Tennessee Title Transfer Guide (Private Sale)
Transferring a car title in Tennessee after a private sale: the state transfer fee is $14, and sales tax of 7% is typically collected at transfer. Both parties sign the title; the buyer files with the state.
Verified against official Tennessee sources · 2026-06-12 · Reviewed by the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team
Transfer fee
$14
Deadline
See state
Sales tax
7%
Inspection
Not required
Official source: www.tn.gov
Before you sign: run the VIN
The transfer is the last moment problems are the seller's. The $9.99 Full VIN Report shows the vehicle's federal record — recalls, owner complaints, service bulletins — and the original window sticker where available, in about a minute. One-time, no subscription. Run the report →
FAQ
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Tennessee?
The state title transfer fee is $14. On a private sale, sales tax (7% in Tennessee) is typically due at transfer, plus registration if you're plating the vehicle. Verified 2026-06-12.
How long do I have to transfer a title in Tennessee after buying?
Tennessee sets a transfer deadline after purchase (commonly 10–30 days; the state's titling page has the exact window). Late transfers usually incur penalties.
What should I check before signing the title?
Three things: (1) the VIN on the title matches the dashboard and door-jamb VIN character-for-character; (2) the title face is clean of brands (salvage, flood, rebuilt) and undisclosed lien notations; (3) the vehicle's federal record — the $9.99 CarWhere Full VIN Report shows recalls, owner complaints, and service bulletins for that exact vehicle, plus the original window sticker where available. Most title problems are cheaper to find before the handshake.
Who holds the title after the transfer if I have a loan?
Depends on the state: in most states the lender holds the title until payoff; in seven owner-held states (Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York) you hold it with the lien recorded. See CarWhere's title-holding states guide for the full map.
Sources: transfer fee and deadline from Tennessee titling guidance (linked above); tax and inspection facts from CarWhere's per-state dataset. Figures change by statute — confirm with the state before filing. Cite this page: CarWhere, "Tennessee Title Transfer Guide," carwhere.com/titles/title-transfer/tennessee, verified 2026-06-12.