Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville Truck Bill of Sale Requirements
Complete requirements checklist for a truck bill of sale in Knoxville, Tennessee. Includes exact fees, notarization rules, and where to file at the Knox County Clerk – Title Office.
Fees, notarization rules, and filing addresses on this page are reviewed against 49 CFR Part 580 — Odometer Disclosure Requirements and the Knox County Clerk – Title Office. Source documents are cross-checked each quarter so Knoxville buyers and sellers always see the current Tennessee truck bill of sale standard, not stale third-party summaries.
Title Transfer Fee
$13.50
Sales Tax Rate
9.25%
Notarization
Not Required
Required Fields — Knoxville Truck Bill of Sale
All of the following must appear on a valid truck bill of sale in Knoxville, Tennessee:
- ✓Full legal name and current address of seller
- ✓Full legal name and current address of buyer
- ✓Agreed sale price (in numerals and words)
- ✓Date of sale
- ✓Truck year, make, model, and body style
- ✓17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- ✓Odometer reading at time of sale (federal disclosure required for most motor vehicles under 10 years old)
- ✓Signature of seller
- ✓Signature of buyer
Notarization in Knoxville: Not Required
Tennessee does not require notarization for a truck bill of sale. Tennessee does not require notarization. Both parties simply sign and date the completed form in the presence of each other.
Tennessee Truck transfer fees and requirements
In Tennessee, the title transfer fee is $11 and registration costs $26.50 per year. Truck sales are subject to 7% state sales tax plus local taxes (can total 9.75%). Tennessee does not require notarization for private-party truck transfers. Emission testing is required in Tennessee — verify the 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 truck purchases
Tennessee has a 7% state sales tax rate. 7% state plus local taxes (total up to 9.75%). Private-party truck sales in Tennessee are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $11.
Truck market data and safety information
The most common truck makes in private-party sales are Ford, Chevrolet, RAM, Toyota, GMC. Average private-party truck prices range from $8,000–$55,000. The average NCAP safety rating for recent truck models is 4 out of 5 stars. Trucks average 3.8 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Power Train, Fuel System, Steering.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used truck
Before completing a truck bill of sale in Tennessee, verify these safety items:
- Inspect frame for rust — trucks used in salt-belt states often have hidden corrosion
- Check 4WD/AWD transfer case engagement and operation
- Verify towing package wiring and hitch receiver condition
- Test tailgate mechanism and bed liner condition
- Confirm trailer brake controller integration if equipped
- Verify backup camera and parking sensors function correctly
- Test tow/haul mode and check transmission cooler condition
- Inspect cab corners and rocker panels for hidden rust
Truck insurance and depreciation in Tennessee
Full-size trucks cost 10–20% more to insure than sedans. Lifted trucks or diesel modifications may increase premiums further. Trucks hold value better than cars — full-size pickups retain 60–70% of value after 5 years. Diesel models retain the most. Peak season for private truck sales is late spring through summer when construction and outdoor activity demand rises, with an average of 18 days on market.
Truck registration and titling
Trucks are classified as "Light truck (under 8,500 lbs) or Medium truck (8,500–26,000 lbs)" for registration purposes. Trucks under 16,000 lbs GVWR follow passenger rules. Over 16,000 lbs GVWR triggers commercial vehicle requirements and federal odometer exemption. Federal odometer disclosure is required for trucks under 20 years old.
Truck title transfer rules
Truck title transfer requirements depend on weight class. Light-duty trucks (under 8,500 lbs GVWR) follow standard passenger vehicle rules. Medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks may require additional commercial documentation. The title lists the GVWR or weight class. Buyers should confirm the truck weight class matches the title to avoid registration surprises. Some states issue separate commercial titles for trucks over 10,000 lbs.
Odometer disclosure for truck sales
Trucks with a GVWR of 16,000 lbs or more are exempt from federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580.17(a). Light-duty pickup trucks under that threshold require standard odometer disclosure if less than 20 years old.
- Applicable law: 49 CFR 580.17(a) — Odometer exemption for vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR
Required disclosures for truck sales in Tennessee
When selling a truck in Tennessee, the following disclosures apply:
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) should be documented — it determines odometer, registration, and licensing requirements.
- Trucks over 8,500 lbs GVWR may require commercial plates in some states.
- Diesel emission system (DEF/DPF) delete modifications are illegal under the Clean Air Act and should be disclosed.
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.
Where to File — Knoxville Title Office
Office
Knox County Clerk – Title Office
Address
300 Main St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone
(865) 215-2385
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Additional requirements in Knox County:
- Title transfer at Knox County Clerk within 30 days
- Sales tax at title transfer
- Odometer disclosure required
- Emissions testing required in Knox County
What to Bring to the TN DMV
- 1Completed, signed truck bill of sale
- 2Truck title signed over by seller on the back
- 3Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- 4Payment for title transfer fee: $13.50
- 5Payment for sales tax (9.25% of sale price)
- 6Odometer disclosure statement (if not included on title)
FAQ — Truck Bill of Sale Requirements in Knoxville
- What are the required fields on a truck bill of sale in Knoxville?
- A valid truck bill of sale in Knoxville, Tennessee must include both parties' full legal names and addresses, sale date, agreed sale price, VIN, year, make, model, and signatures of buyer and seller.
- What is the title transfer fee for a truck in Knoxville?
- The title transfer fee in Knox County is $13.50. The truck sales tax rate is 9.25%. Tennessee state rate 7% + Knox County 2.25%
- Is notarization required for a truck bill of sale in Knoxville?
- No. Tennessee does not require notarization.
- Where do I file a truck title transfer in Knoxville?
- File the title transfer at the Knox County Clerk – Title Office, 300 Main St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: (865) 215-2385.