How to Sell an RV Privately in Texas (2026)
| Titling agency | Texas DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.25% (Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fees by weight class | Yes — heavier rigs cost more to title |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · Out-of-state vehicles must pass a Texas safety inspection before registration. No separate VIN inspection form, but the safety inspection verifies VIN. |
| Lien release form | VTR-262 ↗ |
How to Sell an RV Privately in Texas — 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. Texas 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. Texas uses VTR-262.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Texas 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 Texas 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. Texas 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 Texas title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Texas requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Texas DMV — buyer must title and register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Texas DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Texas DMV.
Texas lien release procedure
- Obtain Form VTR-262 from the TxDMV website.
- Lienholder completes Part A (lienholder information) and notarizes.
- Owner submits VTR-262 with title application at the county tax assessor-collector.
- Pay title fee ($33).
- Receive clean title by mail within 2–4 weeks.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Texas, 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 Texas DMV.
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Start My Texas RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Texas
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Texas?▾
Yes. Texas 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 Texas 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). Texas titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the Texas RV title transfer deadline?▾
Texas 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. TX does not require a notarized bill of sale; however, Form 14-317 (Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer) must be notarized.
Is sales tax owed on a private RV sale in Texas?▾
Texas charges 6.25% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher The buyer typically pays the tax at Texas DMV when titling the RV. Texas 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 Texas RV bill of sale?▾
Texas does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. TX does not require a notarized bill of sale; however, Form 14-317 (Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer) must be notarized. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before Texas DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Texas?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Texas DMV and pays the title fee plus 6.25% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Texas DMV or a licensed inspector. Out-of-state vehicles must pass a Texas safety inspection before registration. No separate VIN inspection form, but the safety inspection verifies VIN.
Source: Texas DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07