What an RV bill of sale is and why you need one

An RV bill of sale is a written record that documents the transfer of ownership from one person to another. It serves as proof that you bought or sold an RV, and it protects both the buyer and the seller by creating a clear paper trail of the transaction. Most states require a bill of sale before you can register the RV in your name or transfer the title at the DMV.

The bill of sale is separate from the title document itself. The title is the legal ownership record kept by your state's motor vehicle department. The bill of sale is the receipt and agreement you create between yourselves at the time of sale. You will need both documents to complete the registration process, but the bill of sale is what you create first, at the point of purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • A bill of sale documents the sale price, the RV's identification number, and the names and signatures of both buyer and seller, and serves as proof of the transaction for DMV registration.
  • Most states do not provide an official bill of sale form, so you can write one yourself or read a template specific to your state.
  • The bill of sale should be signed and dated by both parties before money changes hands, and each person should keep a copy.
  • You will submit the bill of sale to your state's DMV or motor vehicle office along with the existing title when you register the RV in your name.

What information to include on an RV bill of sale

The bill of sale must contain the RV's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a 17-character code stamped on the frame and listed on the current title. Include the year, make, and model of the RV. Write down the sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "$15,000" and "Fifteen Thousand Dollars") to prevent disputes later.

Add the full legal names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the buyer and the seller. Include the date of the sale. Some states also ask for the odometer reading, though this is more common for cars than RVs. At the bottom, both the buyer and the seller must sign and print their names. If the RV is being sold by someone other than the title holder (such as a spouse or estate representative), note that relationship on the form.

You may also want to note the condition of the RV at the time of sale—for instance, "sold as-is" or "with full service records." This protects the seller from later claims that something was broken or missing. If the buyer is taking on any existing loans or liens against the RV, that should be stated clearly as well.

How to obtain or create a bill of sale form

Most states do not provide an official bill of sale form for RVs. Instead, you can read a template online, purchase one from an office supply store, or write one yourself on plain paper. Search for "RV bill of sale [your state name]" to find a template that matches your state's requirements, since some states have specific wording or fields they prefer.

Common sources for templates include the American RV Association, your state's DMV website, and legal document websites. If you write one yourself, make sure it includes all the information listed in the previous section. The form does not need to be fancy or printed on special paper—a handwritten bill of sale signed by both parties is legally valid in most states.

If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer will usually provide the bill of sale as part of the paperwork. If you are buying from a private seller, you are responsible for creating the form or asking the seller to create one. Either way, make sure both parties sign it before the money is exchanged.

When to sign the bill of sale and what happens next

Sign the bill of sale at the time of the sale, before you hand over payment and before the seller hands over the keys and title. This protects both of you by creating a record of exactly when the transaction occurred and what was agreed to. Each party should receive a signed copy—do not rely on the seller to mail it to you later.

After the sale is complete, you will use the bill of sale along with the current title to register the RV in your name. Take both documents to your state's DMV or motor vehicle office. You will also need to provide proof of insurance and pay the registration fee. The DMV will process the title transfer and issue a new title in your name.

If the RV has a lien on it (meaning the seller still owes money to a bank or lender), the lien holder must sign off on the title transfer. The bill of sale alone does not clear a lien—the seller's lender must release it. Ask the seller to confirm that any liens will be paid off before or at the time of sale.

Protecting yourself as a buyer

Before you sign the bill of sale, verify that the VIN on the form matches the VIN on the RV itself and on the current title. Check the title to confirm the seller is the legal owner and that there are no liens listed. If there are liens, do not proceed until they are cleared in writing by the lender.

Inspect the RV in person and take photos of its condition. If anything is broken or missing, note it on the bill of sale or attach a separate condition report. Do not accept a bill of sale that says "sold as-is" if you have not seen the RV or if the seller has made promises about its condition that are not written down.

Keep your signed copy of the bill of sale in a safe place. You will need it to register the RV, and you may need it later if questions arise about the purchase or if you decide to sell the RV yourself.

Protecting yourself as a seller

Make sure the bill of sale clearly states that the RV is being sold "as-is" and that the buyer has inspected it. This protects you from later claims that something was broken or that you promised repairs you did not make. Have the buyer sign a statement confirming they have seen the RV and accept its current condition.

Do not hand over the keys or the title until you have received full payment. If the buyer is paying by check, wait for the check to clear before releasing the RV. If you are accepting a trade-in or partial payment, make sure the bill of sale reflects exactly what was exchanged.

After the sale, contact your state's DMV to notify them that you have sold the RV. Some states allow you to file a "notice of sale" form that protects you from liability if the new owner gets into an accident or receives a traffic ticket before the title is transferred. Keep your copy of the bill of sale for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a dealer?

Yes. Dealers are required to provide a bill of sale as part of the sales paperwork. Make sure you receive a signed copy before you leave the lot. The dealer's bill of sale will include all the required information and will be accepted by the DMV.

What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?

Do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale is a basic protection for both parties, and a seller who refuses to sign one is a red flag. It suggests the seller may not be the legal owner or may be hiding something about the RV's history or condition.

Can I use a bill of sale from online without changing anything?

Yes, as long as the template is for your state and you fill in all the blanks with accurate information. You do not need to customize the language, but you do need to make sure every field is completed and that both parties sign it before the sale is final.

What if I lose my copy of the bill of sale after I buy the RV?

Contact the seller and ask for another signed copy. If the seller will not provide one, you can contact your state's DMV—they may have a copy on file once the title transfer is complete. Keep your registered title as proof of ownership going forward.

Is a bill of sale the same as a title?

No. The bill of sale is the receipt and agreement between buyer and seller. The title is the legal ownership document issued by the state. You need both to complete a purchase and registration, but they serve different purposes.