Tennessee Bill of Sale Template (TN)

Documenting the details of a sale in writing is a smart way to protect everyone involved. A Tennessee Bill of Sale helps buyers and sellers create a formal record of a transaction while confirming that ownership has been transferred. This document includes essential information about the sale and can serve as proof of purchase when needed. Maintaining accurate records helps support future ownership verification, improves transparency, and ensures that the terms of the agreement are clearly documented.

Download Free Printable Tennessee Bill of Sale Template

Tennessee Bill of Sale

Official Bill of Sale — Legally Binding Upon Signing

1. BUYER & SELLER INFORMATION

BUYER

Full Name:

Driver’s License #:

Phone:

Email:

Address:

City:

State / ZIP:

SELLER

Full Name:

Driver’s License #:

Phone:

Email:

Address:

City:

State / ZIP:

2. ITEM DETAILS

Item Name / Type:

Make / Brand:

Model:

Year: (e.g. 2019)

Serial / ID Number:

Color:

Condition: (New / Good / Fair / Poor)

Location:

Description:

Known Defects: (None / describe)

3. PAYMENT TERMS

Agreed Sale Price ($):

Date of Sale:

Method of Payment: (Cash / Check / Bank Transfer / Trade)

Deposit Paid ($):

Balance Due ($):

Additional Terms:

4. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By signing below, both parties confirm they have read, understood, and agreed to all terms of this Bill of Sale.

BUYER

Signature:

Print Name:

Date:

ID / License #:

SELLER

Signature:

Print Name:

Date:

ID / License #:

Both parties should keep a signed copy. This form is for general use — consult a legal professional for jurisdiction-specific advice.

What Is a Tennessee Bill of Sale?

A Tennessee Bill of Sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership for personal property from a seller to a buyer. This written purchase record protects both parties by documenting the sale price, item description, and transaction details. Whether you're completing a private sale of a vehicle, boat, or other valuable items, this bill of sale form creates a legally binding agreement. Buyers need this purchase agreement to prove ownership, while sellers keep a signed copy to confirm they no longer hold responsibility for the property.

Documents required in Tennessee Bill of Sale

Government-Issued Identification
Buyer and Seller Contact Details
Description of Property Being Sold
Ownership Verification Records
Signed Bill of Sale Form

Information Included in a Tennessee Sale Agreement

Buyer Information and Address
Seller Information and Address
Property Description and Condition
Agreed Sale Amount
Transaction Date and Signatures.

How to Complete a Tennessee Bill of Sale Form

Write the full legal names and current addresses of both the buyer and seller at the top of the bill of sale form. Include phone numbers or email addresses for future contact if needed.
Describe the item being sold with specific details like make, model, year, serial number, or vehicle identification number. The more precise your description, the stronger your legal document becomes.
List the sale price clearly in both numbers and written words to prevent any confusion. If the property transfer involves a trade or gift, write the actual value or note it as a gift.
State the condition of the property honestly, noting whether you sell it as-is or with warranties. This protects the seller from future disputes about the item's condition.
Include the exact date of the sale and the location where the transaction takes place. Both parties should review all information for accuracy before signing.
Have both the buyer and seller sign and date the purchase record in the presence of each other when possible. Each party should receive a signed copy for their personal records.
Keep your completed sale agreement in a safe place with other important documents related to the property. Buyers may need this form for registration, title transfer, or tax purposes.

How to Notarize a TN Bill of Sale

Check whether your specific transaction requires a notarized document under Tennessee bill of sale laws. Tennessee does not require notarization for most personal property sales, but vehicle transfers through the Department of Revenue do need notarization.
Bring valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license or passport to the notary appointment. Both the buyer and seller must appear in person with their IDs if both signatures need notarization.
Wait to sign the bill of sale form until you are in front of the notary public. The notary must witness you signing the document to validate the notarization.
Allow the notary to verify your identity, watch you sign, and then apply their official seal and signature to the document. The notary will record the transaction in their official log.
Request multiple notarized copies if your Tennessee sale requirements call for submitting the original to a government agency. Each party should keep a notarized document for their records.

FAQs

Q. Does a Tennessee bill of sale need to be notarized to be valid?

Most Tennessee sale agreements do not require notarization to create a legally binding contract between buyer and seller. However, vehicle sales typically need notarization when you register or title the vehicle with the state. Check your specific transaction type to determine notarization requirements.

Q. Can I use a handwritten bill of sale in Tennessee?

Yes, a handwritten purchase agreement is legally valid in Tennessee as long as it includes all essential information like buyer and seller details, property description, and sale price. Both parties must sign the document to make it legally binding. Typed forms often look more professional and reduce the chance of unclear handwriting causing problems.

Q. How many copies of the bill of sale should I keep?

Both the buyer and seller should keep at least one signed copy of the sale agreement for their permanent records. If the transaction involves vehicle registration or title transfer, you may need to submit an original or certified copy to the state. Always make extra copies before submitting any documents to government agencies.

Q. What information must a Tennessee bill of sale include?

Your bill of sale form must include the full names and addresses of both parties, a detailed description of the property, and the sale price. You should also include the transaction date, signatures from both buyer and seller, and any warranty or as-is statements. For vehicles, include the VIN, make, model, year, and odometer reading.

Q. Does a bill of sale transfer the title in Tennessee?

A bill of sale serves as a purchase record but does not replace an official title for vehicles, boats, or other titled property. The buyer must complete a separate title transfer process with the appropriate Tennessee agency. The seller should provide both the signed title and bill of sale to document the complete property transfer.

Conclusion

Creating a proper Tennessee Bill of Sale protects your interests whether you buy or sell personal property in a private transaction. This simple legal document provides proof of the sale price, confirms the transfer of ownership, and establishes a clear record both parties can reference later. Taking a few minutes to fill out the form completely and accurately prevents misunderstandings and potential legal problems down the road.

Keep your signed copy in a secure location with other important paperwork related to the transaction. Buyers often need this purchase agreement to register vehicles, file taxes, or prove ownership if questions arise. Sellers benefit from having documentation that shows they no longer own the property and are not responsible for it after the sale date. A well-prepared bill of sale form gives everyone peace of mind and creates a transparent, legally binding record of the transaction.

Tennessee Bill of Sale Template (TN) – Free Printable PDF