How to transfer a car title in Tennessee
For private sellers and buyers in Tennessee. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Tennessee, the registered owner signs the title as seller and fills in the buyer's part. No notary is needed. The buyer takes the signed title, ID and proof of residency to the county clerk's office before driving on a public road, and pays sales tax on the price.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Tennessee?
Seller
- Sign the title as seller. Only the registered owner named on the title can sign.
- If the names are joined by "and", every owner signs. If they are joined by "or", one owner can sign.
- Fill in the buyer's part before you sign. A title signed with the buyer left blank is an open title, and the seller can be penalized.
- Keep a photo of the front and back of the signed title.
Buyer
- Bring the signed title, ID and proof of residency to your county clerk's office.
- Title and register the car before you drive it on a public road.
- Pay Tennessee sales tax on the price you paid.
- For a gift, a low price or a sale to a close relative, bring the Affidavit of Non-dealer Transfers of Motor Vehicles and Boats.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services before you go: tn.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Tennessee?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title as seller.
Only the registered owner named on the title can sign. With "and" between the names, every owner signs.
Step 2 · Seller
Fill in the buyer's part.
Never hand over a title that is signed with the buyer left blank.
Step 3 · Seller
Keep a photo of the title.
A photo of the front and back shows when you sold the car.
We have not confirmed whether Tennessee requires a bill of sale. Check with the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services before you sell.
Tennessee bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Tennessee?
Step 1 · Buyer
Check the seller's signature.
It must match the name on the front of the title.
roanecountytn.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Go to your county clerk's office.
Bring the signed title, ID and proof of residency. Do this before you drive the car on a public road.
revenue.support.tn.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Pay the sales tax.
It is charged on the price you paid, unless you bring a gift or even trade affidavit signed by you and the seller.
roanecountytn.gov checked
After TN Revenue processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Tennessee guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Tennessee?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | Not confirmed yet | Buyer | roanecountytn.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | On the price you paid, at the county clerk | Buyer | roanecountytn.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | Not confirmed yet |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Tennessee are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Duplicate Title.
Common questions
Do both owners have to sign?
If the names are joined by "and", yes. If they are joined by "or", one owner can sign.
roanecountytn.gov checked
Is there a deadline for the buyer?
Before you drive it, and as soon as possible. The buyer must title the car before driving it on a public road.
revenue.support.tn.gov checked
What if the car is a gift?
Bring the Affidavit of Non-dealer Transfers of Motor Vehicles and Boats. It also covers a low price or a sale to a close relative.
revenue.support.tn.gov checked
Sources for this page
- revenue.support.tn.gov/hc/
en-us/ Checkedarticles/ 360059910652-VT-1-Documents-Needed-to-Title-a-Vehicle-Current-Resident - revenue.support.tn.gov/hc/
en-us/ Checkedarticles/ 360059955332-VTR-46-When-Title-Registration-Must-Occur-After-Purchase-of-Used-Vehicle - roanecountytn.gov/motor-vehicle-services/
Checked
About this page
This page summarizes official Tennessee sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.