How To Transfer a Car Title in Tennessee 2026
Vehicle title transfer procedures in Tennessee are governed by the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Title and Registration Law, codified in Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55, Chapters 1–6. Under this statute, the transferee must apply for a new certificate of title and vehicle registration before operating or permitting the operation of a transferred vehicle on any public highway.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Tennessee
All documents listed below must be presented at the applicable county clerk's office before submitting a title application. Incomplete or incorrectly executed documentation will delay processing.
| Document | Responsible Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | Seller | The assignment section on the reverse side must be signed; full requirements listed in VT-1 |
| Proof of Identification and Residency | Buyer | Tennessee-issued photo identification and proof of current residency |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Seller | Required for qualifying vehicles subject to federal odometer disclosure requirements |
| Bill of Sale | Both Parties | All buyers must sign documents acknowledging the transfer of ownership |
| Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers — Form F-1301201 | Both Parties | Required for gift transfers, below-market-value sales, and transfers between lineal relatives |
| Current Vehicle Registration | Buyer | Required only when transferring an existing license plate to the newly acquired vehicle |
| Lien Release (if applicable) | Buyer | Documentation confirming the satisfaction of any prior security interest recorded against the vehicle |
| Power of Attorney (if applicable) | Authorized Representative | Required when a designated individual completes the title transaction on behalf of the owner |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Tennessee
Step 1: Complete the Assignment Section on the Certificate of Title
The seller must endorse the assignment section on the reverse side of the certificate of title at the time of vehicle delivery. The completed assignment must include:
- Buyer's full legal name and address
- Date of the sale transaction
- Sale price of the vehicle
- Odometer reading (if applicable)
- Seller's signature, appearing exactly as printed on the front of the title
For jointly titled vehicles bearing the conjunction "and," all sellers must sign. Titles bearing "or" require only a single seller's signature. No strikeouts, erasures, or correction fluid are permitted anywhere on the certificate.
Step 2: Gather All Required Documentation
Before visiting the county clerk's office, all supporting documents must be assembled and reviewed for accuracy. The VT-1 document checklist distinguishes between the requirements for new and used vehicle title applications. For private-party used-vehicle transfers, the properly assigned certificate of title and, where applicable, an odometer disclosure statement must be presented along with valid identification and proof of Tennessee residency.
In instances where the certificate of title is held by a lienholder at the time of sale, the seller may execute a separate notarized bill of sale — identifying the lienholder and their address — instead of completing the assignment on the back of the certificate.
Step 3: Submit the Title Application at the County Clerk's Office
The buyer must present all required documents in person at the local county clerk's office to initiate the title application. The Tennessee Department of Revenue's forms repository provides access to forms supporting specific transfer scenarios, including the standard Title Only Application (Form F-1310101). If a designated representative is completing the transaction on behalf of the owner, a Power of Attorney form must accompany all submitted materials. All signatures must appear exactly as printed on the certificate of title.
Step 4: Pay All Required Fees and Sales Tax
Sales tax and applicable registration fees are collected by the county clerk at the time of submission. The Sales Tax on Motor Vehicles guide published by the Tennessee Department of Revenue provides the authoritative tax structure. Standard rates and fees are outlined in the table below:
| Fee / Tax Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 7% of purchase price | Applied to the total vehicle sales price |
| Local Sales Tax | 2.25% of first $1,600 (max $36) | Rate varies by county and municipality |
| Single Article Tax | 2.75% on $1,600.01–$3,200 (max $44) | Applies when the purchase price exceeds $1,600 |
| Standard Registration Fee — Passenger Vehicle | $26.50 | Per VR-4 Registration Fees |
| Standard Registration Fee — Motorcycle | $19.50 | Per VR-4 Registration Fees |
| Lien Notation Fee | $11.00 | Assessed when a lienholder is recorded on the new title |
| County Clerk Fees | Varies | Additional fees are set by each county; confirm the applicable amount with the local office |
Step 5: Receive the New Certificate of Title
After all required documents have been submitted and applicable fees and taxes have been paid, the county clerk's office will process the title application. The new certificate of title is typically mailed to the new owner or the lienholder — when a lien is noted — within a processing period determined by the issuing office. Temporary registration materials may be issued at the time of the application, where applicable.
Contact Information
Tennessee Department of Revenue — Vehicle Services Division
500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37242
Phone: (888) 871-3171
Official Website: Tennessee Department of Revenue
