How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Tennessee
Tennessee has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Tennessee-Specific Note
Tennessee-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Tennessee Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Tennessee, the title transfer fee is $11 and registration costs $26.50 per year. Vehicle sales are subject to 7% state sales tax plus local taxes (can total 9.75%). Tennessee does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Tennessee — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Emissions testing required in Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties
- Title transfer at county clerk office
- Sales tax based on county of purchase
Tennessee sales tax on vehicle purchases
Tennessee has a 7% state sales tax rate. 7% state plus local taxes (total up to 9.75%). Private-party vehicle sales in Tennessee are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $11.
Tennessee bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,712 bill of sale documents for Tennessee transactions, with 46 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Tennessee Vehicle Guides
- Car Recall Process in Tennessee
- Car Title Transfer Fees in Tennessee
- Car Totaled Insurance Payout in Tennessee
- Cash for Cars / Junk in Tennessee
- Certified Pre-Owned Rules in Tennessee
- Curbstoning Laws in Tennessee
Each guide is written specifically for Tennessee laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Tennessee?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Tennessee?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Tennessee?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Tennessee require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Tennessee bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.