Updated September 12, 2023
A Tennessee bill of sale records the exchange of property between a buyer and seller for personal property. It is a simple document that includes the parties, the purchase price or trade, and a brief description of the item being sold.
The transaction and the signing of the bill of sale should occur at the same time. Once complete, the buyer should keep a copy for their records and for registration purposes with the state.
Forms (4)
 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale – This form will show the legal sale and purchase of a motor vehicle in the state of TN. This is often needed during the process of titling and/or registration of a motor vehicle in the state.
Download: PDF |
 Boat Bill of Sale – This document would be used to prove the legal sale and purchase of a Watercraft in the state of Tennessee.
Download: PDF |
 General Bill of Sale – Usually, this form is used between two private parties to prove the sale and purchase of any type of personal property.
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument |
 Firearm Bill of Sale – This document will prove the legal sale and purchase of a firearm.
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument |
Vehicle Registration Forms
- A title signed over to the buyer
- For new vehicles, the manufacturer’s statement of origin
- A bill of sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form RV-F1317001)
- If the buyer is residing in a county in which it is required, a certificate of emissions inspection from the Department of Environment and Conservation
- If the vehicle is leased, a Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney
- For vehicles more than 30 years old or valued at less than $3,000, a Certification of Ownership
- Proof of insurance meeting the minimum state requirements:[1]
- $25,000 for each injury or death per accident
- $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident
- $15,000 for property damage in an accident
- If transferring an existing license plate to a newly purchased vehicle, a copy of existing registration
- Be prepared to pay all required registration fees
Boat Registration Forms
- An Application for Boat Certificate of Number. This form is not available online, but may be obtained through a county clerk’s office, or from a dealership in the boat was purchased from a Tennessee dealer
- A bill of sale
- If the vessel was purchased from an owner who had previously registered the boat in another state, proof of previous registration. (A signed title form may be useful for this requirement, but boats are not titled in Tennessee)[2]
- Proof of payment of registration fees. The amount will depend on the period of registration and the length of the vessel, as per this fee schedule