TN🔑 Buy a Used Car

Tennessee Used Car Buyer's Paperwork Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare for buying a used vehicle from a private seller in Tennessee. Confirm the latest requirements with the Tennessee Department of Revenue — Title and Registration Services before completing your transaction.

Tennessee Department of Revenue — Title and Registration Services ↗

Quick answer

To complete a buy a used car in Tennessee, contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue. You have 30 days to complete the filing.

State: Tennessee
Agency: Tennessee Department of Revenue
Process: Buy a Used Car
Notary required: No
Bill of sale: Conditional
Odometer disclosure: Yes
Filing deadline: 30 days
Last verified: 2026-05-13
Official source: Tennessee Department of Revenue ↗

⚠ Independent Checklist — Not an Official SourceThis is an independent checklist based on official state motor vehicle sources. Requirements in Tennessee can vary by vehicle type, lien status, county, and transaction details. Always confirm with your official state motor vehicle agency before submitting documents or fees. This is not legal advice and is not affiliated with any DMV or government agency.

📋 Data note: Some fields on this page are based on general guidance and may not reflect the latest state requirements. Confirm specific details with the official state agency.

Quick reference

Notary required?

✗No

Bill of sale?

◆Conditional

Odometer disclosure?

✓Yes

Inspection required?

✗No

⏱ Important Deadlines

30-day deadline: Buyer must submit the signed title and application to the county clerk's office within 30 days of purchase.Official source ↗

Buyer Checklist

Items the buyer typically needs to prepare or provide.

Signed title from sellerRequired(buyer)

The seller must have signed the title over to you. Check that the odometer reading is noted.

Bill of saleRecommended(buyer)

Proof of purchase with VIN, price, and both parties' information.

Government-issued photo IDRequired(buyer)

Required when submitting title transfer paperwork.

Payment for title transfer feesRequired(buyer)

Fees vary by state. Check your state's official DMV fee schedule.

Proof of insuranceRequired(buyer)

Most states require proof of minimum liability insurance before issuing plates.

Sales tax paymentConditional(buyer)

Sales or use tax is typically due when registering the vehicle. Rate and basis vary by state.

Required Forms

Signed title from sellerRequired(buyer)

The seller must sign the title over to you. Verify the VIN and odometer reading.

Title transfer applicationRequired(buyer)

Form required to apply for a new title in your name. Requirements vary by state.

Special requirements

Notarization✗No

Tennessee does not require notarization of its own titles for private-party transfers. Tennessee honors notarization requirements of out-of-state titles (e.g., if the title was issued by a state that requires notarization).

Bill of Sale◆Conditional

A bill of sale is required only when the seller holds a lien-encumbered title — in that case it must be notarized and include the lienholder's name and address. For standard private sales with a clear title, a bill of sale is recommended but not legally required.

Odometer Disclosure✓Yes

Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.

Inspection✗No

Tennessee ended its vehicle emissions testing program. No seller emissions certificate is required for private sales statewide.

Step-by-step process

1Run a vehicle history report (e.g., CARFAX or NMVTIS) before purchase.
2Verify the seller's name matches the name on the title.
3Ensure the title is free of liens or confirm the lien will be resolved.
4Have the seller sign the title over to you and complete odometer disclosure.
5Obtain a bill of sale from the seller.
6Submit the signed title, application, fees, and proof of insurance to your state DMV.
7Pay any applicable sales tax.

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not verifying that the seller is the titled owner.
✗Failing to check for outstanding liens before purchase.
✗Missing the deadline to register the vehicle after purchase.
✗Not getting a bill of sale.

Official links

↗Tennessee Revenue — Vehicle Titlingwww.tn.gov

Always verify with the official state agency before submitting documents. Requirements change.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to register after buying a used car?

Deadlines vary by state. In Tennessee, confirm the registration deadline with the Tennessee Department of Revenue — Title and Registration Services to avoid late fees.

What if the title has errors?

Do not accept a title with correction fluid or scratched-out information. Ask the seller to obtain a corrected title from the DMV before completing the sale.

Can I drive the car home before registering it?

Many states offer a short window or allow a temporary permit. Check your state agency for guidance.

Other Tennessee vehicle tasks

🚗Sell a Car→📄Title Transfer→📋Replace Lost Title→🗺️Out-of-State Registration→

Tools and resources

🧮Estimate title transfer costs in Tennessee→🧮Estimate registration costs in Tennessee→📊Compare buy a used car across all 50 states→📖What is a car title?→📖What is a lien release?→

Last reviewed: 2026-05-13 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Tennessee Department of Revenue — Title and Registration Services sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice