Free Tennessee Gift Bill of Sale
Tennessee requires Form RV-F1301201 (Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers of Motor Vehicles) for every private vehicle transfer — gifts included — and this form is the key to avoiding the state's 7% sales tax on gifts between immediate family members. On a $30,000 vehicle, that exemption is worth $2,100. The form must clearly state the transaction is a gift and identify the family relationship; without it, the county clerk will collect sales tax at registration.
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Tennessee Gift Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Inspection Requirements
Tennessee has no statewide safety inspection. Emissions testing is required in Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson, and Knox counties — confirm whether the recipient's county requires it before registering.
Tennessee Gift Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Download Form RV-F1301201 from the Tennessee Department of Revenue website
- Complete the affidavit, marking the transaction as 'Gift' and clearly stating the family relationship (e.g., parent to child)
- Both donor and recipient sign the affidavit — have it notarized if required by your county
- Donor signs the back of the existing title, assigning it to the recipient
- Recipient brings the signed title, completed RV-F1301201, proof of insurance, and photo ID to the county clerk
- Complete the title transfer within 30 days of the gift date
- If the recipient lives in an emissions-testing county, schedule an emissions test before registration
Common Pitfalls
- Omitting Form RV-F1301201 entirely — the county clerk will charge 7% sales tax on the vehicle's market value without it
- Failing to specify 'Gift' and the exact family relationship on the affidavit — vague entries can trigger a tax assessment
- Missing the 30-day title transfer deadline, which results in penalty fees
- Gifting to a cousin, aunt, uncle, or in-law — these relationships do not qualify for Tennessee's family gift tax exemption
- Forgetting about emissions testing requirements if the recipient registers in Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson, or Knox county
Pro Tip
Tennessee's Form RV-F1301201 is non-negotiable for any private transfer — complete it carefully, specify the gift and relationship, and file within 30 days to lock in the tax exemption.