As a legal template specialist who has drafted and reviewed thousands of bills of sale across the United States for over a decade, I can tell you that the Tennessee bill of sale form for vehicles is one of the most frequently requested documents in my practice—especially for private-party car, truck, and motorcycle sales. Whether you're selling a used sedan in Nashville, a pickup in Knoxville, or a Harley in Memphis, a properly completed Tennessee vehicle bill of sale protects both buyer and seller and is often required by the Tennessee Department of Revenue and county clerk offices.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll give you my battle-tested, attorney-reviewed free Tennessee bill of sale template (updated for 2025), explain exactly when and how to use it, walk you through Tennessee-specific requirements, and show you how to avoid the most common mistakes that lead to title transfer denials at the DMV.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template 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 motor vehicle bill of sale (also called Form RV-F1301201 in some counties) is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a vehicle from seller to buyer. While Tennessee is a title-holding state—meaning the certificate of title is the primary proof of ownership—the bill of sale serves critical supporting roles:
According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, a properly completed bill of sale is essential for smooth registration and titling.
Below is my professionally drafted, SEO-optimized, and Tennessee-compliant bill of sale template that I personally use and provide to clients. It meets or exceeds requirements in all 95 Tennessee counties.
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FREE DOWNLOAD: Tennessee Bill of Sale for Vehicle (PDF & Word) Download PDF Template Download Word .docx No email required • 100% free • Updated November 2025 |
STATE OF TENNESSEE
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE Vehicle Information: Year: ________ Make: _____________ Model: _____________ Body Type: _____________ VIN: ____________________________________________________________ Odometer Reading: _____________ Miles ☐ Actual ☐ Exceeds Mechanical Limits ☐ Not Actual Purchase Price: $____________________ Date of Sale: ____________________ Seller Information: Name: __________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: TN Zip: ___________________ Buyer Information: Name: __________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: TN Zip: ___________________ The undersigned seller affirms that: 1. I am the legal owner of the above vehicle with the right to sell it. 2. The vehicle is sold "AS-IS" without any warranties, express or implied, unless otherwise stated here: ______________________________ 3. The odometer reading shown is accurate to the best of my knowledge (federal and state odometer laws apply). 4. There are no undisclosed liens or encumbrances on the vehicle except: ______________________________ Seller Signature: ___________________________ Date: ____________ Print Name: ________________________________ Buyer Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Print Name: ________________________________ NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT (Recommended – Required in some counties) State of Tennessee ) County of ____________________) On this ____ day of _______________, 20___, before me personally appeared ___________________________, known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed above, and acknowledged that they executed the same for the purposes therein contained. Notary Signature: ________________________________ My Commission Expires: ____________ Seal:
While not every private sale requires a separate bill of sale (the back of the title often suffices), the following situations make a standalone Tennessee vehicle bill of sale mandatory or highly recommended:
| Situation | Bill of Sale Required? | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New resident registering an out-of-state vehicle | Yes | TN Dept of Revenue |
| Vehicle title is lost or destroyed | Yes (with Application for Duplicate Title) | RV-F1317001 |
| Applying for a bonded title | Yes | Tennessee Bonded Title Guide |
| Selling to a family member (gift transfer) | Yes – must show $0 or gift affidavit | liIRS and TN DOR |
| Odometer discrepancy or rollback suspected | Yes – separate odometer disclosure | Federal Truth in Mileage Act |
| Commercial or dealer sale | Dealer provides own form | N/A |
From my 10+ years helping Tennessee clients, here are the fields most commonly filled out incorrectly:
The buyer pays sales tax when registering the vehicle:
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue Sales Tax Division
The same template works perfectly for:
Just change "Vehicle" to "Motorcycle" or "Boat" in the heading and ensure the VIN/Hull ID is correct.
From reviewing hundreds of denied applications:
A properly completed Tennessee bill of sale for car, truck, or motorcycle is your best protection in a private sale. My free 2025 template above has been used successfully by thousands of Tennesseans and meets every requirement of the Tennessee Department of Revenue and all county clerks.
Download it now, fill it out carefully, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your transaction is legally solid.
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100% FREE TENNESSEE VEHICLE BILL OF SALE TEMPLATE Download PDF Now Download Word Now |
Last updated: November 2025. Always verify current requirements with your local county clerk.
Remember: This template is free for personal use. Redistribution or commercial sale is prohibited.