Tennessee Title Transfer Cost
Transferring a car title in Tennessee costs $14 in title fees. Buying a used car privately for $15,000, you'd pay about $1,134.50 in total, with $1,094 of that in tax and the rest for title and registration.
Tennessee title fees
These are the title-related fees in Tennessee's official schedule (source). Most buyers pay only the standard title fee, plus a lien fee if the car is financed.
| Title | $14 |
|---|---|
| Title breakdown (state) | $5.50 |
| Title breakdown (clerk) | $8.50 |
| Lien | $11 |
| Plate | $26.50 |
| Plate transfer | $1 |
Example: buying a used car from a private seller in Tennessee
A 4-year-old car bought from a private seller for $15,000, worked out with the Tennessee car tax calculator:
| Title | $14 |
|---|---|
| Tax on the sale | $1,094 |
| Registration (if you register it now) | $26.50 |
| Estimated total | $1,134.50 |
Local taxes, county fees and inspections aren't included. Run your own numbers in the calculator.
Deadline and late fees
Tennessee charges a penalty if the title isn't transferred on time. Late penalties: plate $26.50; plate transfer $1.
Transferring a title to a family member or as a gift
| Gift | Tax $0 |
|---|---|
| Family transfer (DOR list) | Tax $0 |
| Divorce settlement between spouses | Tax $0 |
Inherited vehicles
| Inheritance | Tax $0 |
|---|
Other cases that change the cost in Tennessee
| Military exemption | Tax $0 |
|---|---|
| Tax paid to another state | Credit applies to state and single-article tax only; local tax still due |
| Private sale under 75% of fair market value | May require Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfer |
How Tennessee works out what you owe
- Net = price - trade-in + doc fee
- State tax = net x 7%
- Single-article tax = 2.75% x (portion of net between $1,600 and $3,200), max $44
- Local tax = local rate x min(net, $1,600)
- Total = state tax + single-article + local tax + title + plate + EV/hybrid fee + wheel tax + lien + doc fee
What to bring
The title signed over by the seller (with the odometer reading), a bill of sale, proof of insurance and your ID. If the car still has a loan, the lender must release the lien first.
Official sources checked for Tennessee: revenue.support.tn.gov, www.tn.gov.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Tennessee?
The title fee is $14. For a used car bought privately for $15,000, the title, tax and registration come to about $1,134.50.
Do I pay sales tax when a title is transferred in Tennessee?
Usually yes. On a $15,000 private sale, Tennessee charges about $1,094. Gifts, family transfers and inheritances can be treated differently (see below).
Is there a late fee for transferring a title in Tennessee?
Yes. Plate: $26.50; Plate transfer: $1.
How do I transfer a car title to a family member in Tennessee?
Gift: Tax $0. Family transfer (DOR list): Tax $0. Divorce settlement between spouses: Tax $0.
What happens to a car title after a death in Tennessee?
Inheritance: Tax $0.