Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Tennessee? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Tennessee transfers ownership through the signed title and an Application for Certificate of Title (Form RV-F1317001) at the county clerk, but a bill of sale protects both sides: it documents the purchase price the clerk uses to figure sales tax, locks in the handover date, and shows the seller is no longer responsible for the vehicle once the keys change hands.
Tennessee requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Tennessee?
It's strongly recommended. Ownership transfers through the signed title and an Application for Certificate of Title at your county clerk, but the clerk uses the bill of sale to confirm the purchase price for sales tax — so it's effectively expected and protects both sides.
Does it need to be notarized?
Usually no. A standard Tennessee bill of sale and title transfer don't need notarization. The exception is when the seller transfers ownership before a lienholder releases the title — then the bill of sale must show the lienholder and be notarized.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must title and register at the county clerk's office within 30 days of the sale. If the 30th day falls on a weekend or holiday, the next business day is the deadline.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Tennessee charges 7% state sales tax plus a local tax of 2.25% on the first $1,600 (capped at $36) and a 2.75% state single-article tax on the portion from $1,600 to $3,200. The buyer pays it at the county clerk, based on the price on your bill of sale.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Tennessee county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files the Application for Certificate of Title at the county clerk within 30 days.
Ready to create your Tennessee bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Tennessee bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Tennesseebuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than your local county clerk's office. Confirm the details with your local county clerk's office.
Tennessee bill of sale FAQ
Does a Tennessee motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Usually no. A standard Tennessee bill of sale and title transfer don't require notarization. Notarizing is optional and adds extra proof, except when ownership transfers before a lienholder releases the title — then the bill of sale must be notarized.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Tennessee?
It's strongly recommended. The county clerk relies on the bill of sale to confirm the purchase price for sales tax, and it proves the sale date and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in Tennessee?
At your local county clerk's office — that's where Tennessee handles titling and registration. The buyer brings the signed title, a completed Application for Certificate of Title, the bill of sale, proof of identity, and payment for the title fee and sales tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Tennessee?
The buyer has 30 days from the date of sale to title and register at the county clerk's office. If the 30th day lands on a weekend or holiday, you have until the next business day, but it's best not to wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Tennessee?
7% state tax plus local tax — 2.25% on the first $1,600 (capped at $36) and a 2.75% state single-article tax on the amount from $1,600 to $3,200. The buyer pays it at the county clerk based on the price on your bill of sale.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Tennessee?
Yes — Tennessee doesn't mandate a specific bill of sale form, so a handwritten one is valid as long as it has the key details. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the county clerk.
Is this Tennessee bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.