TENNESSEE Definitions - BIPAC

Titling & Registration
From Tennessee Department of Revenue:
Titling a Vehicle (Current TN Resident)
To title and register your new vehicle, you will need to submit to your resident county clerk the following:
• Manufacturer's Statement of Origin,
• the new vehicle's invoice and
• a copy of your current registration if transferring your license plate
To title and register a used vehicle, submit to your resident county clerk the following:
• a valid certificate of title properly assigned along with an Odometer Disclosure Statement, if
applicable
• a copy of the current registration if transferring your license plate
Please note: You will need to provide proof of identification and proof of residency when titling and
registering your vehicle.
Titling/Registering a Vehicle (New or Relocating to Tennessee)
An application for Certificate of Title and Registration must be filed through the office of your local
county clerk. If your county of residence requires emission testing, the vehicle will need to be tested for
emissions first and then you will need go to your local county clerk's office and pay the required fees.
You will need to take with you the passed emissions certificate (if applicable), the most current out-ofstate
registration and the name and address of the lien holder to whom you are making payments. If
you do not have a lien holder, you must furnish your out of state title.
Please note: You will need to provide proof of identification and proof of residency when titling and
registering your vehicle.
Title Only
T.C.A. 55-3-101 (a) Indicates every motor vehicle or motorized bicycle, as defined in chapter 8 of this
title, and every trailer, semi trailer, and pole trailer as defined by § 55-1-105, when driven or moved
upon a highway, and every mobile home or house trailer when occupied shall be subject to the
registration and certificate of title provisions of chapters 1-6 of this title, except as indicated in T.C.A.
55-3-101 (1) through 55-3-101 (4).
However, there are certain instances when a Title Only is applicable:
1. Out-of-state Repossession.
2. Insurance company settlement.
3. Dealership selling vehicle out of state (must be accompanied with name and address of out-ofstate
resident along with letter from out-of-state DMV advising they will not accept our documentation
if applicable).
4. The owner of a mobile home.
5. Non-profit organization, examples: American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army,
Churches, etc.
In all other instances of an owner’s desiring to apply for a certificate of title without registering the
vehicle, a written request outlining the reasons and need will be necessary. Consideration for approval
for title without registration may be requested by writing to: