Motor Vehicle Services

New Vehicle: Purchaser needs to have in their possession (MSO) Manufacturer Statement of Origin, 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 Tennessee, the difference will be collected at time of registration.

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 vehicle and boats (SF1301201) can be used for low selling price or gift. Do not purchase vehicle if seller’s signature does not match the name on front of 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 vehicle, make sure full name and address is properly recorded on the back of the title.

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

Renewals: The price for regular plates is $24.00 a year. The price for regular personalized or cultural plates is $60.00 a year. The price for personalized cultural or specialty plates is $94.00 a year. The price for motorcycle plates is $17.00 a year.

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. You must provide two current proofs of residence plus you will need your identification. Cost of transferring out of state title and to obtain plate and registration is $35.00.

Replacement of Lost Tennessee Title: A Tennessee title is the only title that may be replaced. No out of state titles. To obtain a replacement title, Certificate for Duplicate Certificate of Title (SF0968) has to be completed and signed by registered owner. Owner must present I.D. and pay $11.00.

Noting of lien: In order to note lien, Noting of Lien (SF0943) has to be completed and signed by registered owner. Must have Tennessee title and a security agreement between the lender and the borrower. Noting of lien is $22.00.

Multiple Owners: Only one signature is required on title if registered to two or more people and is joined by “OR”. if joined by “AND” both signatures are required.

Handicap: A handicap individual must have a application for Disabled Person License Plate and or Placard (SF0953) completed by physician to obtain plates or placard. If purchasing plate, title must have handicap person’s name on it. Handicap license plates are $24.00. If permanently confined to a wheelchair, license plate is free. If handicap individual obtains plates, the placard is free. If no plate is purchased, placard is free, renewable every two years for $3.00.