Tennessee Bill of Sale Forms (5)

A Tennessee bill of sale form lays out the happenings that transpired during a deal between a merchant and customer or purchaser. Both parties should complete the form after determining a sales price. Next, the buyer must compensate the seller as discussed. Similarly, the seller must give the buyer the personal property and other necessary items, like keys or paperwork.

Summary

Tennessee is a non-title state meaning that boats do not require a title.
Residents must use the state form for boat and car sales.
Anyone (mentally well and not a felon) over 18 can buy, sell, or own a gun.

Types (5)

Boat Bill of Sale – Used when gaining possession of a boat or other watercraft from a private seller.

Download: PDF

Firearm Bill of Sale – Attests a firearm’s physical movement of ownership.

Download: PDF | WORD | RTF

General Bill of Sale – Acts as a note of purchase paid for by cash or trade or received by gift.

Download: PDF | WORD | RTF

Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale – Certification that a car owner underwent an exchange with another person.

Download: PDF

Trailer Bill of Sale – Makes the transaction of a carrying trailer from a seller to a buyer evident.

Download: PDF | WORD | RTF

Signing Requirements

Bill of Sale Type	Buyer Signature	Seller Signature	Notarization
Boat	Required	Required	Not required
Firearm	Required	Required	Not required
General (others)	Required	Required	Not required
Motor Vehicle	Required	Required	Not required
Trailer	Required	Required	Not required

What is a Tennessee Bill of Sale?

A Tennessee bill of sale is a legal document referenced by the state or individuals to learn the specifics of a business agreement. It explains how and when a person legally transfers personal property to another individual.

Generally, transactions occur through a dealership or by private sale. If the transfer involves a dealer, the salesperson handles the registration matters (if applicable). However, if the interaction happens through a private sale, the new owner must register the item if needed. If the deal involves a car, boat, or other registered personal property, the previous owner should inform the state they gave up possession.

Tennessee’s Department of Revenue (DOR) does not require a bill of sale to register a car or boat; however, the state recommends the form to provide proof of legal purchase. In addition, it shows that the item is rightfully the new owner’s and no longer the previous owner’s.

Registration Forms: Boats

Residents must register their boat with a Tennessee county clerk or use the online portal.

Bill of Sale – To officialize the transfer of a vessel from a seller to a buyer.
Payment – Based on the length of registration and size of the watercraft.
Registration Application – Needed to obtain a boating certificate of number. Only available through county clerk locations. The owner does not need to complete this form if they purchased the vessel through a dealership.

Registration Forms: Firearms

The state does not require firearm registration and has minimal carry laws. However, gun holders can obtain a permit to ease restrictions, thus allowing them to carry in more places. Individuals can choose from two types of licenses: regular and enhanced. They must submit the applicable paperwork to a driver services center or complete an online application.

Proof of Firearm/Handgun Safety Course – A certification explaining the individual took and passed an accepted class. The individual must meet either the EHCP or CCP training requirements.
Application – Provided during the application process.
Proof of U.S. Residency – A passport, birth certificate, green card, or another document proving tenancy.
Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) – The applicant must present their social security number.
Proof of Tennessee Residency – Bill statements, a driver’s license, state ID card, insurance documents, or other applicable forms.
Government-Issued Photo – Recent pictures of the applicant to verify identity.
Payment – Fees depend on the type of permit and its duration.

Registration Forms: Vehicles

Owners must submit forms and payments to a local county clerk location.

Bill of Sale – A form created by the state to document the sale of a car.
Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form RV-F1317001) – To verify the odometer reading if not available on any other given forms.
Insurance (Minimum Requirements) –
- Bodily Injury (per incident): $25,000 for one person
- Bodily Injury (per incident): $50,000 for two (2) or more people
- Property Damage (per accident): $15,000
Payment – Fees vary based on the type of owned vehicle.
Registration Application – The owner must obtain this form through a county clerk’s office.
Title – Required for used vehicles. If the car is new, the owner must present the manufacturer’s statement of origin (MSO).

Additional (Optional) Documents

Affidavit of Inheritance (Form F-1310501) – For individuals acquiring a car after the death of a family member or spouse.
Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers (Form RV-F1301201) – Required when gifting a car or boat to another person.
Certification of Ownership (Form RV-1310401) – For owners who need a title for a vehicle valued at $3,000 or a car thirty (30) years or older.
Tennessee Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney – To take care of vehicle matters for another person.
Title Only Application (Form F-1310101) – For vehicles that only need titling (i.e., no registration).

Registration Forms: Trailers

Privately owned and operated trailers do not need a registration or title in Tennessee. This law includes homemade trailers and those for boats and utility purposes. The vehicle towing the trailer must have a registration, title, and insurance policy.

Only commercial, pole, and rental trailers, or campers, need registration and/or a title. Individuals traveling out of the state must also check with the laws of that jurisdiction to ensure they do not require licensing.