Just Sold Your RV? Here’s What to Do Next
Selling an RV involves state-level registration transfer, lien release (if financed), and a release-of-liability filing with the DMV. Motorhomes title under the chassis VIN; towable RVs (5th-wheels, travel trailers) title separately from the tow vehicle. These steps end your liability on the sale date.
Post-Sale Checklist
Complete these steps after the handover.
- 1
Keep your signed RV bill of sale
This is proof you sold the RV. If the buyer gets a ticket, is involved in an accident, or delays the title transfer, you’ll need the bill of sale to prove the RV was sold on the sale date. Keep it for at least 5 years.
- 2
File a release of liability with the DMV
Most states accept this online. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner. Typical deadline: within 5 days of the sale. This is your protection against the buyer’s future tickets, tolls, and accidents.
- 3
Cancel or transfer your RV insurance
Contact your insurer the same day. RV insurance is typically more expensive than auto — do not continue paying premiums on a vehicle you no longer own. If you’re replacing the RV, transfer the policy instead.
- 4
Remove your license plates
In most states, plates stay with the seller. Remove them before the buyer drives away. Return them to the DMV or transfer them to your next vehicle. Towable RVs may have their own trailer plate that also stays with you.
- 5
Confirm the buyer transfers the title
The buyer is responsible for retitling the RV in their name at the DMV. Typical deadline: 30 days from sale date. Larger motorhomes may carry weight-class title fees that scale with GVWR. Your release-of-liability filing protects you if the buyer delays.
- 6
Confirm any lien is fully released
RV loans often run 10-15 years, so liens are common. Confirm the lender received the buyer’s payoff and filed the lien release with the DMV before you deliver the clean title to the buyer.
RV-Specific Notes
Motorhomes (Class A, B, C) title under the chassis VIN — typically the VIN of the cab chassis built by Ford, Chevy, Mercedes-Benz, or Freightliner. The coach itself (built by Winnebago, Thor, Forest River, etc.) carries a separate serial number, recorded on the bill of sale but not always on the title. Towable RVs (5th-wheels, travel trailers, pop-up campers, toy haulers) carry their own VIN and title as trailers, separate from the tow vehicle. Some states charge weight-class title fees that scale with GVWR — verify the fee with the buyer before close.
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