Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale (2026)
A Tennessee vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that serves as a formal receipt for the private sale of a motor vehicle between a buyer and a seller. It outlines the specific terms of the transaction, the final purchase price, and the vehicle's identifying details. Having a signed bill of sale protects both parties by recording the exact date of transfer, helping the seller avoid liability for future traffic violations, and giving the buyer proof of purchase to calculate sales tax.
In Tennessee, a bill of sale is practically required by the Department of Revenue (DOR) if the vehicle is purchased from a private seller, as the local County Clerk will use it to determine the applicable sales tax. While Tennessee does not legally require the bill of sale to be notarized, the state does mandate an Odometer Disclosure Statement for vehicles under 20 years old. Buyers and sellers can use the state's official combined Odometer Disclosure Statement and Bill of Sale (Form RV-F1317001) or a generic printable PDF to satisfy these requirements.
Tennessee Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Tennessee. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell a Vehicle Privately in Tennessee
Step 1: Agree on the final purchase price and payment method. Ensure the buyer's funds are completely verified before proceeding with the title transfer.
Step 2: Complete the Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale (such as Form RV-F1317001). Both the buyer and seller must fill out the vehicle's VIN, make, model, year, the exact purchase price, and the required odometer disclosure.
Step 3: Sign the document. Tennessee law does not require the bill of sale to be notarized, but both parties must sign and date the form and should keep a copy for their personal records.
Step 4: The seller must sign and date the back of the original title to officially release ownership and carefully remove the license plates from the vehicle. In Tennessee, license plates strictly remain with the seller, not the vehicle.
Step 5: The buyer must take the signed title, completed bill of sale, and proof of identification to their local County Clerk's office within 30 days to pay the sales tax and register the vehicle. Tennessee permanently ended all vehicle emissions testing in 2022, so no smog certificate is required.
Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQs
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Tennessee?
Yes. The Tennessee Department of Revenue and local County Clerks require a bill of sale or a signed invoice for private vehicle sales to verify the exact purchase price and calculate the appropriate state and local sales taxes when the buyer registers the vehicle.
Does a Tennessee vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, Tennessee does not legally require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. However, getting the document notarized can provide an extra layer of protection by verifying the legal identities of both the buyer and the seller.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Tennessee?
Yes, you can write your own generic bill of sale as long as it accurately includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, purchase price, date of sale, and the signatures of both parties. However, the state offers an official Odometer Disclosure Statement and Bill of Sale (Form RV-F1317001) which is highly recommended.
Are private vehicle sales in Tennessee considered 'as-is'?
Yes. Private vehicle sales in Tennessee are strictly 'as-is'. Tennessee's Lemon Law applies only to newly purchased vehicles, meaning the private buyer assumes all risks, mechanical issues, and repair costs once the transaction is complete.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Tennessee?
Tennessee calculates vehicle sales tax based on the purchase price listed on the bill of sale. The standard state sales tax rate is 7%, plus an applicable local county tax. If the declared purchase price is significantly below fair market value, the County Clerk may require a low selling price affidavit to prevent tax evasion.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Tennessee DMV?
To successfully transfer a vehicle title in Tennessee, the buyer must bring the original signed title, a completed bill of sale (or Form RV-F1317001), an odometer disclosure statement (if the vehicle is under 20 years old), valid proof of identification, and payment for the title transfer fees and sales tax to their local County Clerk's office.