Tennessee vehicle — quick answer
In Tennessee, a vehicle bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is situational. Titling and registration are handled by the Tennessee DOR.
Is a vehicle 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 vehicle 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 vehicle bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses of the buyer and seller
- Year, make, model, color, and body style
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — 17 characters
- Exact odometer reading on the date of sale
- Sale price (or "gift") and payment method
- Date of sale and signatures of both parties
How to transfer a vehicle in Tennessee
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, 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 vehicle. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Tennessee DOR before you sign. Not legal advice.
Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a vehicle 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 vehicle 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 a bill of sale to register a car?
It depends on your state. Many states accept the signed-over title alone, while others require a bill of sale to confirm the purchase price for sales tax. Our state pages tell you exactly what your DMV expects.
Does a vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
In most states, no. A handful of states require the title assignment to be notarized for a private sale: Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Kentucky. A few others require notarization only in specific tax situations.
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.