Tennessee
Title Fee
$5.50
Sales Tax Rate
7.0%
Other Tax Rate
2.75%
Who must title a vehicle in Tennessee?
Most motor vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds ≥50cc, ATVs, OHVs, snowmobiles, and trailers must be titled.
Exempt: Boats, boat trailers, noncommercial utility trailers, folding camping/farm trailers, implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, US government vehicles.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Tennessee Department of Revenue, via County Clerk in county of residence (or dealer’s county if purchased from a TN dealer).
Application: Noting of Lien, Duplicate Title, or Multipurpose Use (RV-F1315201).
Fee: $5.50 + $8.50 county title issuance fee + $2.00 mail service fee (may vary by county).
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin + Dealer’s Bill of Sale.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title + registration.
Non-title states: Registration + notarized bill of sale.
Government surplus: Bill of sale + SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, NHTSA HS-7, photo of FMVSS label, USAREUR reg. for military.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Certification of Ownership: For insufficient evidence on vehicles ≤$3,000 or 30+ years old; requires VIN verification, notarized bill of sale, and owner notification.
Bonded Title: For insufficient evidence on vehicles >$3,000; bond = 1.5x value, 3 years.
Brands: Demonstrator, Flood, Meth Vehicle, Non-Repairable, Rebuilt Vehicle (Anti-Theft Inspection Passed), Replica, Specially Constructed, Used, odometer brands (Actual/Not Actual Mileage), and more. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Certificate (blue) for vehicles <10 years old, damage >75% of retail value; Non-Repairable (red) for vehicles not safe for operation/parts only.
Rebuilt: Inspection required, submit salvage cert., photos, receipts for parts, $75.00 conversion fee ($85.50 for dealers); title branded “Rebuilt Vehicle, Anti-Theft Inspection Passed.”
Junk: Surrender title for cancellation if vehicle demolished/processed for scrap; electronic NMVTIS reporting required.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: Application (RV-F1315201), $5.50 + $8.50 county fee, + mail/service fees.
Corrected: Return erroneous title with explanation; no fee if official error.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for rebuilt/specially constructed/replica/homemade trailers.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, for all except wet signature required on Certificate of Title.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Sales/Use Tax: 7.0% on full purchase price;State Single Article Tax: 2.75% on $1,600–$3,200.
Local Option Tax: up to 2.75% on first $1,600.
Trade-in credit allowed (must be on invoice).
Exemptions: New residents, nonresidents (if removed from TN within 3 days), gifts/relatives, certain carriers, and more.
Personal Property Tax: Levied by counties (vehicles included in total property).
Wheel Tax: Collected by some counties.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Application (RV-F1315201) + assigned title/MSO + lien instrument, $11.00 + $5.50 title fee + $8.50 county fee.
Perfected as of creation if filed within 20 days; otherwise, as of filing.
First lienholder may file temporary lien with Secretary of State ($10.00 fee).
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must discharge lien within 72 hours by registered mail; deliver title to next lienholder/owner within 7 days.
Release: Title with discharge date/signature, tear-away portion of title, or letter on lienholder letterhead.
Assignment: Lienholder may assign without owner consent but must notify owner in writing.
How does repossession work in TN?
Lienholder may repossess if peaceful; purchaser submits Application (RV-F1315201), assigned title, Certification of Sales Under Special Conditions (RV-F1312101), and fees.
If lien not on title, submit true copy of lien instrument + notice of sale/bill of sale/auction receipt.
Out-of-state repos must follow home-state procedures if not recorded on TN title.
Other notes:
Garagekeeper’s lien: 10 days’ notice, can sell at auction if unpaid.
Enforcement Agency:
Tennessee Department of Revenue, Title & RegistrationLocal County Clerk Office
615.741.3101 | TN DOR
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Tennessee Highway Patrol, PO Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 minimum; proof must be carried.
No safety/emissions inspection required.
One plate issued; transferable to another vehicle.
Title records kept 5 years; imaged records up to 12 years.