If you have a broken, old, or unwanted RV taking up space in your driveway or yard, you’re not alone. Many San Jose residents find themselves stuck with dilapidated motorhomes, trailers, or campers they can’t drive, store legally, or easily get rid of. Fortunately, California law allows you to sell even the most damaged or non-operational RVs — but only if you follow the right steps.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to legally sell a junk RV in San Jose, including what documents you need, how to deal with salvage or non-repairable titles, and how local ordinances affect where and how you can store your RV. Plus, we’ll introduce you to HeyRV, the simplest and fastest way to sell your junk RV in San Jose without hassle.
Legal Requirements for Selling a Junk RV in San Jose
Before you can sell your junk RV, trailer, or motorhome in San Jose, you need to make sure the ownership paperwork is in order and that you comply with California’s DMV regulations.
Gather the Right Ownership Documents
For a standard RV, you’ll need the California Certificate of Title. If your RV was declared a total loss, you’ll need the Salvage Certificate (REG 489). If the title is lost or unreadable, request a duplicate title by submitting Form REG 227 to the DMV.
Always provide the buyer with a Bill of Sale that includes:
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Sale price
- Sale date
- Buyer and seller details
Complete Required DMV Paperwork
After signing the title over:
- File a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) with the California DMV within five days. This legally transfers responsibility to the buyer and protects you from any future fines or legal issues.
- You’ll need the RV’s plate number, VIN, odometer reading, and the buyer’s name and address. Keep your confirmation for records.
- Remove the license plates (unless it’s an off-highway vehicle), and either cancel or transfer the registration.
Dealing with Different “Junk” Conditions
Not all junk RVs are treated the same under California law. How you classify your RV—salvage, non-repairable, or simply non-operational—affects what paperwork is required and how it can be sold. Here’s how to handle each type.
Salvage Title RV
If your RV has been declared a total loss by insurance (wrecked, fire-damaged, etc.), the DMV would have issued a Salvage Certificate. When you sell it, disclose the salvage status to the buyer. The salvage title is the ownership document. If you haven’t obtained a Salvage Certificate yet, you may need to have one issued (Form REG 488C) before the buyer can register it.
Non-Repairable or “Totaled” RV
A completely burned-out or stripped RV is classified as non-repairable. You must get a Non-Repairable Vehicle Certificate (DMV REG 488C) stating it can only be sold for parts or scrap. To obtain this, submit Form REG 488C with proof of ownership (the title or a replacement title). Once issued, the RV cannot be re-titled for road use, so the buyer will only use it for parts or scrap.
Non-Operational RV
An RV that simply runs or functions poorly (old engine, mechanical issues) is not automatically “salvage” – it can be sold as-is with a clean title. You should still sign the title and file the release. The buyer will register it under normal rules after paying any fees. Ensure you note in the sale that the RV is non-operational so buyers know they may need repairs to drive it.
Fire or Water-Damaged RV
If damage is partial (smoke/water damage but structure intact), treat it as salvage or ordinary depending on insurer status. If totally gutted, classify it non-repairable. Always obtain and provide any salvage/non-repairable paperwork from DMV.
Common Title and Fee Issues
Before you sell your junk RV, make sure the title is in order and any fees or liens are resolved. Without this, the buyer can’t register the vehicle, and the sale may not be legal. Here’s what to watch for:
Missing Title
If the title is lost, order a duplicate title (REG 227) before selling. You’ll need to submit proof of ownership (e.g., last registration) and identification. In some cases, a bonded title (REG 5057) may be needed if ownership chain is unclear. Without a title, a buyer cannot legally register the RV, so this step is crucial.
Unpaid Registration or Fees
California law requires all registration fees be paid to transfer a title. If the RV’s tags are expired or back fees are owed, those fees generally must be settled at sale – they can be deducted from the sale price or paid by you before transfer. Note that while late penalties might be waived in some “junk vehicle” cases, the base registration fees must be cleared. Keep receipts if you pay these fees. You should also disclose any outstanding parking or toll tickets to the buyer (though filing the NRL removes your liability for any new violations after sale.
Liens on the RV
If there is still a loan or lien, you must obtain a lien release from the lender before the sale. Do not sign the title as “release of interest” until the lien is cleared. The buyer will not be able to register the RV without a clear title.
San Jose’s Local Regulations on RVs
San Jose has several ordinances affecting old RVs. You cannot simply dump or leave a junk RV on the street or in your yard indefinitely. Municipal Code 11.36.220 explicitly prohibits using streets to “store” vehicles beyond 72 hours without movement. In practice, that means you should not park an inoperable RV on a public street for days on end – it may be ticketed or towed after 3 days.
Likewise, San Jose code 17.72 (Community Preservation) requires RVs on residential property to be in good running order and properly parked. A disabled or wrecked RV cannot sit visible from the street for more than 72 hours. RVs also cannot be used as living quarters (except briefly), and dumping greywater or sewage anywhere except a sewer hookup is illegal.
If you have a broken RV on your property, you should address it promptly. The City’s Code Enforcement offers a Free Unwanted Vehicle Pickup program. San Jose will tow away inoperable vehicles on private property at no charge if you are the registered owner and show proof of title. (This service requires the RV to be owned by you, free of liens, on your property, and you must present the title to the tow truck driver.) This is useful if you decide not to sell and need a legal disposal option.
HeyRV: An Easy and Profitable Way to Sell Your Junk RV
At HeyRV, we make it fast and stress-free to get cash for your junk RV, trailer, motorhome, or camper anywhere in San Jose, CA.
We offer instant cash payments and free junk RV removal, so you don’t have to lift a finger. Once you accept our offer, we dispatch a tow truck to your location at no cost to you. And unlike private sales or scrapyards, we handle all the DMV paperwork, including title transfer, lien release, and Notice of Transfer—so you don’t get stuck with any red tape. We pay cash for:
- RVs with salvage titles
- Units suffering flood or water damage
- Wrecked or collision-damaged motorhomes
- RVs with electrical issues
- RVs with blown engines
- Hail-damaged RVs
- Campers with mold, delamination, or interior decay
- RVs that are fire-damaged or have rodent infestation
- Old, non-running, or low-value models
If you’re ready to ditch that unwanted RV and walk away with cash in your pocket, contact HeyRV today. We’ll give you a fast, no-obligation quote—and if you accept, you’ll be one step closer to a clear driveway and a clean break.
HeyRV is a nationwide junk RV buyer, helping owners like you sell their old RVs from coast to coast. We pay cash for junk RVs in California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Washington, Minnesota, and beyond!
FAQ: Selling a Junk RV in San Jose, CA
Still have questions about how to legally and efficiently sell your junk RV in San Jose? You’re not alone. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions San Jose residents have about selling junk RVs, dealing with the DMV, and complying with local ordinances.
How do I prove ownership of my RV when selling it?
You’ll need the California Certificate of Title. The title should be signed by all owners to transfer it to the buyer. If the title was lost, immediately submit DMV Form REG 227 to get a replacement title before selling. Without an original or duplicate title, you cannot legally complete the sale.
Can I sell my RV in San Jose if the title is missing?
Not directly. You should obtain a duplicate title via REG 227 as noted above. In very rare cases, a bonded title (REG 5057) or court order may be needed if ownership is in dispute. Do not sell “without a title”; even a scrap dealer will usually require the title or a completed bonded-title application.
Do I have to file a Release of Liability?
Yes. California law (CVC §5900) requires the seller to notify DMV within 5 days of the sale. File the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) online or by mail. This protects you from any fines or accidents involving the RV after you sell it.
My RV is expired on registration. Can I still sell it?
Yes, but the new owner must pay the back registration fees to re-register it. California requires that all registration fees be paid during transfer. Penalties may sometimes be waived, but the base registration costs are required. You can either pay off the back fees yourself (and pass the bill to the buyer) or negotiate this as part of your sale price. Note: selling an unregistered vehicle is allowed as long as the buyer understands they must fix the registration.
What is a salvage title, and how does it affect selling?
A “salvage title” means an insurer declared the RV a total loss. If your RV already has a salvage title, you must disclose that to any buyer. It’s still legal to sell, but the buyer will be responsible for any dismantling or repair. If you haven’t obtained a salvage title yet (but the RV qualifies), you should do so via the DMV to have proper documentation (Form REG 488C). A salvage RV can still be sold for parts or rebuilding, but it cannot be driven until the new owner rebuilds and re-certifies it.
What if I owe money on my RV (a lien)?
If there’s an outstanding loan, you cannot complete the sale until the lienholder signs off on the title. Contact your lender for a Lien Release. The title’s lien section must be completed by the bank (or you present a REG 166 lien release form) so the buyer gets a clean title.
Is it true that San Jose will help me dispose of an old RV?
Yes. If you’re the owner and the RV is on your private property, San Jose’s Code Enforcement can tow it away at no cost. You must meet their criteria: be the registered owner, have the title available, and have the vehicle clear of liens. This is an alternative if you can’t sell the RV yourself.
However, if you’d rather get paid cash for your junk RV, consider selling it to HeyRV.. You won’t need to handle paperwork or move the RV yourself—HeyRV takes care of everything.
What happens if I leave my RV parked on the street or front yard?
San Jose limits street parking and yard storage of RVs. Vehicles (including RVs) parked without moving for over 72 hours can be cited (SJMC 11.36.220). Also, a broken RV in a visible yard for more than 72 hours violates Code 17.72. To avoid fines or towings, don’t let a non-running RV sit in front of your home or on public streets for more than 3 days. Instead, arrange the sale or disposal promptly.
