Tennessee Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Tennessee DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7% · Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Not required |
| Lien release form | RV-F1310801 or Title (lien section) |
Tennessee title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (RV-F1310801 or Title (lien section)) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Tennessee requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Check VIN inspection requirements — if the vehicle is from out of state, confirm whether Tennessee requires a VIN inspection (varies by origin state).
- 5Buyer files at Tennessee DMV — within 30 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Tennessee DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 7% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Tennessee DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Tennessee DMV the same day as the sale.
Tennessee lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form RV-F1310801 or the lien release section on the existing Tennessee title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a county clerk's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Tennessee title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Tennessee estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Tennessee DMV.
Need a Tennessee bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Tennessee DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Tennessee Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessee
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Tennessee?▾
Tennessee requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Tennessee title transfer cost?▾
Tennessee charges 7% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Tennessee?▾
Yes — Tennessee requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Tennessee DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Tennessee?▾
In Tennessee, the lender must complete RV-F1310801 or Title (lien section) confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Tennessee DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Tennessee?▾
Tennessee inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Tennessee DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Tennessee DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07