We've already written upwards guides for how to purchase a used vehicle, how to buy a used vehicle with bad or no credit, and what to exercise afterwards buying a motorcar. But since there are a lot of specifics unique to each state, today we're discussing what you need to know nearly buying, titling, and registering a vehicle in Tennessee.

How to Buy a Vehicle in Tennessee

If you are purchasing a vehicle in Tennessee, yous will need to know some specific information for the proper transfer of ownership into your name.

Instructions for buying a vehicle in Tennessee differ depending on if you are purchasing from a dealership or a private seller.

While information technology can be more expensive to buy a motorcar from a dealership, information technology is a much safer and easier process. Information technology tin likewise exist cheaper to purchase from a dealership depending on the private seller and common individual seller scams. Still, at that place are many steps to accept before you sign the final papers. Read our Car Heir-apparent's Guide and do your homework first.

Purchasing from a Dealership

If you are purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, hither is what you'll need to successfully transfer buying in one become:

  • Government issued photo ID, such every bit a valid commuter'southward license.
  • Proof of income, proof of residence, and proof of insurance. Contact the dealership before you go for specific requirements.
  • If a trade-in is in gild, don't forget your vehicle's championship (or payoff information), valid and electric current vehicle registration, and all keys/remotes. Larn more well-nigh selling or trading in your used vehicle to a dealership.

The dealership will provide you with:

  • A Manufacturer'southward Certificate of Origin (MCO), only if the vehicle hasn't yet been titled in Tennessee. This won't utilize if you are purchasing a used vehicle.
  • Current title, simply if the vehicle is used and has already been titled.
  • Invoice from the dealer that shows the full purchase toll, which is used to make up one's mind sales tax.

Buying a used vehicle from a dealership is a lot easier and less time-consuming than purchasing from a private seller. When y'all bargain with a dealership such as Motorcar Simple, we will handle all of the DMV-related paperwork including title transfers, registration, and any related fees.

After all questions are answered and the paperwork is signed, y'all will receive the keys and copies of all the documents. You simply drive abroad in your new certified pre-endemic vehicle, with all the important documents in the glove box.

Purchasing from a Private Seller

Earlier you lot think about purchasing a machine from a private seller, make certain yous are aware of all the risks.

You will need certain documents and assurances from the individual seller before you lot tin can properly transfer ownership.

Here are the TN Section of Revenue ( DOR ) requirements for titling and registering your vehicle after purchase:

  • Signed and completed title.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form RV-F1317001). Learn more about odometers and odometer fraud.
  • Purchase price.
  • Sale date.

Never purchase a vehicle from a private seller if they don't have a title. If they don't have a title, they must apply for a new championship by completing a Duplicate Championship Application (Course RV-F1321801).

For more data on transferring title information, read the DMV Guide to Title Transfer in Tennessee.

How to Transfer a Championship in Tennessee

Here are the steps for transferring a title from a private seller (via DMV.org ):

  • Get a properly assigned championship and Odometer Disclosure Statement from the previous owner.
  • Bring the paperwork to your local county clerk's office.
  • Provide proof of ID and residency.
  • A copy of your electric current registration if y'all are transferring current license plates to the new car.
  • A completed Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers of Motor Vehicles and Boats (Form RV-F1301201)—For taxation exempted DMV title transfers only (such as a souvenir or a qualifying relative of previous owner).
  • Pay any applicable fees and sales taxes.

If you are new to the state of Tennessee, you will need to championship and register your car with the Vehicle Services Sectionalization (DVS) at your local canton clerk's role.

Make sure yous bring:

  • Current out-of-landregistration.
  • Out-of-statechampionship certificate.
    • If you are making payments on your machine, and take a lien hold, you must provide yourlender's proper name and address.
  • Emissions test certificate (if applicable).
  • Proof of identification and residency.
  • Payment for the championship transfer fee (varies by county).

How to Register a Vehicle in Tennessee

Registering your vehicle is necessary whenever you purchase a vehicle or move to a new country, such every bit Tennessee. If you are purchasing from a dealership, they should exist able to title and register your car for y'all.

Requirements for registering a new vehicle:

  • Manufacturer'south Argument of Origin.
  • Your new car'sinvoice.
  • Copy of yourelectric current registration (if you are transferring license plates from your previous machine).
  • Proof of identification.
  • Proof of residency.
  • Payment for your titling fees (vary by county).

Requirements for registering a used vehicle:

  • Title
  • Proof of identity and residency
  • Odometer Disclosure Argument (if purchased from a private seller)
  • Payment for registration fees
  • Some counties require an emissions inspection Earlier registration

If you are transferring a vehicle title from a private Tennessee seller, visit your local county clerk with the following data:

  • Properly assigned (by the seller)title certificate.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form RV-F1317001).
  • Copy of yourcurrent registration, if you aretransferring your electric current license plates to your new auto.
  • A completed Affidavit of Not-Dealer Transfers of Motor Vehicles and Boats (Grade RV-F1301201)—For taxation exempted DMV title transfers only (come across below).
  • Proof of passedemissions test, if applicable.
    • If the vehicle registration is up for renewal and you live in a required testing county, you or the seller volition likely need to have the motorcar tested prior to a change of ownership.
  • Acceptable proofs of residency and identity.
  • Payment for applicable title transfer fees (varies past TN canton).

Notation: If you are purchasing your vehicle from a individual seller and the vehicle is upwardly for registration renewal, then you will want to take the car inspected and requite the paperwork to the buyer before purchase. Or take them get the automobile inspected themselves.

Don't Buy a Lemon!

Never buy a vehicle from a private seller or used car dealership without obtaining a vehicle history report ( CarFax ) first. This certificate will tell you all the information y'all demand to make sure the motorcar isn't a clunker.

How to Renew Your Vehicle's Registration

Residents of Tennessee who already have a registration should check out the registration renewal page.

  • Submit your passed emissions test information (if your county requires it)
  • Current or most recentout-of-country registration.
  • Your out-of-state title.
    • Bring the name and accost of the lienholder if you lot take a loan out on the vehicle.
  • Identification (such as U.South. driver'south license, nascency document, military ID, etc.).
    • The DOR provides a full list of adequate identification documents.
  • Proof of residency (rental or mortgage agreement, utility pecker, paycheck stub, etc.).
    • Click for full list of adequate proofs of residency in Tennessee.
  • Payment for all required fees.

Visit DMV.org for more information on title transfers and registrations in Tennessee.

You May Not Have to Get out Home!

You may be able to complete many of these tasks without leaving the comfort of your home. Visit the Tennessee DOS online services page for more information.

Remember, the Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR) is the place to become to complete nigh processes that involve your motorcar, truck, or motorbike:

  • Vehicle registration
  • Titles
  • License plates

Looking to sell your used vehicle? Check out our guide for selling your used vehicle to a dealership.

If you have whatsoever questions about the requirements for titles, registration, license plates, and more, contact the Tennessee Section of Safe and Tennessee Department of Acquirement:

TN DOS Contact Info

Main Office: (615) 251-5166

Mailing address:

Tennessee Section of Safety
P.O. Box 945
Nashville, TN 37202

TN DOR Contact Info:

  • Land-wide, toll free: (888) 871-3171
  • Nashville expanse and out-of-land: (615) 741-3101

Mailing address:

Section of Acquirement
Vehicle Services Division
44 Vantage Way, Suite 160
Nashville, TN 37243

Car Simple makes it easy to purchase, championship, and register your new Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle in Tennessee (and a new location in Dalton, GA).

Nosotros behave a large selection of hand-picked used vehicles, all of which come with a 6 month/6,000-mile powertrain warranty. We also own a individual track for test driving!

If you have whatsoever questions, don't hesitate to speak with i of our Online Specialists or give us a call:

Chattanooga, TN – (423) 551-3600

Cleveland, TN – (423) 476-4600

Dayton, TN – (423) 775-4600

Dalton, GA – (706) 217-CARS (2277)

Follow the states for more useful data on ownership, selling, and maintaining cars: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google+.

More from Auto Elementary