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New Vehicle: Purchaser needs to have in their possession a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) completed by dealer and purchaser.  Also need bill of sale stating tax collected and lien holder (if any).  If vehicle is purchased out of state and sales tax is lower than TN, the difference will be collected at time of registration.  An odometer reading is required.

Used Vehicle: Purchaser should have title in their possession with the buyer’s and seller’s signatures.  Odometer is required for vehicles ten years or newer.  Tax will be collected at time of registration unless dealer collected tax.  Selling price of vehicle has to be 75% of book value.  Low selling price will delay process of issuing title.  Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers of Motor Vehicles and Boats (SF 1301201) can be used for low selling price or gift.  Do not purchase vehicle if seller’s signature does not match the name on the front of the title.  If lien appears on front of title, make sure it has been released before purchase.  If lien needs to be noted on either new or used vehicles, make sure full name and address is properly recorded on back of title. 

Moving to Tennessee: Owner needs title from previous state, or if still paying on vehicle, owner needs current registration and full name and address of lien holder.  Cost of transferring out of state title and to obtain plate and registration is $35.00.

Replacement of Lost Tennessee Title: Tennessee title is the only title that may be replaced.  No out of state titles.  To obtain a replacement title, owner must furnish VIN number, present ID and pay $11.00.  To obtain a replacement title for someone else, the applicant must have Power of Attorney from the owner.

Noting of Lien: In order to note lien, Noting of Lien (SF 0943) has to be completed and signed by registered owner.  Must have TN title and a security agreement between lender and borrower and pay $11.00.

Multiple Owners: Signature of each owner is required on title even if names are joined by “OR.”

Selling of Vehicle: Registered owners of vehicle sign their names as signature(s) of seller.  Individual obtaining ownership of vehicle signs their names as buyer with complete address.  Seller should never sign title without buyer completing his or her portion on the title.  This is known as an open title and could result in penalties to the seller.

Handicap: Individual with handicap must have Application for Disabled Person License plate and/or Placard (SF 0953) completed by physician to obtain plates or placard.  If purchasing plate, title must have handicap person’s name on it.  Handicap license plates at time of renewal are $24.00.  If it is not renewal time and you are wishing to get handicap plates, you will need to surrender your current plate for credit and your handicap plate will be issued for a full year from when you exchange plates.  If permanently confined to wheelchair, up to two license plates are free.  If handicap individual obtains plate, the first placard is free.  If no plate is purchased, the cost of the placard is $21.50, renewable every two years for $3.00.

Renewals: The price for regular plates is $24.00/year.  The price for regular personalized or cultural plates is $60.00/year.  The price for personalized cultural or specialty plates is $95.00.  The price for motorcycle plates is $17.00/year.