How to Fill Out a Tennessee Pickup Truck Bill of Sale
Follow this checklist to complete the form correctly in Tennessee.
How to fill out a Tennessee pickup truck bill of sale
Total time: 5–10 minutes
You will need:
- Signed vehicle title
- Government-issued ID for both parties
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Enter seller and buyer names
Write the full legal names and current addresses of both the seller and buyer exactly as they appear on their government-issued IDs. Errors here can delay the Tennessee DMV title transfer.
Add vehicle details
Record the pickup truck's year, make, model, and color. Double-check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the dashboard or door jamb.
Record the sale price and date
Write the agreed sale price in both numerals and words to prevent disputes. Enter the exact date the ownership changes hands — this date triggers the Tennessee title transfer deadline.
Both parties sign the bill of sale
Seller and buyer both sign and date the completed form. Each party keeps a signed original. Tennessee may require the signed bill of sale at the DMV to complete the title transfer.
Download and print a copy for each party
Print at least two copies — one for the buyer to submit to the DMV and one for the seller to keep as proof the vehicle was sold. Store your copy for at least three years.
Tennessee Pickup Truck transfer fees and requirements
In Tennessee, the title transfer fee is $11 and registration costs $26.50 per year. Pickup Truck sales are subject to 7% state sales tax plus local taxes (can total 9.75%). Tennessee does not require notarization for private-party pickup truck transfers. Emission testing is required in Tennessee — verify the pickup truck passes before completing the sale.
- Emissions testing required in Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties
- Title transfer at county clerk office
- Sales tax based on county of purchase
Tennessee sales tax on pickup truck purchases
Tennessee has a 7% state sales tax rate. 7% state plus local taxes (total up to 9.75%). Private-party pickup truck sales in Tennessee are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $11.
Pickup Truck market data and safety information
The most common pickup truck makes in private-party sales are Ford, Chevrolet, RAM, Toyota, GMC. Average private-party pickup truck prices range from $10,000–$55,000. The average NCAP safety rating for recent pickup truck models is 4.1 out of 5 stars. Pickup trucks average 3.6 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Power Train, Fuel System, Steering.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used pickup truck
Before completing a pickup truck bill of sale in Tennessee, verify these safety items:
- Inspect bed and tailgate for damage or rust-through
- Check frame for corrosion — especially on salt-belt vehicles
- Verify 4WD transfer case engagement and differential operation
- Test towing electrical connector and brake controller if equipped
Pickup Truck insurance and depreciation in Tennessee
Pickup truck insurance averages $1,800–$2,800/year. Diesel models and lifted trucks cost more. Full-size pickups are the strongest value holders in the market — many retain 65–75% after 5 years. Peak season for private pickup truck sales is late spring and summer for work and recreation demand, with an average of 16 days on market.
Pickup Truck registration and titling
Pickup Trucks are classified as "Light truck (same classification as "truck" in most states)" for registration purposes. Half-ton pickups (1500 series) are under 8,500 lbs GVWR. Three-quarter-ton (2500) and one-ton (3500) models may require commercial plates in some states. Federal odometer disclosure is required for pickup trucks under 20 years old.
Odometer disclosure for pickup truck sales
Pickups under 16,000 lbs GVWR and under 20 years old require federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580. Heavier pickups are exempt under 49 CFR 580.17(a). Most ½-ton through 1-ton pickups fall under the disclosure rule.
- Applicable law: 49 CFR 580.17(a) — Odometer exemption for vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR
Required disclosures for pickup truck sales in Tennessee
When selling a pickup truck in Tennessee, the following disclosures apply:
- Towing capacity, payload rating, and 5th-wheel/gooseneck hitch installation should be documented — these affect both insurance and intended-use compliance.
- Diesel emission system (DEF/DPF/EGR) integrity must be disclosed — delete kits are illegal under the Clean Air Act and can result in EPA penalties for both seller and buyer.
- Lift kits, leveling kits, and oversize tires can void factory warranty and may disqualify the truck from emission compliance in inspection states.
Tennessee bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,712 bill of sale documents for Tennessee transactions, with 46 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
Generate your document
If you prefer to generate a completed Tennessee pickup truck bill of sale automatically, you can create one here.
Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price
45% faster sale
Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.
Source: Experian / AutoCheck
$4,000 avg loss
NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.
Source: NHTSA
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
1 in 3 buyers
Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.
Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)
Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.