Tennessee Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template
Buying or selling a vehicle in Tennessee? A bill of sale isn’t just a piece of paper – it’s your proof that the transaction happened. This document is essential for buyers looking to protect their purchase or sellers wanting to avoid future headaches.
What is a Tennessee Bill of Sale?
A Tennessee bill of sale is a document that shows a vehicle was sold and transferred to another person. The state does not always require it for private sales, but it is still an important document for both the buyer and the seller. If problems happen later, like unpaid tickets or a missing title, the bill of sale helps prove who owns the car.
For sellers, the bill of sale shows that they are no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale. This means they won’t get fines or tickets that happen later. For buyers, it is good proof that they are the new owners. It can also help when registering the car or solving ownership issues in the future.
Why Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Tennessee?
A bill of sale has many benefits for both sellers and buyers in Tennessee, aside from acting as solid proof of transfer records, the bill of sale sometimes is a requirement document to register a vehicle within the state.
For Seller
- Accident Liability: You could still be responsible if the buyer is involved in an accident before they transfer the title.
- Avoid Violations: As a seller, you could still receive parking tickets or other violations connected to the vehicle if you haven’t properly transferred the ownership.
- Potential Fraud: The buyer could misuse the car and claim that they never purchased it, leading to legal issues for you.
For Buyers
- Legal Protection: If there are any disputes about who owns the car, the payment amount, or the vehicle’s condition, the bill of sale can protect you from legal or financial problems.
- Proof of Purchase: It acts as solid evidence confirming the sale transaction.
- Registration and Taxes: It is crucial for both registration and taxes. Most states require proof of purchase when you transfer a title or register a vehicle, and this document makes the process much smoother.
- Avoid Delays: Without a bill of sale, you may have delays or complications that can easily be avoided by having this simple document.
What Are the Types of Tennessee Bill of Sale?
Tennessee uses specific bills of sale for different types of property, including motor vehicles, trailers, boats, animals, and other personal items. Although a bill of sale is not always required for registration (except for imported vehicles and often for boats), it is recommended to document the transaction and protect the buyer and seller.
- Motor Vehicle: Used for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. This form must include details such as the VIN, make, model, year, and odometer reading.
- Trailer: A specific form is often available for the sale of trailers.
- Boat/Watercraft: A bill of sale is commonly required for private boat sales and must be provided to the county clerk for registration.
- Animal: This is a good way to document the sale of an animal, although it is not required for official registration.
- Other Property: This general category covers items like furniture or equipment. While not required by law, a bill of sale is recommended to document the sale and help avoid future disputes.
What Should Be Written in a Tennessee Bill of Sale?
In Tennessee, the bill of sale should include the following information:
- Buyer and seller names and contact information
- Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN)
- Sale price and date of sale
- Odometer reading
- Signatures of both parties
Adding a notarization can further strengthen its validity, though it’s not required in most cases.
How to Register a Vehicle in Tennessee
All vehicle registration applications must be processed through your local county clerk’s office. You must provide different documentation depending on whether the vehicle is new or used.
Registering a New Vehicle
To register a vehicle that has never been previously titled, submit the following documents to your county clerk:
- Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO): This proves the original title information from the manufacturer.
- New Vehicle Invoice: The official receipt showing the purchase details.
- Current Registration Copy: Needed only if you are transferring your existing Tennessee license plate to the new vehicle.
Registering a Used Vehicle
To register a vehicle that has been previously owned, submit the following documents to your county clerk:
- Valid Certificate of Title: The title must be properly assigned to you by the previous owner.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement: Required if applicable, usually for vehicles that meet federal mileage and age requirements.
- Current Registration Copy: Needed only if you are transferring your existing Tennessee license plate to the newly purchased used vehicle.
Tennessee VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy
Plan to buy a used vehicle? Be sure to check the VIN and get the report before you decide to purchase the vehicle. Check the specifications and the records, like auction, recalls, past usage, and more.
Mileage History
Title Brand
Ownership History
Warranty Status
Sales History
Salvage Title
Usage History
Repair Cost
Auction History
Hail Damage
Ownership Duration
Recalls History
Accident History
Flood Damage
Lien & Loans
Maintenance Schedule
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Â
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Tennessee Bill of Sale FAQs
Is a bill of sale required in Tennessee to transfer a vehicle title?
No, a bill of sale is not required in Tennessee for a standard private vehicle title transfer, as long as the original title document is correctly signed over. However, having a bill of sale is still highly recommended because it gives legal protection for both the buyer and the seller..
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized in Tennessee?
No, a notarized bill of sale is not always required for a private party vehicle sale in Tennessee, but it is necessary for some other situations. While not mandatory for all sales, it is often recommended because it adds legal security. For instance, a notarized bill of sale is needed to apply for title and registration for a foreign vehicle or to transfer ownership if important paperwork is missing.
What if I bought a car without a bill of sale?
Buying a car without the bill of sale puts you at risk of not being able to register the car because you do not have the valid proof of transfer of ownership.
Can I handwrite a bill of sale?
Yes, you can handwrite a bill of sale, but it must be clear, complete, and include all necessary details so that it is legally binding and protects both parties.Â
For important transactions, such as the sale of a vehicle, it is recommended that you use a state-approved form to make sure that all legal requirements are successfully met.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title transfer?
No, a bill of sale is not the same as a title transfer. A bill of sale is only a receipt that documents the transaction, but a title transfer is the legal process that officially changes the ownership of a vehicle.
The bill of sale proves that a sale took place, but the title is the official legal proof of ownership. To legally transfer ownership, you need both the bill of sale and the seller’s signed title to complete the process with your state’s motor vehicle department.
Where can I find a Tennessee bill of sale template?
Many online resources offer free templates, or you can create your own by including the necessary details mentioned in this guide.
