How to Sell a Car Privately in Tennessee
Selling your car yourself in Tennessee comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- The seller must give the buyer a certificate of title that is properly assigned to the buyer. revenue.support.tn.gov
- The buyer takes the signed title to their county clerk to apply for a new title and registration. tn.gov
- A buyer purchasing from another Tennessee resident must title and register the car before driving it on public roads. revenue.support.tn.gov
- Never use white-out or erase on a title assignment, because that voids the title and forces a duplicate-title request. revenue.support.tn.gov
- A misspelling on a title can be fixed by crossing it out and writing the correction, but the party who made the error must also submit a notarized statement. revenue.support.tn.gov
Notarization
- The odometer disclosure statement is completed with printed names, signatures and dates and has no notary requirement. tn.gov
- The affidavit of non-dealer transfer used for gifts and low-price sales is signed under penalty of perjury and has no notary requirement. tn.gov
- A notarized statement is required only in special cases, such as correcting a misspelling on a title assignment. revenue.support.tn.gov
- A notarized bill of sale is requested only when applying for a certification of ownership because there is no title. tn.gov
Odometer disclosure
- Both seller and buyer must state the mileage on the Tennessee odometer disclosure statement, and false statements can bring fines or imprisonment. tn.gov
- The seller certifies whether the mileage is actual, exceeds the odometer's limits, or is not the actual mileage. tn.gov
- If the mileage is not accurate, the seller and buyer must complete an odometer discrepancy statement or titling is delayed. tn.gov
- Vehicles of model year 2010 or older are exempt from disclosure, as are vehicles over 16,000 pounds GVWR. tn.gov
- Newer vehicles of model year 2011 and up are exempt only once they reach 20 years old, so a 2011 model is exempt starting January 1, 2031. revenue.support.tn.gov
License plates
- Tennessee plates belong to the owner and not the car, so the seller keeps the plate after selling. tn.gov
- A seller can put the plate on another vehicle at the county clerk's office for a $1 transfer fee. tn.gov
- A buyer who wants to move their own plate to the purchased vehicle should bring a copy of the current registration. tn.gov
- State law says a vehicle's registration expires when its title is transferred. tn.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- Sales between individuals are generally taxable, with a 7 percent state rate on the full price. tn.gov
- A local rate up to 2.75 percent applies to the first $1,600 of the price, and an extra 2.75 percent state tax applies to the portion between $1,600.01 and $3,200. tn.gov
- If the price is 75 percent or less of fair market value, both parties must sign the non-dealer transfer affidavit or tax may be owed on full market value. tn.gov
- Transfers between spouses, siblings and lineal relatives, and true gifts, are not taxed. tn.gov
- The county clerk's fee for receiving and forwarding a title application is $8.50. tn.gov
Loans and liens
- Tennessee county clerks note liens on titles, and a new lien costs $11 plus a $14 title fee. tn.gov
- Once a lien is discharged, the owner can apply for a duplicate title with proof of the payoff, and it is mailed to the owner. tn.gov
- While a lien is still on record, a duplicate title can be issued only to the lienholder. tn.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- A gift, a low-price sale, or a transfer between relatives needs the Affidavit of Non-dealer Transfers. tn.gov
- A power of attorney cannot be used to complete the odometer discrepancy form. tn.gov
- A buyer with no title can apply for a certification of ownership only if the vehicle is worth $3,000 or less or is at least 30 years old. tn.gov
- Starting January 1, 2027, buyers must show proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence for certain vehicles. tn.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in Tennessee?
The odometer disclosure statement is completed with printed names, signatures and dates and has no notary requirement. The affidavit of non-dealer transfer used for gifts and low-price sales is signed under penalty of perjury and has no notary requirement.
Is an odometer disclosure required when selling a car in Tennessee?
Both seller and buyer must state the mileage on the Tennessee odometer disclosure statement, and false statements can bring fines or imprisonment. The seller certifies whether the mileage is actual, exceeds the odometer's limits, or is not the actual mileage.
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in Tennessee?
Tennessee plates belong to the owner and not the car, so the seller keeps the plate after selling. A seller can put the plate on another vehicle at the county clerk's office for a $1 transfer fee.
Official Tennessee resources
- TN Revenue: Titling a vehicle (current residents)
- TN Revenue: Initial registration
- TN Revenue: Title and registration forms
- Odometer disclosure statement (RV-F1317001)
- Affidavit of Non-dealer Transfers (F-1301201)
- TN Revenue: Surrendering a license plate
- TN Revenue: Lien notation
- County Clerk Sales and Use Tax Manual (June 2025)
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.