Free Tennessee Car Bill of Sale

Tennessee's vehicle tax is unusual: 7% state tax on the FULL purchase price, plus county local option tax on the first $1,600 only (up to 2.75%, so at most $44; Davidson County's 2.25% = $36), plus a 2.75% state single article tax on $1,601–$3,200 (capped at $44). Most Tennessee counties have no vehicle inspection. TN titles through the County Clerk, not a central DMV.

Tennessee Requirements: A notary is needed only in some situations. Tennessee sets no fixed day count: title and register the vehicle before driving it on a public road; the 30 days on the DOR site is for new residents. 7% sales tax.

Seller Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Buyer Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Car Details

Year *

Make *

Model *

VIN *

Color *

Mileage *

License Plate

Odometer reading is accurate to the best of my knowledge

Lien Holder (if applicable)

Sale Information

Sale Price ($) *

Payment Method *

Date of Sale *

County of Sale (if known)

Applicable Taxes Paid By

Condition & Warranty

Sold AS-IS (no warranty)

Warranty Details (if applicable)

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First time selling a car privately? Our complete guide covers how to verify the buyer, which payment methods are safe, what paperwork the DMV actually needs, and the odometer disclosure mistake that can make a transaction legally void. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →

Tennessee Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form

Standard bill of sale

Not on the TN Department of Revenue title document list — a record for buyer and seller

Agency

TN Revenue

Tennessee Department of Revenue

Primary ID Field

VIN

Sales Tax

Title Required

Yes

Inspection

Not required

Sales Tax Details

Tennessee charges 7% state tax on the full price, plus the county local option tax (up to 2.75%) on the first $1,600 only, plus a 2.75% state single article tax on $1,600.01–$3,200. The local tax is at most $44, and the single article tax is $44. Effective rate on a $15,000 car: ~7.5%.

Inspection Requirements

No statewide safety or emissions inspection. Emissions testing ended in Hamilton, Williamson and the other testing counties in January 2022, and in Davidson County on February 5, 2022. No TN county has an inspection now.

Tennessee Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

Complete bill of sale with VIN, odometer, sale price, signatures.
Seller completes odometer disclosure on TN title.
Seller signs title over.
Buyer takes the assigned title, proof of ID and residency, and proof of insurance to their County Clerk, and titles and registers before driving on a public road.
Buyer pays TN tax: 7% on the full price + 2.75% state single article tax on $1,600.01–$3,200 + the county local option tax on the first $1,600 (at most $44).
Buyer gets plates at County Clerk.
No emissions certificate is needed in any Tennessee county (testing ended in 2022).

Common Pitfalls

Using 7% flat in tax estimates — TN's graduated structure means actual tax varies from 7% at low prices to ~7.5% effective at higher prices.
Going to a "DMV" — TN handles titles at County Clerks, not a central DMV.
Paying for an emissions test you do not need — Tennessee ended all county testing in 2022.

Pro Tip

TN car sales: graduated tax capped by county, no statewide inspection, County Clerk handles transfers. Check your county's local option tax before estimating total cost.

Tennessee Car Bill of Sale — FAQs

How is Tennessee vehicle sales tax calculated?

TN uses a three-part structure: 7% state tax on the FULL sale price, plus county local option tax on the first $1,600 only (up to 2.75%; Davidson County's 2.25% = $36), plus the 2.75% state single article tax on $1,601–$3,200 (capped at $44). On a $15,000 car: $1,050 state + $36 local + $44 single-article = ~$1,130 total (~7.5% effective).

Does Tennessee require vehicle inspection?

No. Emissions testing ended in Hamilton, Williamson and the other testing counties in January 2022, and in Davidson County in February 2022. No statewide safety inspection exists.

Where do I transfer a title in TN — DMV or County Clerk?

Tennessee titles through County Clerk offices, not a central DMV. Each county has its own County Clerk handling vehicle titles, registrations, and tax collection. Bring the signed title, proof of ID and residency, and insurance to your County Clerk; a bill of sale is not on the Department of Revenue's list for a titled vehicle.

Other Tennessee Templates

Vehicle Bill of Sale Used Car Bill of Sale Motorcycle Bill of Sale Boat Bill of Sale Trailer Bill of Sale Horse Bill of Sale ATV Bill of Sale Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale RV Bill of Sale General Bill of Sale Free Printable Bill of Sale Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale As-Is Bill of Sale Gift Bill of Sale

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