Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Tennessee processes vehicle title transfers at the county level through county clerk offices rather than a centralized DMV. The state is known for having some of the highest combined sales tax rates in the nation — up to 9.75% when state and local taxes are combined. On the other hand, Tennessee has no state income tax, which partially offsets the higher sales tax burden for residents.
The Tennessee Department of Revenue oversees vehicle titling and registration policy, but the county clerk's office in each of Tennessee's 95 counties handles the actual processing. Notarization of the title assignment is required, adding a step that some states skip. Emissions testing is required only in six counties around Nashville, Chattanooga, and surrounding areas.
A thorough bill of sale is especially important in Tennessee because the sales tax is substantial. The document establishes the exact purchase price the county clerk uses for tax calculation. Getting the details right on the bill of sale can prevent disputes and ensure you pay the correct amount rather than being taxed on an estimated book value.
8.5-9.75%
Combined sales tax
30 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes
Notarization required
6 Counties
Emissions test
Tennessee County Clerk Requirements
Tennessee county clerks process all vehicle title transfers. The title must be notarized, and emissions testing is required in select counties. Here's what you need:
Important: Notarization Required for Title Transfer
Tennessee requires that the title assignment be notarized before the county clerk will process the transfer. Both the buyer and seller must sign the title in the presence of a notary public. Many county clerk offices offer notary services on-site, but confirm availability before your visit. Without notarization, your title transfer will be rejected.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: Complete the assignment section with the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with both parties' information, vehicle details, VIN, sale price, date, and signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — mileage and accuracy statement on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a loan, documentation showing the lien has been satisfied
- Valid Photo ID: For notarization of the title assignment
What the Buyer Must Bring to the County Clerk
- Notarized Title: With seller's signature notarized and all assignment fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both buyer and seller
- Valid Photo ID: Tennessee driver's license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance: Tennessee minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$15,000)
- Emissions Certificate: Required if buyer resides in Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, or Wilson County
- Payment: Title fee ($11), registration fee ($26.50), and sales tax (7% state + local)
How to Fill Out a Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these six steps to properly complete your Tennessee vehicle bill of sale. Our template guides you through every field needed for a smooth county clerk transaction.
Enter Seller Information
Record the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the Tennessee title, current mailing address, and phone number. If the title shows co-owners joined by "and," both must sign and be present for notarization. If joined by "or," either owner can complete the transfer independently.
Enter Buyer Information
Fill in the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new title, current Tennessee address, and contact information. The buyer's county of residence determines the local tax rate (1.5-2.75% on top of the 7% state rate) and whether emissions testing is required.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body style, and color. Record the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard or driver's side door jamb and verify it matches the title exactly. Any VIN discrepancy will prevent the county clerk from processing the transfer.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage and indicate whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded the mechanical limits, or does not reflect the actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 model years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs may be exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numerals and words. Because Tennessee's combined tax rate can reach 9.75%, accuracy here matters significantly. On a $20,000 vehicle, the difference between 8.5% and 9.75% is $250. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift" and note the relationship — Tennessee may assess tax on fair market value for some gift transfers.
Sign, Date, and Notarize
Both parties must sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies. Then visit a notary public to sign the title assignment — both parties need to be present (or use a power of attorney). Many county clerk offices have notaries available. Complete the entire process within 30 days of the sale.
Tennessee Title Transfer Process
After completing the bill of sale and getting the title notarized, the buyer visits the county clerk's office in their county of residence. Tennessee has 95 counties, each with its own county clerk office that handles vehicle transactions.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale, complete the title assignment, exchange payment and keys
Notarize the Title
Both buyer and seller sign the title in front of a notary public
Get Insurance and Emissions (if required)
Obtain insurance and pass emissions test if in Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, or Wilson County
Visit Your County Clerk's Office
Bring the notarized title, bill of sale, photo ID, proof of insurance, and emissions cert (if applicable)
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($11), registration ($26.50), and combined sales tax (8.5-9.75%)
Tennessee Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Tennessee's combined sales tax rate is among the highest in the country. The 7% state rate is supplemented by local taxes ranging from 1.5% to 2.75%. Since Tennessee has no state income tax, sales tax is a primary revenue source. Here are the costs:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 7% of sale price |
| Local Sales Tax | 1.5% - 2.75% additional (varies by county/city) |
| Combined Total | 8.5% - 9.75% (Nashville: 9.25%) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $11 |
| Registration Fee | $26.50 |
| Emissions Test | ~$9 (required in 6 counties only) |
| Duplicate Title | $11 (if title is lost) |
| Late Transfer Penalty | Varies (after 30 days) |
Sample Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Tennessee-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your completed document will include all fields required by county clerks across the state.
STATE OF TENNESSEE
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Tennessee Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Tennessee Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Tennessee vehicle bills of sale, county clerk title transfers, sales tax rates, and emissions requirements.
Official Tennessee Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, find your county clerk, and access forms for your Tennessee vehicle transaction.
Tennessee DOR — Title & Registration
Title transfers, registration, and vehicle tax information
Tennessee Vehicle Emissions Testing
Emissions testing requirements, locations, and county information
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
Tennessee Department of Revenue — Sales Tax
State and local sales tax rates, exemptions, and filing info
Other Tennessee Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Tennessee? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer across the Volunteer State.
Tennessee Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Tennessee Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Tennessee Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Tennessee Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Tennessee General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Tennessee ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Tennessee Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Tennessee Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your county clerk-ready document in minutes. Accepted by all 95 Tennessee counties.
No account required. Free to create and preview.