Tennessee trailer — quick answer
In Tennessee, a trailer bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is situational. Titling and registration are handled by the Tennessee DOR.
Is a trailer bill of sale required in Tennessee?
Situational. For casual sales a notarized bill of sale is commonly required in addition to the properly endorsed title — but a bill of sale alone is not sufficient proof of ownership.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the County Clerk.
Does a Tennessee trailer bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). A notarized bill of sale is referenced for casual sales but does not replace the endorsed title. Treat notarization as conditional.
What to include on a Tennessee trailer bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, and trailer type
- VIN or serial number
- Length, number of axles, and empty weight
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a trailer in Tennessee
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the County Clerk.
- 3Register with the Tennessee DOR.
The buyer titles and registers the trailer. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Tennessee DOR before you sign. Not legal advice.
Tennessee Trailer Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a trailer bill of sale required in Tennessee?
A bill of sale is situational in Tennessee. For casual sales a notarized bill of sale is commonly required in addition to the properly endorsed title — but a bill of sale alone is not sufficient proof of ownership.
Does a Tennessee trailer bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. A notarized bill of sale is referenced for casual sales but does not replace the endorsed title. Treat notarization as conditional.
Do I need to title a trailer?
It depends on the trailer’s weight and your state. Heavier trailers usually require a title and registration; many small utility trailers only need registration. Check your state page.
What if my trailer has no VIN?
Homemade or older trailers may need a state inspection to be assigned a VIN before they can be titled. The bill of sale still documents the sale in the meantime.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.