Tennessee Bill of Sale
Create a free Tennessee bill of sale for a vehicle, boat, trailer, firearm, or any item. Tennessee does not require a bill of sale to title or register a vehicle (the properly assigned title is the proof of ownership), no notarization of a vehicle bill of sale is required for an ordinary sale, and the state Department of Revenue does not publish a standalone official bill-of-sale form. Fill in the form, preview it live, and download a PDF.
Tennessee requirements
Tennessee does not require a bill of sale to title or register a vehicle (the properly assigned title is the proof of ownership), no notarization of a vehicle bill of sale is required for an ordinary sale, and the state Department of Revenue does not publish a standalone official bill-of-sale form.
Seller
Buyer
Vehicle Details
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⚠ Tennessee does not require a bill of sale to title or register a vehicle (the properly assigned title is the proof of ownership), no notarization of a vehicle bill of sale is required for an ordinary sale, and the state Department of Revenue does not publish a standalone official bill-of-sale form.
Vehicle Bill of Sale (Tennessee)
1. Parties
This Bill of Sale is made on ________________ between [SELLER NAME] ("Seller") and [BUYER NAME] ("Buyer"). The Seller sells and transfers to the Buyer all of the Seller's right, title, and interest in the vehicle described below.
2. Description of Vehicle
[Enter the vehicle details]
3. Purchase Price
For valuable consideration, the Buyer pays the Seller the total purchase price of $________, paid in full, receipt of which the Seller acknowledges.
4. Delivery
The Seller delivers possession of the vehicle to the Buyer on ________________, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
5. Federal Odometer Disclosure
Federal law (the Truth in Mileage Act, 49 CFR Part 580) generally requires the Seller to disclose the vehicle's mileage at the transfer of ownership, EXCEPT for vehicles 20 or more model years old, vehicles with a gross weight rating over 16,000 lbs, and non-self-propelled vehicles (such as trailers). If this disclosure is required for this vehicle, the Seller certifies that the odometer reads ____________ miles and, to the best of the Seller's knowledge, reflects the actual mileage — UNLESS one of the following is checked: ( ) the mileage stated is in excess of the odometer's mechanical limits; ( ) the odometer reading is NOT the actual mileage (WARNING — ODOMETER DISCREPANCY).
Buyer acknowledges receipt of this odometer disclosure: Signature: ______________________ Printed name: ______________________ Date: ____________
6. Condition and Warranties
The Buyer has had the opportunity to inspect the vehicle and accepts it in its current condition.
The vehicle is sold "AS-IS, WHERE-IS," with all faults. Except for the warranty of title below, the Seller makes no warranties, express or implied, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Warranty of title: The Seller warrants that the Seller is the lawful owner of the item, that it is free of all liens and encumbrances, and that the Seller has the right to sell it.
7. Governing Law
This Bill of Sale is governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.
Signatures
By signing below, the Buyer and Seller acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to this Bill of Sale.
Signature: _______________________________________
Seller — Printed name: ______________________
Address: ______________________________________
Date: ________________
Signature: _______________________________________
Buyer — Printed name: ______________________
Address: ______________________________________
Date: ________________
Email yourself a copy (PDF)
This is a self-help template, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state and item — confirm your state's rules (notarization, DMV forms) before relying on it.
Tennessee Bill of Sale Requirements
Tennessee does not strictly require a separate bill of sale to title a vehicle, but one is strongly recommended as proof of the sale. Notarization is recommended but not required for a Tennessee vehicle bill of sale.
- Tennessee does not require a bill of sale to title a vehicle in an ordinary transfer. The Department of Revenue lists the valid certificate of title (properly assigned), an odometer disclosure where applicable, and proof of ID/residency as the documents needed; the title is the proof of ownership, and SB-3 states a notarized bill of sale by itself is NOT sufficient proof of ownership.
- No notarization is required for a vehicle bill of sale in a normal sale. Title transfers are completed at the county clerk's office using the assigned title. Note: under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-103, a vehicle that LACKS a current/assigned title can require a notarized bill of sale (or notarized seller statement, or a licensed-dealer appraisal) as fallback proof of ownership on the certification/surety-bond path — this is an edge-case evidence rule, not a requirement on the ordinary sale document.
- Tennessee does not publish a standalone official 'bill of sale' form. The closest official Department of Revenue documents are the Odometer Disclosure Statement (RV-F1317001) and the Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers of Motor Vehicles and Boats (gift / low-price / family transfers).
- An odometer disclosure is required at transfer; Tennessee follows the federal rule. Per VT-4 / RV-F1317001, disclosures are captured for model-year 2011-and-newer vehicles, with each model year exempt 20 years after it began (e.g., a 2011 vehicle becomes exempt Jan 1, 2031). Vehicles with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs are exempt.
- Boats are registered, not titled, in Tennessee. The county clerk processes individual-to-individual boat transfers and usually requires a bill of sale to assess tax; boats built after 1972 must display a Hull Identification Number (HIN). TWRA administers boat registration.
Tennessee requires an odometer disclosure at the transfer of ownership and follows the federal standard (49 CFR 580 / NHTSA). Per the state's Odometer Disclosure Statement (RV-F1317001) and VT-4 guidance, effective Jan 1, 2021 disclosures are captured for vehicles model-year 2011 and newer; each model year remains covered for 20 years (a 2011 vehicle is exempt Jan 1, 2031), while 2010-and-older vehicles remain exempt under the prior 10-year rule. Vehicles with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs and certain new vehicles are exempt. Official form: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/revenue/documents/forms/titlereg/f1317001Fill-in.pdf Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue — Vehicle Title & Registration (titling-a-vehicle page; SB-3 "Notarized Bill of Sale Is Not Sufficient Proof of Ownership"; VT-4 Odometer Disclosure and Exemption); Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-103.
Tennessee Bill of Sale by Item
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized in Tennessee?
No — Tennessee does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized, though notarization is always available as extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to register a car in Tennessee?
Tennessee uses a title-application process and does not strictly require a separate bill of sale, but one is recommended as proof of the sale and price.
Is there an official Tennessee bill of sale form?
Tennessee does not publish a single official bill-of-sale form, so a complete written bill of sale like the one this tool creates is what you use.
Disclaimer
This Tennessee bill of sale generator provides a self-help document for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. RecordingLaw.com is not a law firm. Confirm your state's requirements before signing.