | MV-016 or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell an RV Privately in South Dakota — 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 Dakota 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 Dakota uses MV-016 or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — clean South Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. South Dakota requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify South Dakota DMV — buyer must title and register within 45 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with South Dakota DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with South Dakota DMV.
South Dakota lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form MV-016 or the lien release section on the existing South Dakota title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a county treasurer's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean South Dakota title.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in South Dakota, 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 Dakota DMV.
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Start My South Dakota RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — South Dakota
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in South Dakota?▾
Yes. South Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the South Dakota RV title transfer deadline?▾
South Dakota 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 Dakota?▾
South Dakota charges 4% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Motor vehicle excise tax applies to all sales The buyer typically pays the tax at South Dakota DMV when titling the RV.
Do I need a notary for a South Dakota RV bill of sale?▾
South Dakota does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before South Dakota DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in South Dakota?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to South Dakota DMV and pays the title fee plus 4% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 45 days of the sale date. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with South Dakota DMV or a licensed inspector.
Source: South Dakota DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07