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Tennessee Guide

How to Gift a Car in Tennessee

Last verified: October 2026 against Tennessee Department of Revenue sources

A true gift is exempt from Tennessee sales tax, and so are transfers between spouses, siblings, and lineal relatives.

Here is how to use the exemption and transfer the car.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Check that the transfer is exempt

    Transfers between spouses, siblings, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, great grandparents and great grandchildren, and the spouses of those lineal relatives are exempt, as are transfers between spouses in a divorce.

    A gift from one person to another is also exempt if nothing is given in return.

  2. 2

    Make sure nothing is given in return

    Consideration includes payment, a swap, a favor or work done in exchange, forgiving a debt, or any other benefit to the giver. With consideration, the transfer is a taxable sale.

  3. 3

    Complete the Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers

    The family and gift exemptions require the Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers of Motor Vehicles and Boats.

  4. 4

    Sign the title over

    The giver signs the title over to you. Bring it with the odometer disclosure statement, if one applies.

  5. 5

    Title it with your county clerk

    Bring proof of identification and proof of residency. The title is $14 and the standard plate is $26.50 a year, plus any county wheel tax.

What to bring

  • Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers of Motor Vehicles and Boats
  • The title, signed over to you
  • Odometer disclosure statement, if applicable
  • Proof of identification and proof of residency
  • Payment for the title and plate

Estimate your Tennessee costs

For an exempt gift or family transfer, enter $0 as the price to see the title and registration fees.

Open the full Tennessee calculator

Vehicle & Transaction Details

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

51 Jurisdictions Active
Tennessee 7% tax base
$
7 years old
Tennessee tag options
1-Year Term (Tennessee registers for one year)
EV surcharge rules
Lien fee: $11.00
Tennessee: Non-Deductible
$

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

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Estimated taxes & fees

Estimated taxes & fees

Jurisdiction

Tennessee

Estimated taxes & fees
$1,166.50 – $1,178.50

Sales/Excise Tax (State + Local Range) + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee
1Vehicle Sales / Excise Tax (7% State + Local Range)

State tax $1,094.00 (includes 2.75% single article tax on $1,600 to $3,200 ($44.00)) + Local tax (varies by county) $32.00–$44.00 on the first $1,600.00

$1,126.00 – $1,138.00
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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Tennessee rates last verified: October 2026
Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only, not tax or legal advice. Verify with your county clerk or the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

If the price is under 75% of the vehicle’s value in a pricing guide, the buyer and seller complete the Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers. Without it, or an appraisal, tax is due on the full value.

County wheel taxes and other county clerk fees are not included.

The all-electric vehicle fee rises to $274 for registrations from January 1, 2027.

Tennessee’s sources do not say whether its electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid fees apply to motorcycles, so the estimate leaves them out for a motorcycle. Confirm with your county clerk.

County & Local Tax Note: Tennessee adds the local rate where you live, 2.00% to 2.75%, on the first $1,600 of the price only, plus a 2.75% state single article tax on the next $1,600. Many counties also charge a wheel tax with registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this Tennessee Department of Revenue process.

Yes, if it is a true gift with nothing given in return. Complete the Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers.

Sources

Last verified: October 2026. Rules change, so check with Tennessee Department of Revenue before you go.

More Tennessee guides

How to Title a Private Car Sale in TennesseeThe signed title, the county clerk, sales tax, and the fees.Titling a Car in Tennessee After Moving From Another StateRegister within 30 days, no use tax on your car, and what to bring.
Tennessee Private Party Car Tax Calculator