Selling a car privately in Tennessee
Tennessee private sales run through the county clerk. The seller assigns the title; buyer name, sale date, price, and odometer reading; and the buyer takes it to their county clerk's office to title, register, and pay state and local sales tax. Tennessee does not require the title to be notarized, and there is no statewide safety inspection to worry about; routine emissions testing has also ended in the counties that used to require it.
With no seller notice-of-sale filing in Tennessee, your protection is paperwork: a complete, dated bill of sale signed by both parties and photos of the assigned title. Tennessee plates belong to the seller; remove them at handoff and transfer or surrender them per your county clerk's process.
The checklist
- 1
Assign the title to the buyer (Tennessee)
Complete the assignment on the Tennessee title with buyer name, date, price, and odometer reading. No notary required; but no cross-outs.
- 2
Give the buyer a dated bill of sale (Tennessee)
Tennessee has no seller notice-of-sale filing, so a signed, dated bill of sale is your record of when ownership changed hands.
- 3
Point the buyer to the county clerk
The buyer titles, registers, and pays sales tax at their county clerk's office. A clean title assignment and bill of sale make that visit painless.
- 4
Remove your license plates
Tennessee plates belong to the seller. Remove them at handoff and transfer or surrender them per your county clerk's process.
- 5
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 6
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 7
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 8
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 9
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 10
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 11
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 12
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 13
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your Tennessee sale packet
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Start your free beta packetTennessee private sale FAQ
Does a Tennessee car title need to be notarized?
No. Tennessee does not require notarization for a private-party title assignment. Fill in the assignment completely and legibly; the county clerk will reject a marked-up title.
Where does the buyer register the car in Tennessee?
At their county clerk's office, where they pay state and local sales tax on the purchase price when titling the vehicle.
Is an emissions or safety inspection required in Tennessee?
No statewide safety inspection exists, and the counties that previously required emissions testing have ended routine testing. Confirm with your county clerk if anything local applies.
How do I protect myself after the sale in Tennessee?
Tennessee has no formal seller notice-of-sale filing, so keep a dated bill of sale signed by both parties and photos of the completed title assignment, and remove your plates before the buyer drives away.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 11, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.