Tennessee Bill of Sale
Tennessee does not require a bill of sale, but the Tennessee Department of Revenue recommends one. Tennessee does not require notarization. Two signatures are enough. Pick what you are selling, fill in the form, and download a free PDF that the Tennessee Department of Revenue will accept.
Seller
Buyer
Vehicle details
Price and terms
Tennessee bill of sale forms by item
Each form below asks only for what that item needs, and carries Tennessee's notary note and agency details in the footer.
- Tennessee Vehicle Bill of SaleProves the sale date, so the seller is off the hook for tickets, tolls and accidents after the handoff.
- Tennessee Motorcycle Bill of SaleMotorcycles change hands often and informally; a signed bill of sale settles who owned the bike on which date.
- Tennessee Boat Bill of SaleBoats, motors and trailers can be three separate pieces of property; one bill of sale ties them to one sale.
- Tennessee Trailer Bill of SaleMany trailers under a certain weight are not titled, so the bill of sale is the ownership record.
- Tennessee Firearm Bill of SaleProves the date the firearm changed hands if it later turns up somewhere it should not.
- Tennessee Mobile Home Bill of SaleMobile homes are titled like vehicles in most states; the bill of sale supports the title transfer.
- Tennessee RV Bill of SaleRVs are high-value and often sold with generators, hitches and furnishings that should be listed.
- Tennessee ATV / UTV Bill of SaleOff-highway vehicles are often sold without a title, so the bill of sale is the ownership chain.
- Tennessee Dirt Bike Bill of SaleMost dirt bikes have no title; this document is the ownership record.
- Tennessee Golf Cart Bill of SaleGolf carts are rarely titled; the bill of sale is proof of ownership.
- Tennessee Jet Ski Bill of SaleBoat registration offices want the price for tax and the HIN for the record.
- Tennessee Snowmobile Bill of SaleSnow states register snowmobiles and tax the purchase price.
- Tennessee Scooter / Moped Bill of SaleScooters over the state's cc limit are titled and registered like motorcycles.
- Tennessee Equipment Bill of SaleBusinesses need a bill of sale to book the asset and claim depreciation.
- Tennessee Tractor Bill of SaleTractors are not titled; this is the ownership paper.
- Tennessee Horse Bill of SaleBreed registries (AQHA, APHA, Jockey Club and others) need it to transfer papers.
- Tennessee Dog Bill of SaleProof of ownership for licensing, vet records and microchip registration.
- Tennessee Livestock Bill of SaleBrand inspection states will not clear cattle for movement or sale without proof of ownership.
- Tennessee General Bill of SaleA written receipt for anything worth arguing about.
- Tennessee Business Bill of SaleTransfers the assets at closing in one signed document.
Selling privately in Tennessee: what to know
Tennessee county clerks title a used vehicle on the assigned title and odometer statement; a notarized bill of sale is required only when the seller has no title and the buyer applies for certification of ownership. Gifts and low-price sales use the Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers. Plates stay with the seller.
- Bill of sale: not required, strongly recommended.
- Notary: notarization optional.
- Official form: none published.
- Agency: Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services.
- Odometer: federal disclosure applies to vehicles under 20 model years old, on the title or a separate statement.
Want the paperwork finished in one sitting? The $9 ready-to-sign pack adds seller and buyer copies, the odometer statement and a Tennessee notary page.
Tennessee at a glance
- Bill of sale
- Not required, strongly recommended
- Notary
- Notarization optional
- Official state form
- None published; any signed bill of sale is accepted
- Where the buyer registers
- Tennessee Department of Revenue (www.tn.gov/revenue/title-and-registration.html)
- License plates
- Stay with seller
Tennessee county clerks title a used vehicle on the assigned title and odometer statement; a notarized bill of sale is required only when the seller has no title and the buyer applies for certification of ownership. Gifts and low-price sales use the Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers. Plates stay with the seller.
Checked October 2026 against the state's own guidance. Rules change; confirm before you file.
Common questions
Does Tennessee require a bill of sale?+
Tennessee does not require a bill of sale, but the Tennessee Department of Revenue recommends one. Tennessee county clerks title a used vehicle on the assigned title and odometer statement; a notarized bill of sale is required only when the seller has no title and the buyer applies for certification of ownership. Gifts and low-price sales use the Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers. Plates stay with the seller.
Does a bill of sale have to be notarized in Tennessee?+
Tennessee does not require notarization. Two signatures are enough.
Is there an official Tennessee bill of sale form?+
No. Tennessee does not publish a mandatory bill of sale form, so any complete, signed bill of sale is accepted. The one generated here includes every field the Tennessee Department of Revenue looks for.
What do I need to register a vehicle bought privately in Tennessee?+
The signed title, the bill of sale, proof of insurance where required, your ID, and payment for sales or use tax plus title and registration fees, filed with the Tennessee Department of Revenue within the state deadline.