How to Sell an RV Privately in Washington (2026)
| Titling agency | Washington DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.5% (Use 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) | Required · WA requires a VIN inspection by a DOL inspector, law enforcement, or licensed vehicle dealer for out-of-state titles with no VIN visible on the vehicle. |
| Lien release form | TD-420-069 or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell an RV Privately in Washington — 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. Washington 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. Washington uses TD-420-069 or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — clean Washington 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 Washington 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. Washington 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 Washington title with buyer info, odometer reading (motorhomes only), and sale date. Washington requires odometer disclosure for motorhomes under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Washington DMV — buyer must title and register within 15 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Washington DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Washington DMV.
Washington lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form TD-420-069 or the lien release section on the existing Washington title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a Washington DOL office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Washington title.
Selling a travel trailer or fifth wheel
Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, toy haulers) are titled as trailers in Washington, 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 Washington DMV.
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Start My Washington RV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Washington
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV in Washington?▾
Yes. Washington 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 Washington 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). Washington titles motorhomes by chassis VIN; record both numbers on the bill of sale to remove buyer confusion.
What is the Washington RV title transfer deadline?▾
Washington requires the buyer to transfer the RV title within 15 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 Washington?▾
Washington charges 6.5% sales/use tax on private RV sales. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Washington DMV when titling the RV. Washington 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 Washington RV bill of sale?▾
Washington does not require notarization for a private RV bill of sale. However, the title itself must be properly endorsed before Washington DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
How does a buyer register an RV purchased privately in Washington?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Washington DMV and pays the title fee plus 6.5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 15 days of the sale date. Out-of-state RVs may require a VIN inspection — schedule with Washington DMV or a licensed inspector. WA requires a VIN inspection by a DOL inspector, law enforcement, or licensed vehicle dealer for out-of-state titles with no VIN visible on the vehicle.
Source: Washington DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07