How to Sell a Car Privately in Tennessee
Selling a car privately in Tennessee lets you capture closer to true market value compared to a dealer trade-in. The buyer is responsible for paying 7% state sales tax plus local taxes (can total 9.75%) plus the $11 title transfer fee at the DMV.
6-Step Guide: Selling a Car Privately in Tennessee
- 1Research your vehicle's market value on Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and local listings to set a competitive asking price.
- 2Gather documents: signed title, service records, warranty paperwork, and any lien release letters.
- 3Complete a signed bill of sale documenting VIN, sale price, odometer reading, sale date, and both parties' signatures.
- 4Sign over the title to the buyer — the seller signs the back of the title in the designated transfer area.
- 5Buyer takes the signed title and bill of sale to the Tennessee DMV within the required deadline to complete the title transfer and pay the $11 transfer fee.
- 6File a Notice of Transfer or Release of Liability with the Tennessee DMV after the sale to protect yourself from post-sale tickets or liability.
Tennessee-Specific Notes
- ›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
Emissions Test Required
Tennessee requires an emissions or smog test before the buyer can register the vehicle. Confirm current county-level requirements with the Tennessee DMV.
Include a VIN History Report
The Premium plan ($19) includes a VIN history report — shows buyers the vehicle has a clean title and no hidden accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tennessee have a mandatory disclosure law for private car sales?▾
Tennessee generally follows the "as-is" rule for private car sales — sellers are not required to disclose known defects unless asked directly. However, material misrepresentation (fraud) is always a legal risk.
How quickly must I report a private car sale to the Tennessee DMV?▾
Typically within 5 business days of the sale. Contact the Tennessee DMV directly to confirm the current reporting deadline.
Can I sell a car privately in Tennessee without a title?▾
Selling a car without a clear title in Tennessee is strongly discouraged and may be illegal. If you have lost the title, apply for a duplicate at the Tennessee DMV before listing the vehicle. Buyers who purchase without a title may have significant difficulty registering the vehicle.
Get your Tennessee bill of sale + VIN report
Get Bill of Sale + VIN Report ($19) →More Tennessee guides
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Tennessee
- How to Write a Bill of Sale in Tennessee
- Tennessee Bill of Sale Requirements
- Does Tennessee Require Notarization for a Bill of Sale?
- Tennessee Title Transfer Fees & Vehicle Taxes
- Tennessee car bill of sale generator
- Tennessee bill of sale (all vehicles)
- How to Sell a Car Privately — all states
- All bill of sale guides