When should I use the out-of-state sale page?
Use this page when your utility trailer sale in Tennessee fits a out-of-state sale scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Out-of-state sale — Tennessee
Tennessee Utility Trailer bill of sale for out-of-state sale
Complete your Tennessee utility trailer bill of sale for a out-of-state sale transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.
TennesseeUtility TrailerOut-of-state sale
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What to know about out-of-state sale sales in Tennessee
You must title/register the transfer in the state whose rules govern the sale (typically the state where the transaction occurs). Provide the buyer with your state's standard bill of sale and a clean, signed title. Some states require you to obtain a VIN inspection before releasing a title to an out-of-state buyer.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Utility Trailer make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any out-of-state sale-specific disclosures required in Tennessee.
Seller guidance
You must title/register the transfer in the state whose rules govern the sale (typically the state where the transaction occurs). Provide the buyer with your state's standard bill of sale and a clean, signed title. Some states require you to obtain a VIN inspection before releasing a title to an out-of-state buyer.
Buyer guidance
You will need to re-title the vehicle in your home state after purchase. Bring the signed out-of-state title, the bill of sale, and any required inspection certificates to your local DMV. Many states require a state-certified VIN verification and an odometer disclosure statement to process an out-of-state title.
Tennessee-Specific Note
TN requires the out-of-state title to be surrendered at the county clerk. TN charges 7% state use tax plus local taxes if not paid. A TN safety inspection is required.
Legal considerations
TN requires the out-of-state title to be surrendered at the county clerk. TN charges 7% state use tax plus local taxes if not paid. A TN safety inspection is required.
Tennessee Utility Trailer transfer fees and requirements
In Tennessee, the title transfer fee is $11 and registration costs $26.50 per year. Utility Trailer sales are subject to 7% state sales tax plus local taxes (can total 9.75%). Tennessee does not require notarization for private-party utility trailer transfers. Emission testing is required in Tennessee — verify the utility trailer 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 utility trailer purchases
Tennessee has a 7% state sales tax rate. 7% state plus local taxes (total up to 9.75%). Private-party utility trailer sales in Tennessee are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $11.
Utility Trailer market data and safety information
The most common utility trailer makes in private-party sales are Big Tex, PJ Trailers, Carry-On, Sure-Trac, Load Trail. Average private-party utility trailer prices range from $1,000–$10,000. Utility trailers average 1.3 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Tires, Electrical, Axle.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used utility trailer
Before completing a utility trailer bill of sale in Tennessee, verify these safety items:
- Check tongue weight and coupler size compatibility with tow vehicle
- Inspect all lighting connections and ground wire
- Verify axle rating matches loaded weight capacity needs
- Test surge or electric brakes if GVWR exceeds 3,000 lbs
- Confirm safety chains are correctly cross-routed and properly rated
- Verify breakaway switch and battery on braked trailers
- Inspect tie-down D-rings for weld cracks and rated capacity
- Test ramp-gate spring assists and locking pins
Utility Trailer insurance and depreciation in Tennessee
Optional unless financed. Liability often covered under tow vehicle policy. Standalone coverage: $100–$250/year. Steel utility trailers hold value extremely well — 70–85% retention over 10 years. Peak season for private utility trailer sales is spring through summer for landscaping and home projects, with an average of 12 days on market.
Utility Trailer registration and titling
Utility Trailers are classified as "Utility trailer (weight-class dependent titling)" for registration purposes. Many states exempt trailers under 2,000–3,000 lbs from titling. Check your state threshold. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to utility trailers.
Safety tips for out-of-state sale utility trailer transactions
When completing a out-of-state sale utility trailer sale in Tennessee, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common utility trailer recall categories are Tires, Electrical, Axle. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for out-of-state sale utility trailer sale in Tennessee
- Confirm the original title is signed and notarized if required by the seller's state
- Obtain a state VIN verification form if required in the buyer's state
- Complete odometer disclosure on the title or a separate form (49 CFR Part 580)
- Gather emissions or safety inspection certificates if required in the buyer's state
- File for title transfer in the buyer's home state within the permitted timeframe
- Surrender out-of-state title at county clerk
- Pay 7% state use tax plus local taxes if not paid
- Pass TN safety inspection
- Transfer title within 30 days
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Tennessee utility trailer bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Tennessee Utility Trailer bill of saleWhy Buyers Want Documentation Across State Lines
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
$60–$85 mobile notary
Mobile notary visit minimums run $60–$85 — higher on weekends, plus per-mile travel fees. State-formatted documents skip the trip.
Source: Thumbtack / NNA
Frequently asked questions
Why does the out-of-state sale scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a out-of-state sale transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the out-of-state sale transaction.
What are the Tennessee fees for a out-of-state sale utility trailer transfer?
Tennessee charges a $11 title transfer fee. Registration costs $26.50 per year. Sales tax: 7% state sales tax plus local taxes (can total 9.75%). Notarization is not required for most transfers.
What utility trailer makes are most commonly sold in Tennessee?
The most popular utility trailer makes in private-party sales are Big Tex, PJ Trailers, Carry-On, Sure-Trac, Load Trail. Average private-party prices range from $1,000–$10,000.
Do I pay sales tax on a out-of-state sale utility trailer sale in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a 7% state sales tax rate. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
Tennessee utility trailer bill of sale by city
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