Do I need a bill of sale to register a used vehicle if I have a signed and dated title from the previous owner?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Do I need a bill of sale to register a used vehicle if I have a signed and dated title from the previous owner?
I bought a vehicle from a private party and took his word on what was wrong with it. Should have only need a minor brake job and have steering column fixed. In the end it need a major brake job plus much more. Over $1000 worth. I confronted him with that and the fact that I needed a bill of sale. Now he thinks he can get more money out of me for the bill of sale.
Asked on April 17, 2011 under General Practice, Tennessee
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
In looking through the DMV website for Tennessee, it does not appear that you need a bill of sale in order to register the used car. Your transaction is know as a "private party purchase" meaning that you did not get the car from a dealer. It is my understanding that a private party purchase situation you only need the following:
- Properly assigned title.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement.
- Your current registration (only required if you're transferring your plate).
Although having a bill of sale is always a good idea - everything in writing as well, even the representations - you need not be held hostage here. Do not let him bully you in any way. You have already paid dearly. Now what you want to do about that is another question entirely. Good luck.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.