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Title Only

Tenn. Code Ann. Section 55-3-101 (a) indicates every motor vehicle or motorized bicycle, as defined in chapter 8 of this title, and every trailer, semi-trailer, and pole trailer as defined by Section 55-1-105, when driven or moved upon a highway, and every mobile home or house trailer when occupied shall be subject to the registration and certificate of title provisions of chapters 1-6 of this title, except as indicated in Tenn. Code Ann. Sections 55-3-101 (1) through 55-3-101 (4).

However, there are certain instances when a Title Only is applicable, including but not limited to the following:

  1. Out-of-state Repossession.
  2. Insurance company settlement.
  3. Dealership selling vehicle out of state (must be accompanied with name and address of out-of-state resident along with letter from out-of-state DMV advising they will not accept our documentation if applicable).
  4. The owner of a mobile home.
  5. Non-profit organization, examples: American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, Churches, etc.

NOTE:  Eligibility determination for title only is made on a case by case basis.

Persons applying for Title Only for all reasons, with the exception of a request resulting from the unrecovered theft of the vehicle, may make application at the office of their local county clerk.  Ensure the clerk is informed of the reasons why a title only is required.

The fee for title only is $11. Additional county fees may apply.

Requests for title only due to unrecovered theft may be sent, along with applicable fees, to:

Tennessee Department of Revenue
Vehicle Services Division, Research Unit
44 Vantage Way, Suite 160
Nashville , TN 37243-8050

NOTE:  Applications for title only sent to the state, which are not due to unrecovered theft of a vehicle will be returned to the applicant with instructions to file through the office of the local county clerk.