Does Tennessee exempt casual private car sales from sales tax?

No. While Tennessee law exempts casual and isolated sales for many household goods, motor vehicles, vessels, and aircraft are explicitly excluded from the casual sale exemption and are fully taxable.

Can I deduct a trade-in on a private vehicle sale in Tennessee?

No. Under Tennessee Department of Revenue regulations, trade-in allowances only reduce the taxable sales price when trading a vehicle directly with a licensed motor vehicle dealer. Private transactions are taxed on the full agreed price.

How much does a title and plate cost in Tennessee?

The state certificate of title fee is $14.00, and standard passenger plate registration is $26.50. If financed, an $11.00 lien noting fee applies. Local county clerk processing fees and county wheel taxes may also apply.

Verified for 2026 Tennessee Statutory Rates

Tennessee Private Party Vehicle Tax, Tags & Title Calculator

Calculate your true first-year out-of-pocket costs for a private vehicle sale in Tennessee. Accurately accounts for 7% excise/sales tax, $14 certificate of title fee, 1 or 2-year tag registration, and state-specific regulations.

Vehicle & Transaction Details

Enter purchase information to calculate true out-of-pocket costs in Tennessee.

State of Registration5 Regional States Active

Vehicle Type

Purchase Price (Agreed Sale Price)Tennessee 7% tax base

Vehicle Model Year7 years old

Vehicle Weight ClassificationClass A Passenger

Registration TermTennessee tag options

Powertrain / Fuel TypeEV surcharge rules

Financing & Lien FilingLien fee: $11.00

Trade-in Value (Optional)Tennessee: Non-Deductible

Tennessee Notice: Tennessee taxes the full agreed vehicle price — trade-ins do not reduce the tax base on private-party sales.

Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only — not tax or legal advice. Verify with Tennessee Department of Revenue or your local County Clerk.

Casual and private party sales of motor vehicles in Tennessee are subject to the 7.0% state sales and use tax.

Trade-in tax credits are restricted to purchases from licensed dealers; private sales are taxed on the full purchase price.

Local option sales taxes (up to 2.75%), state single-article tax, and county wheel taxes may apply.

County & Local Tax Note: Tennessee counties levy local option sales taxes between 1.50% and 2.75% on the first $1,600 to $3,200 of purchase price, plus a single article state tax of 2.75% on amounts between $1,600 and $3,200. Many counties also assess a local wheel tax ($10 to $100+).

Estimated Total Breakdown

First-Year Out-of-Pocket Cost

Jurisdiction

Tennessee

Total True First-Year Cost

$1,090.50

Sales/Excise Tax + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee

1Vehicle Sales / Excise Tax (7%)

Calculated at 7% on taxable base of $15,000

$1,050.00

2Certificate of Title Fee

Standard state title certificate issuance

$14.00

3Lien / Security Filing Fee

Unfinanced / cash purchase (waived $0.00)

$0.00

4Registration & Tag Fee

Base license plates & tags

$26.50

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Frequently Asked Questions

Tennessee Private Vehicle Sales & Tag Rules

Essential statutory answers regarding MVA excise taxes, titling requirements, and tag renewal fees.

Tennessee charges a 7.0% state sales and use tax on private-party vehicle transactions. Taxes and fees are collected by your local County Clerk when you apply for title and registration.