Motorists wondering how to perform an out of state car title transfer in TN can find steps to quickly process the required forms below. Completing an out of state car title transfer in Tennessee is a required step for vehicle owners who bring a nonresident vehicle with them to the state.

To transfer an out of state car title, applicants will be required to submit the necessary documents and cost payments through their county clerk’s office. In addition, when completing the TN out of state car title transfer process, motorists may also be required to register their vehicles at the same time.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Tennessee?

To successfully finalize a cross state car title transfer in Tennessee, vehicle owners are encouraged to learn more about the process to transfer a car title. A cross state title transfer in TN is a titling procedure that must be finalized through the state Department of Revenue (DOR).

The purpose of the process is to convert an out-of-state title to a new certificate of title. If you do not re-title a car on another state DMV’s database after moving to that state, you will be unable to properly register it.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Tennessee?

If you are wondering when is out of state car title transfer necessary in Tennessee, it is important to note that you will have to initiate the corresponding title transfer transaction for each vehicle brought within the state from an out-of-state jurisdiction. Therefore, transferring an out of state car title is a necessary step for both new state residents and for existing residents who have procured a vehicle from an out-of-state owner.

Remember that a transfer of title will only take place if the vehicle in question was already titled. As such, vehicles transported within the state on a manufacturer’s certificate of origin will be titled for the first time with the state DOR.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Tennessee

Submitting the documents needed for out of state title transfer in Tennessee is one of the more important steps in the process of transferring an out of state car title. Note that the out of state car title transfer information and paperwork may vary slightly depending on whether or not a transfer of ownership has transpired.

The documents needed to title and register a vehicle as a new state resident, for instance, are provided below:

  • The bill of sale
  • An odometer disclosure statement, if required
  • The current vehicle registration, if the title is in the possession of a lienholder
  • Proof of a passed emissions test, if required
  • A power of attorney form, if applicable
  • Proof of state residency
  • An official form of identification, such as a driving license or an ID card

When completing the process of transferring an out of state vehicle title in TN under slightly different circumstances, you may need to furnish additional information and documents. For example, to transfer an out of state vehicle title after purchasing a vehicle from outside the state, you will need a signed-over vehicle title containing the signatures of all recorded owners.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Tennessee as a New Resident

Completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident in Tennessee is a process comprised of several steps, such as gathering the necessary paperwork, making a visit to your county clerk’s location and submitting the necessary items and fee payments in person. Note that a statewide option to complete an out of state title transfer online in TN has not been implemented by the state DOR.

Once you initiate the process, your county clerk will check the completeness of your application. If you submit all necessary documents and fee payments, your request to perform a title transfer will be approved and you will receive your vehicle documents as soon as they are manufactured. Note that your new vehicle title will be mailed to your address on file.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Tennessee After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

If you are completing the Tennessee process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car from outside of the state, you will be required to follow very similar steps as those that apply when titling a vehicle as a new resident. Therefore, in order to complete the in person out of state title transfer after buying a vehicle, you will be required to visit your county clerk’s site and provide the paperwork that applies to your current circumstances.

Note that, apart from finalizing the TN out of state title transfer after buying a car, you will also have to transfer the title of vehicles received as a gift or as part of an inheritance. In such cases, however, you may be required to complete additional steps. Transferring an out of state auto titles of inherited vehicles, for instance, is a process that will also require the submission of certain probate court documents or a copy of the decedent’s death certificate and a notarized Affidavit of Inheritance.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Tennessee

When completing your out-of-state transfer, you will be required to pay several fees, since you must title and register your vehicles simultaneously. Therefore, apart from paying the main price of a cross state car title transfer, which is $11, motorists will also be required to pay varying license plate costs.

The total cost of transferring an out of state car title may also vary from county to county. For example, to perform a title transfer in Davidson County, vehicle owners will be required to pay titling and the registration fees. Sumner County, on the other hand, also implements a lien-recording fee for all applicants who would like to note a lien on their title certificate.

Note: If you are completing the TN out of state vehicle title transfer for a recently purchased vehicle, you will also be required to pay the applicable sales tax.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.