A Tennessee bill of sale is used to document a transaction in which ownership of a seller’s personal property is transferred to a buyer. The form acts as a sales receipt, identifying the date of ownership, purchase price, location, item type, and the parties’ names and contact information. These transaction details must be verified by the buyer and seller and validated with their signatures. While not required in most situations, a motor vehicle bill of sale may need to be notarized, such as when the certificate of title is held by a lienholder or when registering an untitled, foreign vehicle.

Types (4)

Firearm Bill of Sale – A signed proof of purchase detailing the transfer of firearms from a private seller to a buyer.

Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument

Boat Bill of Sale – A proof of purchase for the sale of a boat. The document will be required when the buyer applies for boat registration in their name.

Download: PDF

Generic Bill of Sale – A receipt for the sale of personal property, showing proof that ownership has been transferred from the seller to the buyer.

Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument

Registration Resources

Motor Vehicle

• Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR) – The DOR’s vehicle registration and titling webpage.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement – Filed by the buyer when registering a newly acquired vehicle (must contain the buyer and seller’s signatures).
• County Clerk – The offices where vehicle registration documents are submitted.
• Registration Fees – A list of fees for the registration of personal and commercial motor vehicles.

Firearm

• Online Application – This website provides access to the online application portal for Texas (select the “Handgun Permits” tab and click “New Resident Handgun Carry Permit”).
• EHCP Training Requirements – A summary of the training requirements for an enhanced handgun carry permit.
• CCP Training Requirements – The requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit.
• Concealed Handgun Carry Proof of Training – This form must be filed by applicants after completing a firearms training course.
• Driver Services Center – The office locations where individuals can file their concealed permit applications.

Boat

• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency – Information about boating laws, safety education, and vessel registration.
• County Clerk – Boat owners can file their registration paperwork at the clerk’s offices listed here.
• State and County Sales Tax – Used to calculate state and county sales tax on boat sales.
• Registration Fees – The fees for vessel registration in Tennessee (determined by boat length).