Free Alabama RV Bill of Sale
RVs split into two categories in Alabama paperwork: motorhomes (Class A, B, and C drivable units) follow car titling and use form MVT 32-13B; towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups) follow trailer rules — titled if over 3,000 pounds GVWR, bill of sale only if under. Either way, the 2% state sales tax applies and the county license-plate office is the destination. RVs are unique because they're both a vehicle and a dwelling: your bill of sale should specify what's included (generator, solar panels, inverter, propane tanks, awnings, slide-outs, dinghy hitch). RVs depreciate fast, often suffer hidden water damage, and have no state inspection — making the bill of sale and a private RV inspection the buyer's only safety net.
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Alabama RV Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Alabama charges 2% state motor vehicle sales tax on motorhomes and titled travel trailers, plus county and city add-ons.
Exemption: Family-transfer exemption available for immediate-family RV sales with proof of relationship.
Inspection Requirements
No state inspection — but RV buyers should pay for a private RV inspection ($300-$600) covering chassis, house systems, propane, and roof.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by County License Plate Issuing Official — not the same agency that handles cars in Alabama. Plan for separate filings.
Alabama RV Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- List the RV class (A/B/C motorhome or travel trailer/fifth wheel), year, make, model, length, full VIN, slide-out count, and key onboard systems.
- Inventory included items: generator (with hours), solar panels, inverter size, propane tanks (filled or empty), TVs, microwave, awnings, leveling system, hitch.
- Verify the VIN on the chassis (motorhome) or frame (towable) matches the title; check the manufacturer plate inside the entry door for GVWR and cargo capacity.
- Disclose any water damage, slide-out issues, roof condition, propane leaks, or appliance failures in writing on the bill of sale.
- Pay for a private RV inspection (NRVIA-certified inspectors charge $300-$600) before signing — Alabama has no state RV inspection.
- Buyer takes title and bill of sale to the county license-plate office within 20 days, paying 2% state tax plus local, the $15 title fee, and registration.
- Confirm propane tanks are within their 12-year recertification window — expired tanks must be recertified or replaced before highway use.
Common Pitfalls
- Skipping a pre-purchase RV inspection on a $30,000+ unit can hide water damage costing $5,000-$15,000 to repair — Alabama has no state inspection to flag it.
- Missing the 20-day Alabama title window costs the $15 late penalty plus mounting registration penalties on a vehicle that may not yet be insured.
- Forgetting to list the generator hours, solar setup, or propane tank status in the bill of sale leads to disputes when items go missing between handshake and pickup.
- Buying a towable RV over 3,000 lbs GVWR without an Alabama title means the buyer cannot register it for tags — the deal stalls at the county counter.
Pro Tip
RVs cross every category of Alabama paperwork — motorhome, trailer, dwelling — so your bill of sale and a private inspection are the two documents that make or break the purchase.