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Selling or junking a car in Tennessee

What Tennessee requires when you sell or junk a car: signing the title, selling without one, duplicate titles, release of liability and plates. Each answer links to the official source.

Checked against official sources in October 2026 · Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Division (titles through county clerks)

How do I sign over a car title in Tennessee?

The seller assigns (signs over) the title to the buyer, who titles it at the county clerk. Seller and buyer complete an odometer disclosure for model year 2011 and newer vehicles (DOR Form RV-F1317001). Vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR and model year 2010 or older are exempt.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Tennessee?

Under T.C.A. §55-3-202(b), a licensed dismantler/recycler or scrap metal processor may buy a vehicle 12 years old or older without seeing the title, solely for parts, dismantling or scrap. The seller signs a statement that they have the lawful right to sell and provides a valid photo ID, and the buyer records the VIN and sale details and waits 3 business days (counting the purchase day) before crushing or shredding. Without the title or this information, the buyer may not complete the purchase. Licensed dismantlers and scrap processors must also report each vehicle to the state within 24 hours.

How do I get a duplicate title in Tennessee?

Apply in person or by mail through your county clerk using the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title Application. The fee is $14, and county fees may be added. Include proof that all liens are released, plus a power of attorney and ID if someone else applies in person. If a lien remains, the lienholder must request it.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Tennessee?

Tennessee plates follow the owner, not the vehicle. The seller keeps them and can transfer them to another vehicle for a $1 fee at the county clerk.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Tennessee?

If an insurer declares a vehicle a total loss, the original title and registration are void. Owners of vehicles under 10 years old can apply for a Salvage Certificate, and non-repairable vehicles get a Non-repairable Certificate, which bars titling and registration in TN. Both are applied for by mail only to DOR Vehicle Services, 500 Deaderick St., Nashville, TN 37242.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Tennessee?

A tow firm or garagekeeper removing a vehicle (with written authorization from law enforcement, the vehicle owner, or the private property owner) must request owner verification from DOR within 3 business days. It must notify the owner and lienholders within 3 business days after getting their information, with at least 10 days to pay. If unclaimed, it may advertise and auction the vehicle no less than 15 days after first publication.

Official sources

  1. TN DOR - Titling a Vehicle (Current Residents)
  2. TN DOR - Surrendering a License Plate
  3. TN DOR - Duplicate Title
  4. TN DOR - Salvage, Non-repairable and Rebuilt Vehicles
  5. TN DOR - Abandoned Vehicles Procedure
  6. TN DOR Form RV-F1317001 Odometer Disclosure Statement
  7. Tennessee Public Chapter 684 (2012) amending T.C.A. 55-3-202(b)
  8. TN DOR - Tennessee NMVTIS Reporting

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Division (titles through county clerks) before you sell.

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