RV bill of sale — what to include
A bill of sale is your paper record that the transaction happened. Most states require one to transfer title, and it protects both parties if a dispute arises later. Here's exactly what yours needs to contain.
Required fields
Date of sale
The exact date the transaction is completed — this starts the clock on your title transfer deadline.
Seller full name and address
Legal name matching the name on the title. If the RV is jointly owned, all owners must sign.
Buyer full name and address
Legal name that will appear on the new title.
RV make, model, and year
e.g., "2019 Winnebago Sightseer 36Z". Include the floor plan if relevant.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Found on the dashboard, door jamb sticker, and title. 17 characters for motorhomes built after 1981.
Odometer reading
For motorhomes. Federal law requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 16,000 lbs GVWR; many states extend this to heavier vehicles. Record the exact mileage.
Sale price
The actual agreed purchase price in US dollars. This is the figure your state will use to calculate sales tax — never understate it.
Payment method
Cash, bank check, wire transfer, or financing. Note the check number or wire confirmation number for large transactions.
As-is clause
If selling without a warranty, include an explicit as-is statement: "Buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition and as-is without any warranties or guarantees from the seller."
Any warranties or representations
If the seller is making specific claims (e.g., "roof resealed in 2023"), include them here. Oral promises are hard to enforce.
Seller signature
Signature and printed name. Some states require notarization of the bill of sale or the title assignment.
Buyer signature
Acknowledges receipt of the vehicle and agreement to the terms.
State-specific requirements
Some states have official forms that serve as or supplement the bill of sale. Always check your state's DMV website for current requirements.
| State | Note |
|---|---|
| California | CA DMV provides a specific Release of Liability form (REG 138) the seller must submit online or by mail within 5 days of sale. |
| Texas | TX requires an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer (Form 14-317) for gift transactions. For standard sales, tax is assessed at the higher of sale price or Standard Presumptive Value. |
| Florida | FL does not have an official bill of sale form, but requires seller and buyer info, VIN, and price. HSMV 82050 is optional but widely accepted. |
| New York | NY requires a completed MV-912 (Vehicle/Plate Transferral Record) and MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application). Both parties sign. |
| Pennsylvania | PA provides Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration) which serves as both the bill of sale and tax payment form. |
This is not an exhaustive list. Verify current requirements with your state DMV.
Common mistakes to avoid
Never sign a blank title. A blank signed title can be filled in by anyone and used for fraud.
Never accept a title with white-out or correction fluid. Alterations void the title — require a replacement from the DMV.
Never agree to a verbal deal without written documentation. Memory is unreliable; paper is enforceable.
Never understate the sale price to reduce tax. This is tax fraud and can result in criminal charges for both parties.
Never pay in full before you have the signed title in hand — or use a secure escrow if a lender holds the title.
Download a template
Your state DMV is the most reliable source for approved bill of sale forms. Most also accept a private document that contains all required fields.
Find your state DMV form:
Browse state guidesGeneral RV bill of sale template:
Rocket Lawyer template →Sample as-is language
Example — customize for your transaction
"The above-described vehicle is sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS, with no warranties or representations, expressed or implied. The buyer has had full opportunity to inspect the vehicle prior to purchase and accepts it in its current condition. The seller makes no warranty as to the fitness, merchantability, or condition of the vehicle."
Complete the title transfer
Once the bill of sale is signed, your next step is the title transfer at your state DMV. Find your state guide for the exact documents and fees required.