Tennessee DMV Services

🚗 1. Where & When You Must Apply

• Tennessee does not generally accept full titling/registration by mail unless under special circumstances.
• If you buy from a dealer, they often prepare and submit the paperwork for you.
• It’s best to title and register the vehicle soon after purchase — you can drive the car with temporary tags but the permanent title/registration should be completed as required by law.

📄 2. Required Documents

📝 A. Ownership / Title Documents

New Vehicle (front‑end purchase from a dealer)

• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) for new vehicles
• Dealer sale paperwork showing price, trade‑in, etc.

Used Vehicle (private party or dealer)

• Previous signed title properly completed with:
  • Buyer’s name and address
  • Seller’s signature(s) (and notarization if required)
  • Sale date and sale price
  • Odometer reading (if applicable)

Out‑of‑State Vehicle

• Original out‑of‑state title
• You will surrender the out‑of‑state title as part of the Tennessee titling process.

📊 C. Odometer Disclosure

• Required if the vehicle is 10 years old or newer.
• If the title does not list the odometer or is out of space, bring a separate odometer disclosure document.

🪪 D. Identification

• A valid driver license or state‑issued photo ID.
• If the car is bought in someone else’s name or you are signing for someone, a power of attorney may be required.

📈 E. Proof of Tennessee Residency (if applicable)

Not always required, but some clerks may ask for proof of residency such as:

• A utility bill, lease agreement, or similar mail that shows your Tennessee address.

🚗 F. Proof of Auto Insurance

• Proof of current auto liability insurance is required to register the vehicle.
  • The insurance must meet Tennessee’s minimum liability requirements.

💵 3. Taxes

• Tennessee charges 7% state sales tax on the purchase price of the vehicle + transportation cost + Document fee + add ons + warranties
• Trade in allowed
• Reciprocal state with CA
• If lease vehicle paid monthly, lessor Tax ID # will need to be provided

🕒 4. Deadlines & Rules

• Within 30 days of purchase: Title and register the vehicle to avoid penalties.
• If you moved to Tennessee, typically must title and register your vehicle soon after establishing residency (time frames vary slightly by county).
• If you purchased out of state and drove into Tennessee, expected to title and register promptly.

🧾 5. Special Situations

📍 Private Sale

When buying from a private seller, you’ll need:

• Signed title from the seller
• Bill of sale (recommended; some clerks require it)
• Completed RV‑4 form
• Insurance proof
• ID and payment

📍 Dealer Sale

• Dealers often handle the paperwork and submit it to the clerk; you still need to provide ID and proof of insurance.

📍 Gifted Vehicle

• If the car was given to you (not sold), certain affidavit or gift documentation may be required.
• Taxes may be reduced or waived in some gift situations depending on relationship and documentation.

📋 6. Quick Checklist 

✔ Original title or MCO
✔ Copy of contract
✔ Original Odometer disclosure
✔ copy of Driver’s License or EIN/FEIN number
✔ Proof of Tennessee auto insurance
✔ Bill of sale or Purchase order
✔ Color of Vehicle
✔ Fees