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A Tennessee Bill of Sale documents the legal transfer of personal property like a vehicle, boat, or firearm. It records details of the buyer, seller, item, price, and date. It helps protect both parties and may be required when registering the item with the state.
Last Update December 23rd, 2025
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A Bill of Sale in Tennessee is a legal document used when selling or buying high-value personal property. It includes key facts like:
A Bill of Sale is often used for cars, boats, and firearms. They help prevent disputes and may be needed for registration or title transfer. Below is a guide to the most common types of Bills of Sale in Tennessee and how to register each item.
Use our sample Tennessee Bill of Sale below to get familiar with the information you must have prepared before completing and signing the form.
To register a vehicle bought or sold in Tennessee, go to your local County Clerk’s Office. A Bill of Sale may be used as supporting proof of ownership but does not replace the title.
You need to submit the following documents to register a car in Tennessee:
You must take all required forms to the County Clerk’s office in person. There, you’ll pay the registration and title fees. The amount of sales tax you owe will depend on either the Bill of Sale or the fair market value of the vehicle.
If you do not have the necessary documents to title the vehicle, you need to fill out an Application for Certification of Ownership.
Boats must be registered before use on public waters. You can do this by completing the online application with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). You can also apply by mail or in person at your local TWRA office.
You’ll need the following documents:
If you’re given a temporary operating permit, keep it with you on the boat until you receive your registration decals.
Tennessee does not require firearm registration. However, a Bill of Sale is recommended to record the transfer, especially for handguns.
The following documents are not required by law but are strongly recommended to record the sale:
You should keep the Bill of Sale in your records in case of future legal questions or ownership disputes.
Yes, a handwritten Bill of Sale is valid in Tennessee, provided it includes all necessary details like the parties' names, a description of the item, the sale price, and signatures.
As long as it meets these requirements, a handwritten document can serve as a legal record of the transaction.
