Section 1 - Party Identification
TENNESSEE VEHICLE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Date of Agreement: [[Date of Agreement]]
SELLER (Dealer or Private Party)
Name / Dealership Name: [[Seller Full Legal Name or Dealership Name]]
Dealer License Number (if applicable): [[Tennessee Dealer License Number - or "N/A - Private Sale"]]
Address: [[Seller Street Address]], [[Seller City]], Tennessee [[Seller ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Seller Phone Number]]
Email: [[Seller Email Address]]
BUYER
Name: [[Buyer Full Legal Name]]
Address: [[Buyer Street Address]], [[Buyer City]], [[Buyer State]] [[Buyer ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Buyer Phone Number]]
Email: [[Buyer Email Address]]
Driver's License Number / State: [[Buyer Driver's License Number]] / [[Issuing State]]
CO-BUYER (if any)
Name: [[Co-Buyer Full Legal Name - or "N/A"]]
Address: [[Co-Buyer Street Address]], [[Co-Buyer City]], [[Co-Buyer State]] [[Co-Buyer ZIP Code]]
Driver's License Number / State: [[Co-Buyer Driver's License Number]] / [[Issuing State]]
Section 2 - Vehicle Description
| Field | Details |
|---|
| Year | [[Vehicle Year]] |
| Make | [[Vehicle Make]] |
| Model | [[Vehicle Model]] |
| Trim / Body Style | [[Vehicle Trim and Body Style]] |
| Exterior Color | [[Vehicle Exterior Color]] |
| Interior Color | [[Vehicle Interior Color]] |
| VIN (17 Characters) | [[Vehicle Identification Number]] |
| Current Odometer Reading | [[Current Odometer Reading]] miles |
| Title Number | [[Existing Title Number]] |
| Title-Issuing State | [[Title-Issuing State]] |
Section 3 - Itemized Purchase Price
| Item | Amount |
|---|
| Cash Sale Price (before adjustments) | $[[Cash Sale Price]] |
| Trade-In Vehicle Allowance (credit) | - $[[Trade-In Allowance - or "0.00"]] |
| Trade-In Payoff Amount (if financed trade-in) | + $[[Trade-In Payoff Amount - or "0.00"]] |
| Subtotal (adjusted) | $[[Subtotal]] |
| Dealer Documentation / Prep Fee | $[[Doc Fee Amount - typically disclosed up to ~$398]] |
| Other Fees (title transfer, registration estimate) | $[[Other Fees]] |
| Estimated Sales Tax (7% state + local; verify county) | $[[Estimated Sales Tax - calculate on (price - trade-in) + taxable fees]] |
| Total Amount Due at Signing / Delivery | $[[Total Amount Due]] |
Tax Note: Tennessee state sales tax is generally 7% of (purchase price less trade-in credit). Local option taxes apply on the first portion of the price (e.g., 2.25% up to caps around $36-$44 depending on county). Use the county clerk sales tax calculator for exact amount. Tax is typically paid at titling.
Section 4 - Payment and Financing Terms
Payment Method: [[Cash / Certified Funds / Financing / Other]]
If financed:
- Loan Amount: $[[Loan Amount]]
- APR: [[Annual Percentage Rate]]%
- Term: [[Loan Term in Months]] months
- Monthly Payment (est.): $[[Estimated Monthly Payment]]
Truth-in-Lending Act (TILA) Disclosures (if dealer-arranged financing):
The APR and finance charge are as disclosed on the separate TILA statement or loan documents provided at signing. Total of payments, payment schedule, and amount financed are detailed in the loan agreement. Buyer acknowledges receipt of TILA disclosures prior to signing.
Section 5 - Odometer Disclosure and Certification
Odometer Reading at Time of Sale: [[Odometer Reading]] miles
Date Odometer Read: [[Odometer Reading Date]]
The seller certifies under penalty of law that to the best of the seller's knowledge the odometer reading is:
- The actual mileage.
- The mileage in excess of the designed mechanical limits of the odometer (odometer rollover).
- Not the actual mileage. WARNING - ODOMETER DISCREPANCY.
Seller's explanation for discrepancy (if any): [[Explanation of Odometer Discrepancy or "None"]]
This disclosure complies with federal law (49 U.S.C. § 32705 and 49 CFR Part 580). Required for vehicles 20 model years old or newer (as of 2026, model year 2006+ generally covered; confirm current cutoff).
Section 6 - Vehicle Condition, Warranty, and As-Is Status
The vehicle is sold:
[[As-Is / With Remaining Manufacturer Warranty / Certified Pre-Owned / Other - specify]]
As-Is Statement (Private Party or As-Is Sale): The vehicle is sold "AS IS" without any express or implied warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, to the fullest extent permitted by Tennessee law (see T.C.A. § 47-2-316 for conspicuous disclaimer requirements). Buyer has inspected the vehicle or had the opportunity to inspect and accepts it in its current condition.
If Warranty Applies: Any remaining manufacturer's warranty, extended service contract, or dealer warranty is described here: [[Warranty Description, Duration, Transferability - or "No warranty applies beyond any express written warranty attached"]].
Lemon Law Notice (New Vehicles): For new motor vehicles, Tennessee provides lemon law protections under T.C.A. §§ 55-24-101 through 55-24-112 for substantial defects that substantially impair use, value, or safety after reasonable repair attempts. Consult the statute and manufacturer for eligibility.
Section 7 - Title, Liens, and Ownership Transfer
Seller represents that seller is the lawful owner of the vehicle, that the title is free and clear of liens except as disclosed: [[Liens or Encumbrances - list or "None"]].
Seller agrees to deliver the signed certificate of title (with assignment on back completed, including sale price, date, odometer, and signatures) and any required odometer statement to Buyer upon payment and delivery.
Tennessee Title and Registration Process (Buyer Responsibilities):
- Buyer must title and register the vehicle at the county clerk's office in the county of residence within the required timeframe (generally promptly to avoid late fees; 90 days noted for some new purchases).
- Required documents typically include: properly assigned title, odometer disclosure (if applicable on title or separate), bill of sale (recommended), proof of identity, two proofs of residency, proof of insurance, and payment of sales tax, title fee ($14), registration, and any wheel tax or local fees.
- For financed purchases, lienholder information will be noted on the new title.
- Buyer pays applicable sales tax at time of titling based on taxable purchase price less trade-in.
- County-specific wheel taxes or additional fees may apply (e.g., Knox County wheel tax $36).
Buyer acknowledges that title transfer is not complete until processed and new title issued by Tennessee Department of Revenue / county clerk.
Section 8 - Delivery, Risk of Loss, and Possession
Delivery Date / Location: [[Delivery Date and Location]]
Risk of loss passes to Buyer upon delivery and acceptance of the vehicle and documents, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Seller shall provide all keys, fobs, owner's manuals, maintenance records, and any other items included: [[Included Items - keys, manuals, etc. or "Standard keys and manuals"]].
Section 9 - Representations and Additional Terms
- Seller has disclosed all known material defects and prior accidents or flood damage: [[Known Material Defects or "None disclosed"]].
- The odometer has not been tampered with to the seller's knowledge.
- Buyer has the right to have the vehicle inspected prior to purchase.
- This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes prior discussions.
- This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signature where permitted.
Section 10 - Default and Remedies
If Buyer fails to complete payment or Seller fails to deliver clear title and possession as agreed, the non-breaching party may pursue remedies available under Tennessee law, including return of deposits or specific performance where appropriate.
Section 11 - Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of the county where the vehicle is titled or where the Seller resides, as permitted by law.
Section 12 - Signatures
SELLER
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Date]]
Printed Name: [[Seller Full Legal Name or Dealership Name]]
Title (if dealer): [[Title]]
BUYER
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Date]]
Printed Name: [[Buyer Full Legal Name]]
CO-BUYER (if any)
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Date]]
Printed Name: [[Co-Buyer Full Legal Name]]
Section 13 - Notary Acknowledgment (Recommended for Private Sales)
Notarization is not always required for dealer sales but is strongly recommended for private party transactions to support title assignment.
State of Tennessee
County of [[County Name]]
On this [[Day]] day of [[Month]], [[Year]], before me personally appeared the Seller and Buyer(s) named above, known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the persons whose names are subscribed to this instrument and acknowledged that they executed it for the purposes therein contained.
Notary Public Signature: ___________________________
Notary Printed Name: [[Notary Full Name]]
My Commission Expires: [[Notary Commission Expiration Date]]
Notary Seal / Stamp:
Additional Documents and Attachments
- Signed Certificate of Title (assignment on back)
- Odometer disclosure (if not on title)
- Bill of Sale (recommended companion)
- TILA / loan documents (if financed)
- Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (new vehicles)
- Warranty / service contract documents (if any)
Expanded Guidance and Best Practices
- Complete all blanks in ink or secure electronic format before signing.
- Verify VIN matches on title, vehicle, and this agreement exactly.
- Obtain a vehicle history report (e.g., Carfax) and consider a pre-purchase inspection.
- For private sales, use a bill of sale in addition to the title assignment.
- Calculate and confirm exact tax and fees with the destination county clerk's office before closing.
- Retain copies of everything: agreement, title copy, odometer, receipt for tax payment.
- If trading in a vehicle, ensure payoff is handled and lien release obtained promptly.
- For new vehicles, understand any remaining factory warranty and lemon law rights.
- Dealers must comply with FTC Used Car Rule (buyer's guide sticker for used cars).
- Confirm current fees, forms, and procedures with the Tennessee county clerk or TN Dept of Revenue as rules and fees can update.
- Odometer statements must be retained by dealers per federal recordkeeping.
- Electronic signatures are generally accepted if compliant with Tennessee UETA.
- Disclose any aftermarket modifications or alterations that affect value or safety.
- Buyers should confirm insurance coverage is in place before taking delivery.
- Sellers should remove personal property and license plates as required before transfer.
Sources and Disclaimer
This template incorporates Tennessee titling and sales practices based on information from the Tennessee Department of Revenue, county clerk offices, and federal requirements (49 U.S.C. § 32705; 49 C.F.R. Part 580; T.C.A. Title 55; T.C.A. §§ 47-2-314 to 47-2-316; T.C.A. §§ 55-24-101 et seq.; 15 U.S.C. § 1601 et seq.; 16 C.F.R. Part 455). Sales tax structure (7% state + local) and fees (title $14 typical, registration varies) current as of June 2026 per county clerk resources and public references. Doc fee practices drawn from dealer disclosures and secondary reports (verify locally). Procedures may vary by county.
⚠️ Template example - not professional (legal/financial/medical) advice. This document is for informational and template purposes only. Vehicle purchase laws, tax rates, fees, disclosure requirements, and titling procedures change. Verify all figures, required forms, and procedures directly with the county clerk's office in the county of titling/registration, the Tennessee Department of Revenue, and a licensed Tennessee attorney before use. Consult professionals for high-value, financed, or disputed transactions. Invented values appear as [[Merge Fields]] and must be replaced with actual transaction information.
As of: June 2026
End of Tennessee Vehicle Purchase Agreement
