What Paperwork Should I Keep in My RV?

Documents commonly kept in the RV

Requirements differ by state, RV type, and travel destination. Confirm the rules that apply to your registration and route.

• Current vehicle and trailer registration
• Proof of insurance and insurer contact information
• Driver license and any required endorsements
• Roadside-assistance membership and emergency contacts
• Campground reservations and route information
• Basic appliance, generator, leveling, and safety instructions
• Pet vaccination records when traveling with animals
• A list of medications, allergies, and emergency medical contacts

Documents better kept somewhere secure

Avoid leaving the only copy of a hard-to-replace document inside the RV. An RV can be stolen, damaged, or inaccessible after an emergency.

• Original title and purchase documents
• Full financial and loan records
• Passports when they are not needed for the trip
• Original wills, birth certificates, and Social Security cards
• The only copy of your complete inventory or ownership records

Keep a travel copy and a protected backup

FEMA preparedness guidance recommends safeguarding critical documents and keeping backups accessible after an emergency. For an RV owner, that can mean a concise travel folder plus a protected copy at home or another secure location.

• Review the folder before each major trip
• Remove expired insurance cards and registrations
• Protect sensitive information from casual view
• Keep emergency contacts available even if your phone is unavailable
• Back up the records needed to identify the RV and contact your insurer

A simple folder structure

Use sections for vehicle documents, insurance, roadside assistance, reservations, equipment instructions, medical and pet information, and emergency contacts. Label the folder clearly, but do not advertise that it contains sensitive originals.