Tennessee DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Tennessee

Transferring a car title varies from state to state. Whenever you buy, sell, inherit or gift a vehicle to a family member – or any vehicle transaction that requires officially transferring ownership to another person’s name – a transfer of title is required.

Our Tennessee DMV Title Transfer Guide and FAQ explores frequently asked questions surrounding the title transfer process and how to transfer a car title in the state of Tennessee including required title transfer fees, transferring a title when the original owner is deceased, transferring a title to a family member and more.

How Are Different Types Of Car Title Transfers Handled?

Here are some of the most common types of transfers and how those title transfers are handled in the state of Tennessee.

How To Transfer A Car Title When The Original Owner Is Deceased

If the owner of the vehicle is deceased, you will need to submit the probated will or a letter from the executor showing you inherited the vehicle. If there is no will, you will need to submit an affidavit of inheritance and a copy of the death certificate. If you did not inherit the car and are just buying it, the executor of the will or a court-appointed administrator must sign off on the title of the car to transfer it to you.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

If the title to a car is missing, the current owner will need to apply for a duplicate title before the car can be transferred to a new owner.

Requesting a duplicate title can be done either in person or via mail.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member

In the state of Tennessee, those who buy or gift cars to qualifying family members are given tax exemptions when transferring the title of the car. Aside from the tax exemption, the rest of the process of transferring the title remains the same as transferring to a private buyer.

As the seller, you must provide the buyer with the Tennessee title certificate, signed by you. An odometer disclosure statement is required and a completed affidavit of non-dealer transfer of motor vehicles and boats is also required. The buyer is then required to complete the title transfer process with the local county clerk.

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title In Tennessee?

One of the most frequently asked question related to Tennessee title transfers is how much is a title transfer?

The state fees related to title transfer fees include an $11 title fee, a $1 title transfer and a fee of $21.50 for a standard license plate, you can also expect to pay both local and state taxes, unless you are transferring a title to a qualified family member. In addition to this, each county may have their own transfer fees.

What Do You Need to Transfer A Car Title?

There are many forms you need to bring with you to meet the title transfer requirements. If you are looking to transfer a car title into your name, you will need to have a signed title certificate, an odometer disclosure statement and an affidavit of non-dealer transfers of motor vehicles and boats, all from the seller.

Additionally, you will be required to supply proof of a passed emissions test, proof of your identity and residency and payment for your transfer fees and taxes. If you wish to transfer the license plates from a different car to your new car, you will also need a copy of the registration for the car the plates are currently on.

How To Fill Out Transfer Of Title Form

How do I fill out the title transfer forms and where do I need to sign the title?

The DMV title transfer form is fairly straight forward in the state of Tennessee. They tell you what information to provide in what box or slot.

However, if you are unsure as to what information needs to be placed in what box, visit your Vehicle Services Division of your local county clerk’s office. They can help you fill out the forms that are needed and get a title transfer.

My Car Title Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

After your have sold your car, it is up to the buyer to go to the county clerk and transfer the title. But, in some cases, the buyer does not do this right away. Unfortunately, this can leave you on the hook if they get into an accident or rack up parking tickets, as you are still the legal owner of the car.

The best way to protect yourself is to take photos of all of your documentation, such as the bill of sale and the completed and signed title. Print out the photos and mail them in to the local county clerk’s office to ensure that your name is taken off of the title.

Tennessee DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Tennessee, or for TN DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles Driver Services website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Tennessee Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Tennessee.