Free Tennessee Bill of Sale Template

A Tennessee bill of sale is a legal form that records the sale and transfer of personal property. It serves as proof of ownership, protects both parties, and may be required by your county clerk’s office or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) for registration or titling.

A valid Tennessee bill of sale should include:

• Buyer and seller names, addresses, and signatures
• Description of the property (make, model, year, VIN/HIN/serial number)
• Purchase price and date of sale
• Notarization, if desired

A Tennessee bill of sale is required or recommended for these transactions:

• Vehicles: Not required by law but strongly recommended. Buyers must register vehicles within 30 days of purchase with proof of title, insurance, and payment of fees, except for example, students from other states who attend school in TN.
• Boats: Required for all motorized and sailboat transfers. Registration with the TWRA is mandatory within 60 days of the date of certification. The County Clerk collects sales tax on boat transactions between individuals. Proof of the bill of sale signed by both parties must be brought and payment for the sales tax will be made. Then, the County Clerk will certify to the TWRA that the sales tax has been paid. If the purchase is made by a TN boat dealer, the TN boat dealer will make the certification to the TWRA. This is not applicable under circumstances such as when boats are sold between relatives or a non-profit.
• Trailers: Not required for most trailers. Camper trailers need titles; utility and boat trailers generally do not.
• Firearms: Not required but recommended. Tennessee allows private firearm sales without registration or permits, but a bill of sale helps record the transaction.
• Motorcycles: Not required by law, but highly recommended for private sales to protect both buyer and seller.

Notarization rules in Tennessee:

• Vehicles: Not required unless a limited exception applies.
• Boats: Not required.
• Trailers: Not required.
• Firearms: Not required.
• Motorcycles: Not required.

While not mandatory, notarization adds extra legal weight to any private sale document.

Keep these rules in mind when completing a Tennessee bill of sale:

• Vehicle deadlines: Buyers must register vehicles within 30 days of purchase.
• Boat registration: All motorized vessels and sailboats must be registered with the TWRA. Sales tax proof is required to the County Clerk.
• Trailer exemptions: Many trailers, including farm and utility trailers, do not require registration or titling unless used out of a state that requires registration or titling.
• Firearm laws: Tennessee allows permitless carry for most adults; background checks are required only for licensed dealer sales.