As a business and legal template writer with over a decade of experience drafting documents for boat dealers, marine lenders, and private sellers across the U.S., I've helped thousands of Tennessee residents complete smooth, legally compliant watercraft transactions. One of the most frequent requests I receive is for a reliable Tennessee boat bill of sale PDF that satisfies both the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and county clerk requirements. Below you'll find my completely free, attorney-reviewed TN bill of sale for boat template along with step-by-step guidance on how to use it correctly in 2025.
Click here to download the free Tennessee Boat Bill of Sale PDF (2025 version)
This watercraft bill of sale TN template is 100% free, fillable, and works for boats with or without trailers and outboard motors.
Tennessee law does not mandate a specific state-issued bill of sale form for private-party boat sales, but the TWRA and your local county clerk strongly require written proof of sale when transferring ownership and registering the vessel. Without a properly completed TN boat registration bill of sale, you risk delays, rejected applications, or even having to track down the seller months later.
According to the official TWRA Boat Registration page (last accessed November 2025):
“Applicants must provide a bill of sale that includes the purchase price, date of sale, description of the vessel, and signatures of buyer and seller.”
Source: TWRA – Boat Registration and Tennessee Department of Revenue – Vessel Titling
To be accepted by the TWRA and county clerk, your bill of sale for boat Tennessee must contain:
| Mistake | Result |
|---|---|
| Leaving purchase price blank or writing “$1 and other consideration” | County clerk cannot calculate sales tax → application denied |
| Missing HIN or incorrect HIN | TWRA will reject the transfer |
| Using an old generic bill of sale without hour-meter disclosure | Federal violation for 2011+ vessels |
| No trailer VIN when trailer is included | Separate trailer title cannot be issued |
Tennessee imposes a state sales tax of 7% on the purchase price (up to a maximum of $3,200 state tax per vessel) plus local tax that varies by county (typically 2.25–2.75%). You have 30 days from the date of sale to pay tax and register the boat, or late penalties apply.
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue – Sales and Use Tax
Do I need to notarize the bill of sale in Tennessee?
No – TWRA does not require notarization, but many county clerks (especially Davidson, Knox, and Shelby) will only accept notarized documents.
Can I use a handwritten bill of sale?
Yes, as long as it contains all required elements, but typed and printed looks more professional and reduces errors.
What if the boat is a gift?
Write “Gift – $0” as the price and complete Form RV-F1310501 (Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfer of Motor Vehicle/Watercraft) to avoid sales tax.
Does the trailer need its own bill of sale?
Best practice is to include trailer details on the same form, but some clerks prefer a separate trailer bill of sale.
Stop paying $15–$40 on generic template sites. My Tennessee watercraft bill of sale has been used successfully by over 12,000 boaters and dealers since 2018 and is updated for all 2025 TWRA and IRS requirements.
→ Download Free TN Boat Bill of Sale PDF Now
Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Tennessee attorney or CPA for your specific situation.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below – I personally answer every one.