RegistryFee

Tennessee Title Transfer Fee Calculator

Transferring a vehicle title in Tennessee costs $14 in title fees — but the real cost of a private-party purchase is usually the tax: 7% state sales tax on the full price, plus local option tax (up to 2.75%) on the first $1,600 and a 2.75% state single-article tax on the $1,600–$3,200 slice — local add-ons max out around $88. Budget the tax on top of the title and plate fees, and transfer within the state's deadline to avoid penalties.

Verified against official Tennessee sources on 2026-07-17. How we verify fees.

Your purchase

Estimated annual cost
$0.00/ year
    One-time fees (first registration)
    • Tax on sale
      7% state sales tax on the full price, plus local option tax (up to 2.75%) on the first $1,600 and a 2.75% state single-article tax on the $1,600–$3,200 slice — local add-ons max out around $88.
      $2,450.00
    • Title fee
      $14.00
    One-time total: $2,464.00

    Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-17. This state's full local formula is not yet implemented; see the notes below the calculator.

    What determines title transfer cost in Tennessee?

    • Purchase price (tax basis)
    • Title fee ($14)
    • Tax on private-party sales
    • Family/gift exemptions

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does a title transfer cost in Tennessee?

    The title fee itself is $14. 7% state sales tax on the full price, plus local option tax (up to 2.75%) on the first $1,600 and a 2.75% state single-article tax on the $1,600–$3,200 slice — local add-ons max out around $88. Use the calculator above with your purchase price for the full picture.

    Do I pay sales tax on a private-party car purchase in Tennessee?

    Yes — 7% state sales tax on the full price, plus local option tax (up to 2.75%) on the first $1,600 and a 2.75% state single-article tax on the $1,600–$3,200 slice — local add-ons max out around $88.

    Are family transfers or gifted vehicles taxed in Tennessee?

    Sales between spouses, siblings, and lineal relatives (parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and their spouses) are NOT taxed — file the Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfer. Aunts, uncles, and cousins don't qualify.

    How long do I have to transfer a title in Tennessee?

    Tennessee requires titling before operating on public roads — no fixed statewide grace period; counties commonly allow 30 days.

    More Tennessee calculators

    Tennessee vehicle registration fees →Tennessee boat registration fees →Tennessee trailer registration fees →Tennessee motorcycle registration fees →Tennessee moped registration fees →Tennessee golf cart & lsv registration fees →Tennessee atv registration fees →Tennessee rv registration fees →Tennessee business registration fees →Tennessee concealed carry permit fees →Tennessee hunting & fishing license fees →Gifting a car in Tennessee? →

    Title Transfer calculators for other states

    AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelaware

    More Tennessee fees

    Vehicle registration →Driver's license →Marriage license →Birth certificate →Divorce filing →Name change →LLC / business →Real estate transfer tax →Sales tax permit →Boat registration →Moped & scooter →Golf cart & LSV →Disabled parking placard →

    title transfer in nearby states

    Kentucky →Virginia →North Carolina →Georgia →Alabama →

    Official Tennessee resources

    Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.

    Tennessee DOR — Title and Registration ↗☎ (888) 871-3171revenue.support.tn.gov — fee source ↗tn.gov — fee source ↗

    Data last reviewed 2026-07-17.