Vehicle Titles

To Obtain a Tennessee Title on a New Vehicle
The Dealership will provide you with the paperwork listed below to register your new vehicle. The owner of the vehicle must appear in person to apply for a Tennessee Title on a new vehicle. If the owner is unable to appear in person, a Power of Attorney form must be completed and notarized authorizing someone else to transact the title transfer on the owner's behalf. *Please note: If there is a lien on your new vehicle the dealership most likely will apply for your new tag and title. You can verify this with the dealership.

*Buyers- Please Note:
All buyers are required to sign transfer of ownership documents supporting the application. (Bill of sale, odometer statement) acknowledging the transfer of ownership.

The owner of the vehicle must submit the following:

• MSO-Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (Odometer statement on back)
• Odometer statement (if not filled out on back of MSO)
• Bill of Sale from the dealership.

Proof of identification and Proof of residency.
Current vehicle registration on the trade-in vehicle if transferring the license plate. A transfer fee of $20.50 if transferring a license plate from another vehicle. ($3.00 additional fee if you do not provide your current registration.)
A transfer fee of $99.50 if purchasing a new license plate.
If noting a lien at the time of transfer, an additional $11.00 notify of lien applies.

Please Note: Additional sales tax may be due if vehicle was purchased out of state

To Obtain a Tennessee Title on a Pre-Owned Vehicle
When purchasing a used vehicle from an individual you should make sure the seller provides you with a properly assigned title. The seller(s) will sign under the ASSIGNMENT OF TITLE BY REGISTERED OWNER section on the back of the title. The sellers name should appear on the front of the title and they will sign the title exactly as it is shown.

*Seller-Please Note:
Only one seller's signature is required if the vehicle is titled to two or more owners and joined by the conjunction "or". If joined by the conjunction "and" all sellers must sign.

*Buyer- Please Note:
Upon receipt of the title all purchasers are required to sign the title regardless of the conjunction to acknowledge the transfer of ownership. Once the title has been properly signed only one purchaser is required to appear in person to apply for new tag and title. If purchaser is unable to appear in person a Power of Attorney form must be completed and notarized authorizing someone else to transact the title transfer on the purchaser's behalf.

*Please Note: only licensed dealers can sign in the REASSIGNMENT BY LICENSED DEALER sections and pass ownership without titling the vehicle in their name.

The owner of the vehicle must submit the following:

• Proof of identification and Proof of residency.
• Properly assigned Certificate of Title and Bill of Sale if purchasing vehicle from a dealership. Fee for new tag and title is $99.50.
• Current vehicle registration if transferring a license plate. Fee for transferring plate and title is $20.50 ($3.00 additional fee applies if you do not provide your current registration)
• If noting a lien at the time of transfer an additional $11.00 noting of lien fee applies
• Sales tax will be collected at the time of registration

Please note: Additional sales tax may be due if vehicle was purchased out of state.Use our Sales Tax Calculator

How to Obtain a Replacement Tennessee Title

• The owner of the vehicle must appear in person and show valid identification to obtain a Tennessee Title. If the owner is unable to appear in person then a Power of Attorney form must be completed and notarized authorizing someone else to obtain the Tennessee Title.
• Owner or Power of Attorney must submit a copy of the vehicle registration or the (VIN) Vehicle Identification Number.
• There is no charge to obtain a replacement Tennessee Title if the title was not received within 90 days from the date of application. (Customer must apply within that 90 days)
  Please Note: that title cannot be replaced until 15 days after the title was issued.
• Replacement fee is $14.00. Cash, Money Order, Debit or Credit Cards. (Additional fees apply to credit and debit card transactions.) Replacement Title Form The County Clerk will issue the replacement Tennessee Title upon application. If there are extenuating circumstances, the title may be mailed.
• TO REPLACE TITLE BY MAIL - Mail in the Replacement Title Form signed and filled out in it's entirety including a phone number, a copy of the applicant's ID, lien release if applicable and a $14.00 cashiers check or money order made payable to Rutherford County Clerk. (no personal checks accepted)

To Note a Lien on a Tennessee Title

• Owner must appear in person or submit notarized Power of Attorney form authorizing someone else to note the lien.
• Complete the Noting of Lien form.
• Submit Tennessee Title
• Submit a copy of the Security Agreement provided by the Lien holder.
• Pay a fee of $25.00 to note the lien.

New to State
Once you have established residency in Rutherford County you are required to make application for Tennessee title and registration. You will need to surrender your out of state title to our office. If there is a lien on your vehicle, bring in your most current registration accompanied by the name and address of the lien holder. Some states issue the title to the owner rather than to the lien holder, in this case you would be required to bring in your title. You must be the owner of the vehicle or furnish a notarized Power of Attorney form from the owner. You will be required to furnish a copy of your drivers license or acceptable proof of identification.

Fees for new Tennessee title and registration:

$99.50-If ownership and lien have already been perfected on out of state title.

$110.50-To establish new ownership with a lien notation.