Title Transfers

The legal document that shows vehicle ownership is called a title. Each time ownership changes, the title must be transferred to the new owner or owners.

Vehicles often have more than one owner; therefore, the owners' names are either joined by "AND" or "AND/OR" on the title. If the names are joined by "AND," both owners are required to sign the title documents in order for a title transfer or vehicle sale to be legal. If the names are joined by "AND/OR," either owner can sign the title document.

Titling Your Vehicle

Vehicles in Tennessee are usually titled and registered at the same time; therefore, the process is basically the same. The Department of Revenue handles all vehicle titles and registrations.

If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will handle all paperwork for you and you'll be charged the applicable fees right there. If you purchased your vehicle from an individual, you'll need to take care of the registration and titling at your local county clerk's office.

Note that you don't need a driver's license to hold a Tennessee title.

What to Take

If your vehicle is new, you'll need to take:

• Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO)

• New vehicle invoice

• A copy of your current registration if you're transferring your license plate

If your vehicle is used, you'll need to take:

• Certificate of Title

• Odometer Disclosure Statement, if applicable

• A copy of your current registration if you're transferring your license plate

Regardless of whether your vehicle is new or used, you must submit proof of identification and proof of residency.

Fees

Whether you purchased your vehicle from a dealership or an individual, the fees will be the same:

• Title: $10.50, including $3 clerk fee

• Registration: $24, including $2.50 clerk fee (Shelby County's registration fee is $23, including $1.50 clerk fee)

• Optional specialty license plate: $35 for specialty plate and another $35 to have it personalized

Special Circumstances

Some types of title transfer require more steps or paperwork.

Removing a Name

To remove a name from a vehicle's title (such as to remove an ex-spouse), you'll need to submit special paperwork to your clerk's office.

For example, in the event of a divorce you'll need the divorce decree, any court documents stating you've been awarded the vehicle, and the odometer statement, lien information, and original title if applicable.

Changing Your Name

The process to change your name on your title is similar to the process to remove a name. Submit to your clerk's office the divorce decree, marriage certificate, or other court document showing that your name has been changed.

Death

To transfer a title in the event of a death, submit to your clerk's office the original title (with the name of the deceased), the death certificate, and any legal documents such as those showing you've been made the deceased's power of attorney.

Gift

To transfer the title of a vehicle that has been given to you as a gift, submit to your clerk's office the original title, a gift affidavit, two forms of identification, and proof of Tennessee residency.

Remember, if you're titling the vehicle in a county that requires emissions testing, you must have the vehicle tested before you can transfer the title.

Out-of-State Titles

Depending on the county in which you live, if you're a new resident you must have emission checks performed on your vehicle before you can title and register it in Tennessee.

Visit our Smog and Emission Check section to find out if an emissions check is required.

Once that's taken care of, you must obtain and complete a Certificate of Title and Registration. This form isn't available online; you can take care of it at your county clerk's office. Take any lienholder information, your out-of-state title, your current registration, proof of identification and residency, and the appropriate fees.

Note that if you're from a nontitling state, you'll need to bring your current registration and the Bill of Sale.

Military personnel should refer to our Military Drivers section as well as Tennessee's Instructions for Military Personnel for specific registration and renewal information.

Titling Facts to Remember

• Don't buy a vehicle from an individual seller unless he or she has the title, it is in his or her name, and he or she can put it in your hands at the time of the sale.

• Check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title matches the VIN on the vehicle.

• Check that the odometer reading on the title is the same as that recorded in the vehicle.

See our Registration FAQs section for more information.