Free North Dakota RV Bill of Sale

North Dakota RV Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Sales Tax Details

5% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax applies to motorhomes and titled travel trailers. The bill of sale records the purchase price; the statute ties MVET to the purchase price, while NDDOT's 2026 private-party form says fair market value. RVs are often high-dollar transactions ($30K-$200K+), so keep documentation of any condition issues behind a lower price (water damage, bad slides, etc.).

Exemption: A gift between spouses, parent and child, siblings, or grandparent and grandchild is exempt. There is no exemption for RVs purchased outside ND and brought in — those still owe ND MVET (with credit for tax already paid to another state).

Inspection Requirements

No state safety inspection for RVs. Independent pre-purchase inspections by an RV technician (typical $300-600) are highly recommended for any used motorhome or trailer — water damage, soft floors, and roof seal failure are routinely hidden under fresh sealant or interior trim.

Registration

Registration for this vehicle type is handled by North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (NDDOT MVD) — not the same agency that handles cars in North Dakota. Plan for separate filings.

North Dakota RV Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Confirm the unit has its own VIN and ND title (motorhomes always; travel trailers and fifth-wheels yes; truck campers no).
2. Record make, model, year, VIN, length, and any optional equipment (generator hours, slide count, solar) on the BOS.
3. For motorhomes, record the chassis odometer reading — federal odometer disclosure applies the same as a car.
4. Get a professional RV inspection focused on roof seals, slide seals, delamination, soft floors, and propane systems.
5. Verify there is no open lien — RVs financed for 15-20 years often still show an open lien even when the seller thinks it is paid off.
6. Submit SFN 2872 with the title and 5% MVET to NDDOT within 30 days of receiving the endorsed title.

Common Pitfalls

• Buying a "vintage Airstream" with no title because the original was lost decades ago — getting a bonded ND title for an old trailer is possible but expensive and slow.
• Skipping the inspection on a unit "stored indoors its whole life" — the seller said the same to the previous buyer too. Verify with a tech.
• Forgetting to disconnect existing extended-warranty coverage that does not transfer; the buyer assumes coverage carries over and finds out after a major failure that it does not.
• Budgeting MVET on a low written price — NDDOT's private-party form says the tax is based on fair market value, so keep photos and inspection notes documenting any condition discount.
• Bringing an RV in from another state and assuming you do not owe ND MVET because you "already paid tax" — credit applies but a new ND title is still required, and the rate differential may still mean you owe.

Pro Tip

High dollar amount, no inspection, easy place for water damage to hide. Pay for a professional RV inspection, write a detailed bill of sale, and budget for the 5% MVET — then enjoy the road.

North Dakota RV Bill of Sale — FAQs