Man applying to title loan after reviewing information about transferring title

How To Transfer A Title In Tennessee

Transferring a car title in Tennessee is simple if you know the steps. Whether you're buying, selling, or looking to get emergency cash through a title loan, understanding the title transfer process is essential.

The Process To Transfer A Title For Buying And Selling Cars

Steps To Transfer A Car Title In TN

If you are buying or selling a vehicle from or to a private party, you will have to include the vehicle title when you are transferring ownership of the car. Before you do this, you need to take the following 2 steps:

  1. Pass Emissions Testing
    Ensure the vehicle passes emissions. The test is valid for 90 days and is required for most Tennessee counties.

  2. Prepare Your Paperwork
    Go to your local Tennessee DMV with:
    • Valid ID (Driver’s license or state ID)
    • Original signed vehicle title
    • Proof of Tennessee residency
    • Vehicle emissions certificate
    • Odometer Disclosure (Form RV-F1317001)
    • Registration (if you're transferring plates)

Transferring a car title in Tennessee is a required step before applying for a Tennessee title loan, which lets you borrow against your vehicle.

person signing documents for a Tennessee title loan

What You Need To Know About Out-Of-State Vehicles And Dealerships

If you are buying or selling an out-of-state car in Tennessee, there are some things that you need to keep in mind before you can transfer a title. You will have the responsibility of alerting the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of transferring a title.

Out Of State Vehicles

Other things that you will have to do when you are transferring an out-of-state vehicle title include:

  • Submitting your out-of-state registration and title
  • Submitting the emissions certificate
  • Paying your title transfer fee
  • Showing proof of residency and identification

Buying From Dealerships

If you are buying or selling your car through a dealership, most of the hard work will be done for you. The dealership will take care of most of the paperwork. However, there are still some things that you might have to take care of yourself. These include:

  • Submitting all of your vehicle’s information, including the Vehicle Identification Number and the statement of origin from the manufacturer
  • Your proof of residency and identification
  • Payment for any titling fees
  • Submission of the current registration if you are transferring it from an older vehicle

Title Fees And Taxes In Tennessee

There are a few fees and taxes that you can expect to have to pay in Tennessee if you are learning how to transfer a title. These fees and expenses include things like:

  • The title itself, which can be up to $11
  • The transfer fee, which is usually only $1
  • The license plate fee, which can be up to $21.5

Nobody likes going to the DMV, but if you have to, you might as well make the most of your time there. Some things that you can do to make the most of your time there include registering your vehicle and getting a copy of your driving records.

Why Title Transfers Matter For Title Loans

One major reason to learn how to transfer a title in Tennessee is because it allows you to apply for a title loan in TN. A title loan lets you use your car's value to get fast cash for emergencies.

Benefits of Tennessee Title Loans:

  • Get up to $2,500 in same-day cash
  • No store visit required, mobile reps can come to you
  • Keep your vehicle during repayment
  • Quick process, easy online form and fast approval
  • Bad credit is okay

To apply, you'll need:

  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Lien-free car title
  • Your vehicle for inspection

Learn more about how Tennessee Title Loans work and start your title loan application online.

sticky notes with Tennessee car title loans and car

Contact Us Today To Learn More About Title Loans

Learning how to transfer a title in Tennessee is a simple but important process. This also gives you the freedom to apply for Tennessee quick cash if you need to pay for emergency expenses. Call us today to learn more about how you can benefit from a Tennessee title loan or fill out a short online form to get started!

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Emma Frost

Emma Frost is a lifestyle and finance blogger with a talent for communication and a passion for financial literacy. She uses her writing talents to explore topics that help her readers gain financial stability and growth.