A Tennessee motor vehicle bill of sale provides documentation of the sales transaction of a vehicle between a buyer and seller. It ensures the vehicle is being sold and purchased legally. The form typically includes vehicle information, sales price and date, and the contact information of the buyer and the seller.
Both the buyer and the seller must sign the vehicle bill of sale in Tennessee.
Registering a Motor Vehicle
All operational vehicles in Tennessee have to be registered with the state. The registration process takes place through your local county clerk’s office. Once you purchase a vehicle, you have 30 days to register it.
Registration expires 12 months from the date of issuance, so you must re-register your vehicle annually.
Gather Required Documents
Here are the documents you must submit to your local county clerk’s office for vehicle registration:
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Proof of Ownership:
- Certificate of Title: The seller should sign the title over to you.
- Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin: The dealership will provide this form as proof of ownership if you purchased the vehicle new.
- Bill of Sale: Provides transaction details and creates proof of the conveyance of ownership.
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Proof of Insurance: You must have the minimum required coverage under state law: [1]
- $25,000 for each death or injury per accident
- $50,000 for all deaths or injuries per accident
- $25,000 per property damage per accident
- Application for Certificate of Title and Registration: You must obtain the county-specific application through your local county clerk’s office.
Vehicle Inspection Program Has Ended: As of January 14, 2022, residents in Hamilton, Williamson, Rutherford, Sumner, and Wilson counties may now register or renew their registration without an emissions testing certificate. [2] Davidson County’s requirement for vehicle emissions testing ended on February 4, 2022. [3]
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney: Designate a trusted agent to handle vehicle-related matters. use a
- Certification of Ownership: Only needed if the vehicle is worth less than $3,000 or is more than 30 years old.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (RV-F1317001): Only required if the vehicle is 2011 or newer.
- A Copy of Your Current Registration: Only needed if you bought a new vehicle and you’re transferring your license plate to it.
Submit Your Documents
You must complete first-time vehicle registrations in person at a Tennessee county clerk’s office. However, you can complete the registration renewal by mail, online, by phone, or at one of the state’s self-service kiosk locations.
Pay Registration Fees
The registration fees vary between each county clerk’s office. For example, Williamson County has fees that are different from Shelby County’s. Check with your specific county to learn the fees for which you’ll be responsible.
Tennessee Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Tennessee motor vehicle bill of sale template below. Available in PDF and Word formats:
