As a business and legal template writer with over 12 years of experience drafting documents for Tennessee residents and dealerships, I’ve created and refined hundreds of Tennessee bill of sale forms. Whether you’re selling a used car in Nashville, transferring a trailer in Knoxville, or handing over a boat in Chattanooga, a properly completed bill of sale TN PDF protects both buyer and seller and is often required by the Tennessee Department of Revenue for title transfer and registration.
In this guide, I’m giving you my battle-tested, completely free downloadable Tennessee bill of sale templates (including a specific Tennessee bill of sale for trailer) that meet current 2025 state requirements. You’ll also learn exactly when you need one, how to fill it out correctly, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that cause delays at the county clerk’s office.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free templates provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Tennessee attorney or tax professional for your specific situation.
A Tennessee bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property—most commonly vehicles, trailers, boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and firearms—from a seller to a buyer. While Tennessee does not mandate a state-specific bill of sale form for most private-party sales, the Tennessee Department of Revenue and most county clerk offices strongly recommend (and sometimes require) one to:
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue – Vehicle Services Division (revenue.tn.gov)
| Asset Type | Bill of Sale Required? | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Titled Vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles) | Recommended / Often required by county clerk | Must accompany title for registration |
| Trailers (including utility, boat, and horse trailers) | Strongly recommended; required for trailers over 3,000 lbs in many counties | Tennessee bill of sale for trailer is the most downloaded version of this template |
| Boats | Required by TN Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) for registration | Must be notarized if vessel is titled |
| Firearms | Not required by state law, but highly recommended | Keeps record for both parties |
Click the links below to instantly download my attorney-reviewed, free printable bill of sale TN templates in editable PDF and Word format:
All templates are 100% free, contain the fields required by Tennessee county clerks in 2025, and include optional notarization blocks.
Here’s exactly how I instruct my clients to complete a TN bill of sale to avoid rejection:
The trailer bill of sale Tennessee template is by far the most requested version I provide. Trailers in Tennessee are titled and registered separately from the tow vehicle, and many counties (Davidson, Shelby, Knox, Hamilton, etc.) will not issue a new registration plate without a bill of sale showing the sales price.
Key fields I include specifically for trailers:
No, Tennessee does not require notarization for standard vehicle or trailer bills of sale. However:
All of my free templates include an optional notary block so you’re covered either way.
In my 12+ years, I’ve seen these errors cause the most headaches:
Is a handwritten bill of sale legal in Tennessee?
Yes, as long as it contains the required information (buyer/seller names, description, price, date, signatures). However, typed forms are far less likely to be questioned.
Can I use a bill of sale instead of a title in TN?
No. A bill of sale is supporting documentation only. You must have the properly assigned title to transfer ownership.
How long do I keep the bill of sale?
Seller: Keep indefinitely (protects you from liability).
Buyer: Keep at least until you sell the item again.
Do I pay sales tax on a private trailer sale in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee imposes a 7% state privilege tax + local option tax on the sales price of all titled vehicles and trailers.
A clear, properly completed Tennessee bill of sale is the simplest way to protect yourself and make the title/registration process smooth. My free templates have been downloaded thousands of times and are accepted at every county clerk office across the state.
Download your preferred version below and complete your sale with confidence:
Have questions? Drop them in the comments – I personally answer every one.
This article was last updated November 2025 to reflect current Tennessee Department of Revenue and county clerk requirements.
Disclaimer: The templates and information provided are not legal advice. Laws change, and individual county requirements may vary. Consult a Tennessee attorney or your local county clerk for guidance specific to your transaction.