Selling a trailer in Tennessee: what to know
Tennessee is the rare state where a private utility trailer needs almost no paperwork from the government: for private use, utility, boat and farm trailers are not required to be titled, registered or plated, as long as the trailer is towed behind a properly licensed Tennessee vehicle.
That freedom has a flip side: with no title and no registration, the bill of sale is the only document that proves who owns the trailer. If the trailer is ever stolen, sold again, or questioned by an officer or an insurer, the signed bill of sale with the VIN is what settles it. Keep it as carefully as you would a title.
Tennessee rules at a glance
| Topic | Tennessee rule |
|---|---|
| Title | Not required for private utility, boat and farm trailers. |
| Registration / plate | Not required for private use when towed by a Tennessee-licensed vehicle. |
| The catch | With no state record, the bill of sale is the only proof of ownership. Make it complete and keep it. |
| Notarization | Not required in Tennessee. |
| Commercial use | Different rules apply; commercial trailers are registered. Confirm with the county clerk. |
Last reviewed September 2026 against official state sources. Rules change; confirm with the state agency before your sale.
Tennessee trailer bill of sale: FAQ
Do utility trailers need to be registered in Tennessee?
So why do I need a bill of sale?
What if I move to another state?
Does it need to be notarized?
Related guides
Trailer Bill of Sale: full guide & generator · Title requirements by state
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