Any business in Knox County planning to hold a liquidation sale or going out of business sale must first obtain a permit from the Knox County Clerk. 

Application Process

1. Complete the Going Out of Business Permit Application and submit to the Knox County Clerk’s office either in person or by mail located at 300 W. Main Street Suite 226 Knoxville, TN 37902.
2. Provide a complete inventory list with each application. Upon review of the inventory listing, you will receive a paper certificate bearing the official Seal of Knox County valid for thirty (30) days from the date of application. This certificate must be placed in a conspicuous place at the business.
3. The permit can be renewed three (3) times after the initial permit expires. A new, revised inventory listing is required on each renewal and your certificate will be issued upon approval of the Knox County Clerk’s Office.
4. The non-refundable fee for the permit is $50.00 for each thirty (30) day period.

Contents of Advertising

All advertisements or advertising and the language contained therein shall be in accordance with the purpose of the sale as stated in the application pursuant to which a license was issued and the wording of such advertisements shall not vary from the wording as indicated in the application.
Such advertising shall contain a statement in these words and no others: "Sale held pursuant to permit No. ____________ of KNOX COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE granted the ____________ day of _____________, 20_____. “

Please call the Knox County Business License Division at 215-2392 for further details.