by Armando Martinez
License Plate Transfer Process in Tennessee
In Tennessee, license plates are issued to the vehicle owner. The seller will be responsible for removing their plates once the vehicle sale is completed. The buyer will have the option to transfer license plates from another vehicle registered in the state of Tennessee, if they choose, otherwise new license plates will be issued during the registration process.
Transfer Process for Buyers
As a buyer, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to complete your vehicle registration. You can transfer your plates from a car you sold or traded to another car you've just bought. You cannot transfer your license plates to another person.. To do this, you'll need to take the following steps:
1. Obtain your seller's title, bill of sale from the seller that includes the VIN, purchase price, and date of sale.
2. Visit your local county clerk's office and bring your current registration, the bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your driver's license or other government-issued ID.
3. Pay the $1.00 transfer fee and difference in registration fees.
Transfer Process for Sellers
As a seller, you are responsible for removing the license plate from the vehicle before handing it over to the buyer. If you're planning to replace the vehicle or purchase a new one, you can transfer the license plate to your new vehicle by following these steps:
1. Bring the old license plate, registration, and proof of insurance for the new vehicle to your local county clerk's office.
2. Pay the required $1.00 transfer fee and difference in registration fees.
3. If you do not plan to transfer your license plates to a new vehicle or cancel your insurance, you must surrender your plate at your TN County Clerk's Office along with payment for any county service fee.
4. For more information, please see the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s home page for surrendering license plates.
Seller Notification to DMV
Once you’ve completed the sale of your vehicle, you’ll need to cancel your license plate with the DMV. Complete and follow the instructions on form VS-09162021 - Vehicle License Plates Cancellation in order to do so.
License Plate Fees and Taxes
In Tennessee, license plate fees vary depending on the type of vehicle and the type of license plate. Here are the fees you can expect to pay:
- Standard license plate and registration: $26.50
- Personalized license plate: $70
- Specialty plate: $56-$76, depending on the plate type
The state of Tennessee will also charge a state sales tax, local tax and single-use tax. These taxes will be assessed at the time of registration.
It's important to note that these fees are subject to change, so be sure to check with your local county clerk's office for the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth license plate transfer process when buying or selling a used car in a private party sale in Tennessee. Remember to obtain a bill of sale and proof of insurance, and check with your local county clerk's office for any additional requirements. You can find more information at the Tennessee State Government Driver’s Services page. Happy buying or selling!
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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