Just Sold My RV in Texas — What’s Next? (2026)
Need Texas bill of sale documentation?
If you haven’t generated a Texas-compliant bill of sale yet, do it now — your proof-of-sale window closes the moment the buyer leaves.
Start My Texas RV Bill of Sale →Texas RV sale facts
| Titling agency | Texas DMV ↗ |
| Title transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Release of liability | File with Texas DMV within 5 days |
| Buyer’s 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 fee (buyer pays) | $33 |
| RV identifier | chassis VIN (and coach serial if applicable) |
Your Texas RV post-sale checklist
- 1
Keep your signed Texas bill of sale
This is your proof that you sold the RV on the sale date. If the buyer gets a ticket, is in an accident, or fails to transfer the title within 30 days from the sale date, the Texas bill of sale shields you from liability. Keep both your copy and a scan for at least 5 years.
- 2
File a release of liability with Texas DMV
Most Texas sellers file this online through Texas DMV within 5 days of the sale. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents become the buyer's responsibility, not yours. Texas requires the buyer to title the RV within 30 days — your release filing protects you if the buyer misses that deadline.
- 3
Cancel or transfer your RV insurance
Contact your insurer the same day you hand over the keys. Texas does not require you to maintain insurance on a vehicle you no longer own, but you must not cancel before the sale is complete. If you are replacing the RV with another, transfer the policy instead — many insurers offer a short grace period to bind coverage on the new vehicle.
- 4
Remove your license plates
In Texas, plates go with the seller — not with the RV. Remove the plate(s) before the buyer drives or rides away. You can return them to Texas DMV or transfer them to your next vehicle.
- 5
Verify the 30-day title transfer window
Texas requires the buyer to retitle the RV at Texas DMV within 30 days of the sale date. If you have not received confirmation that the title has been transferred by day 35, contact Texas DMV with your bill of sale and release-of-liability filing number to confirm the change of ownership.
- 6
Confirm your Texas tax obligations (seller's side)
Texas charges 6.25% sales/use tax on private-party RV sales — the buyer pays this at Texas DMV when titling. Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher. Sellers generally do not owe Texas sales tax, but if the RV sold for more than your original purchase price you may owe federal capital gains tax. Consult a tax advisor.
- 7
Watch for liens or loan payoff confirmation
If you had a loan on the RV, confirm the lender received the buyer's payoff and has released the lien on the Texas title before you deliver the title. Texas uses VTR-262 as the lien release form — your lender will file this with Texas DMV to clear the title record.
RV-specific note
Motorhomes (Class A/B/C) title under the chassis VIN; towable RVs (5th-wheels, travel trailers) title separately from the tow vehicle and may use a trailer-specific title category. Confirm both VIN and coach serial are recorded on the bill of sale.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions — Texas
How long do I have to file a release of liability in Texas?▾
Texas sellers should file a release of liability with Texas DMV within 5 days of the sale. Most Texas sellers can file this online directly through Texas DMV. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents fall on the buyer.
What is the Texas title transfer deadline for an RV?▾
Texas requires the buyer to title the RV 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.
Do I owe Texas sales tax on the RV I just sold?▾
Texas charges 6.25% sales/use tax on private-party RV sales. Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher. The buyer typically pays this at Texas DMV when titling — sellers generally owe no Texas sales tax on the proceeds. You may owe federal capital gains if you sold for more than the original purchase price.
Does Texas require a notary on the RV bill of sale?▾
No. 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. A signed bill of sale with both parties' full names, addresses, signatures, and the date is sufficient for Texas DMV.
How does the buyer register the RV in Texas?▾
The buyer brings the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Texas DMV, pays the title fee (~$33) plus 6.25% sales/use tax, and receives a new Texas title in their name. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Do I record the chassis VIN or the coach serial number on the bill of sale?▾
Both — the chassis VIN is the one that titles the motorhome (it is the VIN of the cab chassis built by Ford, Chevy, Mercedes-Benz, or Freightliner). The coach serial is built by the RV manufacturer (Winnebago, Thor, Forest River, etc.) and identifies the living-quarters build. Record both on the bill of sale so the buyer has a complete record. Towable RVs (5th-wheels, travel trailers) carry their own single VIN and title separately from the tow vehicle.
Do weight-class title fees apply when I sell my RV?▾
In several states (CA, TX, NY, PA, IL, OH, GA, MI, WA, OR) title fees scale with the RV's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The buyer pays these fees at the DMV — sellers do not pay them. Make sure your bill of sale records the GVWR so the buyer can confirm the fee at title transfer.
Used BillOfSaleNow for your sale?
Quick review helps other Texas sellers find a tool that protects them.
Source: Texas DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07