Can You Buy an RV Without a Title? Everything You Need to Know

Buying an RV can be an exciting leap into the world of recreational travel—but what if the seller doesn’t have the title? Whether it’s a motorhome, travel trailer, or camper, the RV title is a critical legal document that proves ownership and allows you to register the vehicle with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

This guide covers what it means to buy an RV without a title, the risks involved, how to legally get the title, and the steps you’ll need to follow to transfer ownership.

What Is an RV Title and Why Is It Important?

The title is the official document issued by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles that establishes the legal owner of a recreational vehicle (RV). For someone who’s buying an RV for the first time, understanding the title process is critical to avoid costly legal issues later.

Key Information on an RV Title Includes:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Owner’s name and address
Any lienholder or lien information
Title number
Issuing state

Without the title, you’re missing the proof of ownership required to register the vehicle, insure it, or legally drive it on public roads.

Title vs Registration: What’s the Difference?

People often confuse an RV’s title with registration, but they serve different legal purposes.

Document	Confirms Ownership	Needed to Drive	Issued By
Title	Yes	No	Department of Motor Vehicles
Registration	No	Yes	Local DMV or County Tax Office

A title is a one-time document proving who owns the RV. Registration must be renewed annually and is required to operate the trailer on public roads.

Can You Legally Buy an RV Without a Title?

Buying an RV without a title is possible, but doing so comes with serious legal and financial risks. While some sellers claim the title is lost or that they’ll get the title later, that’s not always true or even possible.

Common Situations Where Titles Are Missing:

The previous owner still has it and never transferred it.
The guy I bought it from didn’t complete the transfer.
It was abandoned, inherited, or sold as-is with missing paperwork.
The RV was used off-grid and never registered for use.
The title was lost, and a duplicate title was never requested.

If the seller doesn’t have a title, the deal can’t proceed safely unless they can legally transfer ownership by initiating a title application or bonded title process.

Risks of Buying an RV Without a Title

Buying a vehicle without the title puts you in legal limbo. You might pay a fee upfront only to discover you can’t ever drive or resell the RV.

Common Risks:

Stolen property: You can’t confirm the registered owner or VIN history.
No legal recourse: If the seller disappears or lies, your options are limited.
Unable to register or insure: Most states require a title to issue plates or coverage.
Resale issues: You may need to sell the RV later but won’t be able to transfer the title.

If you’re proceeding cautiously, an inspection checklist can help assess conditions before committing.

Can You Get a Title for an RV After Buying It?

Yes, you’re eligible to apply for a new title in many states, but the process requires effort, verification, and possibly bonding.

Steps to Obtain a Title If You Don’t Have One:

Contact your local DMV office or county tax office
Complete an application for title
Submit a bill of sale and any documentation with the owner’s name
You’ll need to provide a VIN inspection and photo of the RV
Some states require a title bond (often 1.5x the RV’s value)

If approved, the DMV will issue a bonded title. After a set period (typically 3–5 years), if no disputes arise, you receive a permanent vehicle title.

Title Recovery Services and VIN Checks

To reduce risk, run a VIN check through services like NICB, Carfax, or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. These reports will tell you if the RV has:

Been reported stolen
Has a lien or lienholder
Is marked as salvage or junk
Was previously titled in another state

You can also hire a title recovery service to help with the paperwork. They’ll guide you through how to apply for one legally in your state.

Situations Where You May Not Need a Title

In some states, older trailers or campers (usually 25+ years old) may not have originally been titled;

However, you must still:

Get a bill of sale.
Provide VIN or serial number.
Apply for a bonded title or affidavit of ownership.
Go to your local tax office or DMV.

Depending on the state, you may not need a title if the RV is never operated on public roads (e.g., stationary tiny homes, guesthouses, or parked storage units).

When to Walk Away From a No-Title RV

Even if the RV is in great condition, the lack of a title should be a red flag—especially if the seller can’t provide supporting documentation. You might hear:

“It’s too old to have a title”
“I’m waiting for the title to arrive”
“The lien is paid in full, but not cleared yet”

Unless the title is transferred to your name, you are not the registered owner—even if you’ve purchased an RV and paid in full.

RecNation Tip: Secure Storage While You Sort Title Issues

If you’ve bought an RV and you’re still waiting for the title transfer or navigating a bonded title process, it’s critical to protect your asset.

RecNation offers secure RV storage across the country with:

24/7 gated access.
Indoor and covered options.
Flexible month-to-month plans.

This gives you peace of mind while you work with the local DMV to resolve your title situation.

Final Thoughts

Getting an RV without a title isn’t always a dealbreaker, but it should never be taken lightly. If you’re buying an RV without one:

Confirm the RV’s VIN and run a history report.
Understand the legal steps to obtain a title.
Work closely with your local DMV or tax office.
Don’t skip paperwork like the bill of sale.
Use bonded title processes if allowed in your state.

While you work through title recovery, don’t leave your RV exposed to weather, theft, or damage. RecNation offers secure RV storage facilities with gated access, indoor options, and flexible plans—ideal for keeping your RV safe while the paperwork is underway.

Taking these steps ensures you’re not only protecting yourself legally, but also setting your RV up for proper use, resale, and long-term value.

FAQ: Buying an RV Without a Title

Can I register a camper without a title?

In most states, no. You’ll need to get a title through a bonded title application or contact the DMV office to see if your RV qualifies for an exemption.

How much does it cost to get a duplicate title?

Duplicate title fees range from $10 to $40 depending on the state. You’ll also need to prove your identity and provide relevant information about the RV, such as the VIN and owner’s name.

What if the previous owner still has the title?

Ask them to sign over the title or file a power of attorney with the DMV. If the seller is unresponsive, your only recourse may be a bonded title.

Can I sell an RV without a title?

Usually not. Most states require a title to legally transfer ownership. If you’ve lost the title, you’ll need to get a duplicate from your local DMV before selling the RV.

What do I need to get a new title?

Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles will guide you through submitting an application for title, verifying ownership, and paying any required fees.