A Tennessee 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 are required to sign the vehicle bill of sale in Tennessee.
Vehicle Registration
All operational vehicles in Tennessee have to be registered with the state.
There is no deadline for registering a vehicle following its purchase, and the time it takes depends on the county where you live. For example, your vehicle may need to undergo an inspection for emissions testing before you can register it.
Tennessee allows for the purchase of temporary license plates while you wait to obtain your title. You have up to 90 days following the completion of your vehicle inspection to get it registered.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
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.
Documents Required by the DMV Office
The documents you need to register your vehicle depend on whether it’s new or used. For registering a vehicle, gather these forms before heading to the county clerk’s office::
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement
- Certificate of Title along with an Odometer Disclosure Statement
- A Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (provided by the dealership) if you purchased a new vehicle
- A new vehicle invoice from the dealership if you purchased a new vehicle
- Copy of your current registration if transferring your license plate if you purchased a new vehicle
-
Proof of insurance with minimum requirements
- $25,000 for bodily injuries per person
- $50,000 for bodily injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
- Registration fees
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. Davidson County’s requirement for vehicle emissions testing ended on February 4, 2022.
If you won’t always be available to handle vehicle-related matters, use a motor vehicle power of attorney form to designate a trusted agent.
Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
You can use our free, printable template for your bill of sale needs. It’s available in both PDF and Word formats.
