Free Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale

Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Sales Tax Details

Tennessee uses a unique single-article sales tax structure: 7% state tax on the full purchase price, plus a 2.75% state single article tax on the portion from $1,600.01 to $3,200, plus the local option tax (up to 2.75%) on the first $1,600. The total on a typical used car is about 7.3–7.6%. County wheel tax also applies at registration.

Exemption: Transfers between spouses, siblings, and lineal relatives (and spouses of lineal relatives), and gifts without consideration, are exceptions to sales tax. They are documented on the Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers (RV-F1301201), signed under penalty of perjury.

Inspection Requirements

Tennessee has no statewide safety inspection. The Hamilton/Davidson/Rutherford/Sumner/Williamson/Wilson county vehicle emissions programs ended in early 2022, so no emissions test is required anywhere in TN as of 2024.

Registration

Registration for this vehicle type is handled by County Clerk (all title and registration work in Tennessee is processed at the county clerk's office, not at a state DMV) — not the same agency that handles cars in Tennessee. Plan for separate filings.

Tennessee Vehicle Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Write a bill of sale with full VIN, year, make, model, exact purchase price, and odometer reading; if the transfer is a gift, a low-price sale, or between relatives, also complete Form RV-F1301201 (Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers)
2. Have the seller sign over the Tennessee title in the assignment area, including printed name, signature, date of sale, and odometer disclosure
3. No notary is needed for a Tennessee title; if the vehicle has an out-of-state title from a state that requires notarization (such as Pennsylvania), have it notarized — Kentucky titles excepted
4. Buyer completes the county clerk's title and registration application
5. Bring proof of TN residency, valid driver's license, and current proof of insurance to the county clerk
6. Pay 7% state sales tax plus the local single-article tax tier and county wheel tax at the clerk's window
7. Title and register at the county clerk before driving on a public road — Tennessee sets no fixed day count, and the Department of Revenue advises doing it as soon as possible

Common Pitfalls

• Writing "$1" or "gift" on the bill of sale to dodge tax — gifts, sales at 75% or less of fair market value, and relative transfers go on the RV-F1301201 affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury
• Forgetting that Tennessee's single-article tax is calculated in tiers (7% on the full price, plus local option tax on the first $1,600 and 2.75% state single article tax on $1,600.01–$3,200) — many buyers underestimate total tax owed at the clerk window
• Assuming you can go to a "DMV" — Tennessee has no DMV; all title and registration work happens at the county clerk's office where the buyer resides
• Leaving the relationship off the RV-F1301201 on a family transfer — the affidavit (signed under penalty of perjury, no notary block) is what documents the relative exception
• Driving the vehicle before it is titled and registered — Tennessee requires both before operating on a public road
• Believing you still need an emissions test — the statewide vehicle emissions program ended in 2022 and no Tennessee county currently requires one

Pro Tip

Tennessee's county-clerk-driven system is faster than most state DMVs once you have the right paperwork in hand. Remember that RV-F1301201 is the affidavit for gifts, low-price sales, and relative transfers, not a bill of sale — bring the assigned title, title and register before you drive, and budget for the layered single-article sales tax plus your county wheel tax.

Tennessee Vehicle Bill of Sale — FAQs