Knoxville, TN Bill of Sale
Knoxville anchors eastern Tennessee's used-vehicle market, serving buyers across Knox County and the surrounding region. Tennessee's vehicle sales tax — up to 9.75% combined state and local — makes Knoxville one of the higher-tax markets in the Southeast, and buyers should be prepared for this cost at the Knox County Clerk. Title transfers must be completed within 20 days of the sale date.
Title Transfer Deadline
30 days
Sales Tax
7% state
Notarization
Not required
Bill of Sale
Required
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Vehicle Bill of Sale · Tennessee
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Bill of Sale in Knoxville, TN — Local Guide
Where to Transfer a Title in Knoxville
- Knox County Clerk – Motor Vehicle Division, 300 W Main Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Knox County Clerk – Strawberry Plains Satellite, 7327 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37931
- Knox County Clerk – Powell Satellite, 7123 Clinton Hwy, Powell, TN 37849
- Tennessee DMV Knoxville Driver Services, 201 Morningside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916
Knoxville Vehicle Market — What You Need to Know
- Knoxville Police Department at 800 Howard Baker Jr Ave offers a safe exchange location for private vehicle sales.
- University of Tennessee's large student population creates consistent demand for affordable used cars, especially in August at the start of the academic year.
- Trucks and SUVs dominate the Knoxville market, popular for the region's terrain and proximity to the Smoky Mountains.
- Knox County's multiple clerk locations ease the title transfer burden; the main office downtown is convenient for urban buyers while satellite offices serve outlying areas.
- Knoxville has a growing tech and medical sector, increasing demand for newer, reliable used vehicles among young professionals.
Tips for Knoxville Buyers and Sellers
- Tennessee's 20-day title transfer rule is particularly important in Knoxville where UT students may not be aware — include the deadline on your bill of sale.
- The combined sales tax rate of up to 9.75% significantly impacts affordability; price your vehicle with buyer's total cost in mind to stay competitive.
- Spring and summer see a seasonal uptick in vehicle sales tied to UT graduation — good timing for selling higher-value vehicles.
- Verify the title is clear of any lienholders before listing; a lien release letter from your bank must accompany the title at the Knox County Clerk.
- Include the vehicle's VIN, year, make, model, and color on the bill of sale — Knox County Clerk requires these details for title transfer.
Knoxville Bill of Sale — FAQs
How long does the buyer have to transfer a vehicle title in Knoxville?
Tennessee law requires the buyer to transfer the title within 20 days at the Knox County Clerk's office. Missing this deadline results in penalty fees.
What tax will I pay when buying a used car in Knoxville?
Knox County charges 7% state sales tax plus local tax up to 2.75%, for a combined rate up to 9.75% of the purchase price on the bill of sale.
Is an emissions test required to sell a car in Knoxville?
Tennessee does not have a statewide emissions testing requirement, and Knox County does not mandate emissions checks for private-party vehicle sales.
For full Tennessee vehicle transfer requirements, visit the Tennessee Bill of Sale page.