How to Sell an RV Privately in Tennessee (2026)
| Titling agency | Tennessee DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| 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 | RV-F1310801 or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell an RV Privately in Tennessee — 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. Tennessee 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. Tennessee uses RV-F1310801 or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — clean Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Tennessee requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Tennessee DMV — buyer must title and register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Tennessee DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
Tennessee lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form RV-F1310801 or the lien release section on the existing Tennessee title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a county clerk's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Tennessee title.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee DMV.
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Start My Tennessee RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessee
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Tennessee?▾
Yes. Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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). Tennessee titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the Tennessee RV title transfer deadline?▾
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?▾
Tennessee charges 7% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Tennessee DMV when titling the RV.
Do I need a notary for a Tennessee RV bill of sale?▾
Tennessee does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before Tennessee DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Tennessee?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Tennessee DMV and pays the title fee plus 7% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Tennessee DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07