reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-102 - Driving or moving unregistered vehicle upon highway a misdemeanor - Exception

(a)
(1)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to:
(A)
Drive or move or for any owner knowingly to permit to be driven or moved on any highway any vehicle of a type required to be registered under chapters 1-6 of this title that is not registered or for which the appropriate fee has not been paid when and as required under chapters 1-6 of this title; or
(B)
Operate or for any owner knowingly to permit to be operated on lands, other than a highway, an off-highway motor vehicle for which certificate of title has not been issued or for which the appropriate fee has not been paid when and as required under chapters 1-6 of this title.
(2)
Notwithstanding subdivisions (a)(1)(A) and (B), when application accompanied by proper fee has been made for a certificate of title for a vehicle, the vehicle may be operated temporarily pending issuance of a certificate of title upon displaying a duplicate application for the certificate of title, duly verified by the county clerk of the county in which the vehicle has been registered, which shall be prepared by the county clerk, upon request, without the payment of an additional fee.
(b)
(1)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to occupy or for any owner knowingly to permit to be occupied any mobile home or house trailer required to be registered under chapters 1-6 of this title, that is not registered, for which certificate of title has not been issued or for which the appropriate fee has not been paid when and as required under chapters 1-6 of this title.
(2)
Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1), when an application accompanied by proper fee has been made for a certificate of title for a mobile home or house trailer, the mobile home or house trailer may be occupied temporarily pending issuance of a certificate of title upon the displaying of a duplicate application for the certificate of title, duly verified by the county clerk of the county in which the house trailer has been registered, which shall be prepared by the county clerk, upon request, without the payment of an additional fee.
(c)
The duly authorized agent, employee, or representative of any town, city, incorporated municipality, county, and the department are authorized and empowered to enforce chapters 1-6 of this title, and the agent, employee or representative shall be expressly authorized without the necessity of a search warrant to go upon the premises, land or real property of any person for the purpose of inspection or examination of any mobile home or house trailer, located on the property, for the purpose of carrying out chapters 1-6 of this title.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 27 (Williams, § 5538.127); Acts 1963, ch. 143, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-302; Acts 1983, ch. 102, § 2; 1988, ch. 817, § 2; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1995, ch. 305, § 108.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-104 - Application for certificate of title for specially constructed, reconstructed or foreign vehicles

(a)
In the event a vehicle for which an application for a certificate of title is made is a specially constructed, reconstructed or foreign vehicle, this fact shall be stated in the application and with reference to every foreign vehicle that has been registered outside of this state, the owner shall surrender to the county clerk receiving the application all registration plates, registration cards, certificates of title, and other evidence of foreign registration and ownership as may be in the possession or under the control of the owner.
(b)
Any foreign certificate of title shall be accepted as evidence of title by the department to the same extent as a certificate of title issued by the department; provided, that when the foreign vehicle is registered in a jurisdiction that does not have a certificate of title law, the department shall accept only a notarized bill of sale, and proper foreign registration as the evidence of title. If foreign registration is dated less than ninety (90) days prior to application for a certificate of title, there shall be, in addition, the next past bill of sale showing ownership to have been transferred to the party seeking to sell the same, or that party's representative, which bill of sale shall likewise be notarized.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 30 (Williams, § 5538.130); Acts 1957, ch. 390, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-304; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 14.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-105 - Sales or use tax receipt to accompany application for certificate of title

It is unlawful for a county clerk to accept an application for a certificate of title as provided for in chapters 1-6 of this title, unless the applicant presents evidence that a sales or use tax at the rate specified in title 67, chapter 6, part 2 and §
67-6-501
has been paid on the sales price of the vehicle by the applicant, or the applicant has authority from the commissioner to file an application for a certificate of title without the payment of the sales or use tax.
Acts 1953, ch. 103, § 1 (Williams, § 5538.139a); Acts 1955, ch. 300, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-305.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-106 - Inapplicable to vehicles exempt from sales or use tax

Section
55-3-105
does not apply to applications filed for motor vehicles belonging to the United States, the state of Tennessee, or any of its political subdivisions, or to any nonprofit institution exempt from the payment of the sales or use tax under title 67, chapter 6, part 3; provided, that a nonprofit institution shall present its regular certificate of exemption, issued by the commissioner, to the county clerk for inspection as its evidence of exemption from the payment of the sales or use tax and this section, §§
55-3-105
- 55-3-109.
Acts 1953, ch. 103, § 2 (Williams, § 5538.139b); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-306.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-107 - Certificate issued for use in lieu of sales or use tax receipt

Except as indicated in §
55-3-106
, the commissioner shall issue a certificate to an applicant, which may be used by the applicant to file an application for a certificate of title when it appears that the applicant is not required to pay any sales or use tax on any motor vehicle for which a certificate of title is necessary, as provided for in chapters 1-6 of this title.
Acts 1953, ch. 103, § 3 (Williams, § 5538.139c); impl. am. Acts 1953, ch. 167; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-307.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-108 - False indication of payment of sales or use tax prohibited

It is unlawful for any person to alter or to indicate on any bill of sale or any other documents that a sales or use tax has been paid when the tax has in fact not been paid.
Acts 1953, ch. 103, § 4 (Williams, § 5538.139d); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-308.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-109 - Penalty for violation of sale or use tax provisions

A violation of §§
55-3-105
- 55-3-108 is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1953, ch. 103, § 5 (Williams, § 5538.139e); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-309; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-110 - Determination that vehicle is not stolen

Prior to the issuance of a certificate of title for a motor vehicle, the department shall determine, by computer or otherwise, if the vehicle has been stolen.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 32 (Williams, § 5538.132); Acts 1978, ch. 842, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-310; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 15.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-111 - Indexes to certificates of title - Manner of keeping

(a)
The department shall keep a record of all outstanding certificates of title issued by it in suitable books as follows:
(1)
Numerically, under the certificate of title number assigned, which entry shall show, in addition to title number, all the information required to be set out on the face of the certificate;
(2)
Under the serial number, if available, otherwise under any other identifying number of the vehicle, which entry shall show, in addition to the serial number or other identifying number, the number of the certificate of title issued for such number; and
(3)
In the discretion of the department, in any other manner it may deem desirable.
(b)
The department shall retain in separate files for a period of at least five (5) years all certificates of title that have been transferred or superseded by certificates of title subsequently issued to the transferees or purchasers of the motor vehicle in question, and shall keep a record of these titles in suitable books as follows: numerically, under the certificate of title number, which entry shall show, in addition to the title number, all the information required to be set out on the face of the certificate of title, together with the number of the certificate of title, which shall have been issued to supersede and take the place of the certificate of title in question as the outstanding certificate of title.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 33 (Williams, § 5538.133); Acts 1961, ch. 120, §§ 1-6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-311; Acts 2001, ch. 233, § 2; 2007, ch. 484, § 16.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-112 - Refusal to issue certificate - Grounds

The department shall refuse to issue a certificate of title upon any of the following grounds:
(1)
The application contains any false or fraudulent statement, or the applicant has failed to furnish required information or reasonable additional information requested by the department, or the applicant is not entitled to the issuance of a certificate of title under chapters 1-6 of this title;
(2)
The department has reasonable ground to believe that the vehicle is a stolen or embezzled vehicle or that the issuance of a certificate of title would constitute a fraud against the rightful owner or other person having valid lien upon the vehicle; or
(3)
The required fee has not been paid.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 31 (Williams, § 5538.131); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-312; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 17.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-113 - Review of departmental action

An action of the commissioner in issuing or refusing to issue any certificate of title, in discharging or refusing to discharge any lien, and in issuing or refusing to issue any replacement certificate of title applied for shall be reviewed in the manner provided for in the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 3, and in §
67-1-105
; provided, that the party aggrieved by the action makes a written request for a formal hearing under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act within ten (10) days of the action complained of.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 96 (Williams, § 5539.196); Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-313; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 18.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-115 - Lost or damaged certificate of title - Replacement

(a)
In the event any certificate of title is lost, mutilated, or becomes illegible, the owner or a legal representative or successor in interest of the owner of the vehicle for which the same was issued, as shown by the records of the department, shall immediately make application for and obtain a replacement upon the payment of the fee provided in §
55-6-101
.
(b)
Upon issuance of any replacement or duplicate certificate of title, the previous certificate that was issued shall be void; provided, that any such replacement or duplicate certificate of title shall be forwarded by the department to the person as is entitled to possession of the certificate of title under §
55-3-114(d)
.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 36 (Williams, § 5538.136); Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-315; Acts 2001, ch. 233, § 4; 2007, ch. 484, § 20.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-116 - Assignment of new numbers when serial or motor number obliterated or destroyed

(a)
The department shall assign a new and distinguishing number to a motor vehicle whenever the serial and/or motor number on the motor vehicle is destroyed or obliterated, which distinguishing number shall be stamped on the vehicle in a position to be determined by the commissioner.
(b)
The motor vehicle shall be registered under the distinguishing number in lieu of the former number.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 38 (Williams, § 5538.138); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-317.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-117 - Rules and regulations governing change of motors

The commissioner is authorized to adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary and compatible with the public interest with respect to the change or substitution of one (1) engine in place of another in any motor vehicle.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 39 (Williams, § 5538.139); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-318.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-118 - Transfer of title

(a)
In order to transfer titling to any motor vehicle coming within the title provisions of chapters 1-6 of this title, the owner shall endorse an assignment and warranty of title upon the certificate of title, if in such owner's possession, for such vehicle, with a statement of all liens or encumbrances, and the owner shall deliver the certificate of title to the purchaser or transferee at the time of delivering the vehicle, except as provided in §
55-3-203
.
(b)
Any owner desiring to transfer title to any motor vehicle coming within the title provisions of chapters 1-6 of this title, whose certificate of title is being held by a lienor, may, in lieu of executing the assignment provided on the reverse side of the certificate of title, execute and deliver to the transferee a separate bill of sale which shall show the name and address of the lienor in whose possession the certificate of title is being held, and all other information as may be required by the reasonable rules and regulations of the commissioner, and which bill of sale shall be signed by the seller, whose signature shall be acknowledged before a notary public.
(c)
When ownership of a motor vehicle, jointly owned by two (2) or more persons, is transferred, the signatures of all persons listed as joint owners shall be required to transfer title. Only one (1) party's signature shall be required to transfer a title to a motor vehicle if the title is registered in the name of one (1) spouse, or both where the conjunction between the names on the title is "or."
(d)
This section does not apply to transfers effected by operation of law under §
55-3-121
.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 48 (Williams, § 5538.148); Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 4; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-319; Acts 1982, ch. 600, § 3; 1982, ch. 740, § 1; 1986, ch. 771, § 4; 1990, ch. 595, § 1; 2009, ch. 530, § 130.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-119 - Transferee to reregister vehicle and obtain certificate of title

The transferee, before operating or permitting the operation of a transferred vehicle upon a highway, shall apply for and obtain a registration and apply for a certificate of title for the transferred vehicle in the manner provided in §
55-4-101
, except as otherwise permitted in §§
55-3-120
and
55-3-121
.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 49 (Williams, § 5538.149); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-320.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-120 - Transfers to or from dealers or insurance companies - Salvage title, flood title, or nonrepairable vehicle certificate

(a)
When the transferee of a vehicle is a dealer who holds the same for resale and lawfully operates the same under dealer's registration plates, the transferee shall not be required to obtain a new registration of the vehicle or be required to obtain a new certificate of title, but the transferee, upon transferring title or interest to another person, shall execute an assignment and warranty of title upon the certificate of title, if in the transferee's possession or if in the possession of a lienor, or the transferee shall execute a bill of sale and deliver the same to the person to whom the transfer is made, together with evidence of ownership.
(b)
(1)
When the vehicle is held for resale outside of the state, this exclusion from the title and registration requirements may be waived with respect to the title provision, and the dealer shall be permitted to obtain a new certificate of title in the name of the dealership for the vehicle so held.
(2)
Any dealer that resells more than five percent (5%) of the vehicles titled for foreign resale to residents of Tennessee during any given period of twelve (12) consecutive months shall, by so doing, forfeit the right to title vehicles without registering them.
(c)
An insurance company that obtains title to a motor vehicle as a result of paying a total loss claim resulting from collision, fire, or water damage shall obtain a salvage title, flood title, or nonrepairable vehicle certificate from the department. This subsection (c) shall not apply to vehicles ten (10) years old or older with a value of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) or less.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 50 (Williams, § 5538.150); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-321; Acts 1981, ch. 2, § 1; 1986, ch. 791, § 5; 1987, ch. 443, § 1; 1989, ch. 377, § 1; 2006, ch. 517, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 21.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-121 - Transfer by operation of law - Special plates - Fee

(a)
Whenever the title or interest of an owner in or to a registered vehicle passes to another otherwise than by voluntary transfer, the vehicle registration shall expire and the vehicle shall not be operated upon the highways unless and until the person entitled to possession of the vehicle shall apply for and obtain the registration, with the following exceptions:
(1)
The vehicle may be operated by the person entitled to its possession or the person's legal representative upon the highways from the point the motor vehicle comes into the person's possession to the person's place of business or to some garage or warehouse, upon displaying upon the vehicle the registration plate or plates issued to the former owner; or
(2)
In the event title has become vested in the person holding a lien or encumbrance upon the vehicle, the person may apply to the department for and obtain special plates or temporary plates as may be issued under §
55-4-226(c)(4)
, and may operate any such repossessed vehicle under the special plates or temporary plates only for purposes of transporting the vehicle to a garage or warehouse or for purposes of demonstrating or selling the vehicle.
(b)
Any person applying for and eligible to receive a plate pursuant to subsection (a) who desires to make a lawful use of the vehicle for a period of time in excess of seven (7) days, but not more than thirty (30) days, may be issued a plate upon payment of a fee of ten dollars ($10.00).
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 51 (Williams, § 5538.151); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 9; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-322; Acts 1985, ch. 102, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 22.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-122 - New certificate of title issued by department upon satisfaction of certain requirements

(a)
The department, upon receipt of a properly endorsed certificate of title, accompanied by the required fee, and when satisfied as to the genuineness and regularity of the transfer and of the right of the transferee to a certificate of title, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the new owner as upon an original application.
(b)
Where the certificate of title is held by a lienor and title has been transferred by bill of sale in lieu of an assignment and warranty as provided on the reverse side of the certificate of title, the department, upon receipt of a properly executed bill of sale and the required fee and when satisfied as to the genuineness and regularity of the bill of sale and the right of the transferee to a certificate of title, shall procure the certificate of title from the lienor in whose possession it is being held for the sole purpose of transferring ownership, and the department shall then return a certificate of title to the lienor from whom it was obtained.
(c)
The department, upon proper receipt of all the necessary applications, papers and information required showing title to a motor vehicle to have been transferred as provided by §
55-4-119
, and upon the payment of the required fee, and when satisfied as to the genuineness and regularity of the transfer and the right of the transferee to a certificate of title, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the new owner as upon an original application and shall further make demand on the holder or holders of the old certificate of title to surrender the same to the department forthwith, if the certificate of title does not accompany the application.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 52 (Williams, § 5538.152); Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-323; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 23.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-123 - Liens to be noted on certificates of title - County clerk entering lien

(a)
When any new lien, other than a lien dependent solely upon possession, or a lien of the state for taxes established pursuant to title 67, chapter 1, part 14, is placed on any motor vehicle coming within the title provisions of chapters 1-6 of this title in a transaction not involving any change of ownership, the owner shall deliver the certificate of title, if in the owner's possession, on to the lienor, who shall forward the certificate of title, together with the required fee for noting the lien on the certificate of title, with proof of the lien required by the reasonable rules and regulations of the commissioner directly to the county clerk. The county clerk, when satisfied of the lienor's right to have the lien noted on the certificate of title, shall note the lien on the certificate of title and return the certificate of title to the lienor.
(b)
In the event the certificate of title is in the possession of some prior lienor, the new or subordinate lienor shall forward to the county clerk the required fee for noting the lien, together with proof of the lien required by the reasonable rules and regulations of the commissioner, and the county clerk, when satisfied of the right of the lienor to have the lien noted on the certificate of title, shall forward the application and proof of lien to the department. The department shall procure the certificate of title from the lienor in whose possession it is being held, for the sole purpose of noting the new lien on the certificate of title, and shall return the certificate of title to the lienor from whom it was obtained and shall further notify the new lienor of the fact that the lien has been noted on the certificate of title.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 462,Secs.s4, s5 eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 462,s 3, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 53 (Williams, § 5538.153); Acts 1978, ch. 686, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-324; Acts 2007, ch. 484, § 24.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-125 - Liens and encumbrances - Filing

No conditional sales contract, chattel mortgage, or other lien or encumbrance or title retention instrument upon a registered vehicle, other than a lien dependent upon possession entered into after March 1, 1951, or a lien of the state for taxes established pursuant to title 67, chapter 1, part 14, shall be valid against the creditors of an owner or subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers, until the requirements of this section and §
55-3-126
have been complied with, unless such creditor, purchaser, or encumbrancer has actual notice of the prior lien.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 68 (Williams, § 5538.168); Acts 1978, ch. 686, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-326.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-127 - Misdemeanors enumerated - Failure to endorse or deliver certificate - Discharge lien - Report discharge of lien - Transferees - Sales and use tax - Impoundment or abandonment of vehicles - Endorsement of change in ownership on title or registration

(a)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to fail or neglect to properly endorse or deliver any certificate of title to the department, a transferee, or other person lawfully entitled to the certificate of title.
(b)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any lienor, including a mortgagee or a vendor, to fail or neglect upon the discharge of the lien, mortgage or encumbrance, to properly discharge the lien in the manner provided for in this part and, if the certificate of title be in the lienor's possession, to fail to deliver the certificate to the person entitled to the certificate.
(c)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any lienor whose lien has been discharged to fail to report the discharge to the department within seventy-two (72) hours from the date of discharge by registered mail, return receipt demanded.
(d)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any transferor to fail or neglect to enter the transferee name on a properly endorsed certificate of title before delivery to the transferee.
(e)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to possess an executed certificate of title without the name of the transferee appearing on the certificate of title.
(f)
Any person found to be in violation of subsection (d) or (e) shall be liable for the sales or use tax on the fair market value of the vehicle as is determined by reference to the most recent issue of an authoritative automotive pricing manual, such as the NADA Official Used Car Guide, Southeastern Edition, or by an appraisal by a duly licensed motor vehicle dealer in the state, plus a twenty-five percent (25%) penalty.
(g)
Any person found to be in possession of a vehicle with an improperly assigned title which fails to identify the transferee must immediately establish ownership of the vehicle, register the vehicle and pay the required tax and penalty. The vehicle will be impounded by state or local law enforcement officials until the person in possession can prove ownership or until the rightful owner is located. In the event the rightful owner cannot be established within thirty (30) days, the vehicle will be deemed abandoned and will be disposed of by the commissioner of safety.
(h)
Insurance companies authorized to underwrite policies on motor vehicles as a result of a paid claim are authorized to endorse change in ownership on the certificate of title or registration without obtaining a new certificate of title or registration or registering with the department for sales and use tax purposes.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 55 (Williams, § 5538.155); Acts 1972, ch. 540, § 6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-328; Acts 1987, ch. 326, § 1; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2007, ch. 484, § 27.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-129 - Reissue of cancelled certificate of title to manufactured home

If the legal owner of a manufactured home, and the real property to which the manufactured home has become affixed, desires a cancelled certificate of title to be reissued, the legal owner shall:
(1)
Reapply for a new certificate pursuant to this chapter;
(2)
Provide an abstract of land title showing legal ownership of the manufactured home and real property along with any mortgages recorded upon the real property;
(3)
For every lienholder listed on the abstract of land title, provide a lien release as to the manufactured home or lienor's statement that such lien is to be recorded on the face of the certificate of title for the manufactured home; and
(4)
Pay the required fee for the certificate of title for the manufactured home or for each component unit.
Acts 2003, ch. 76, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-130) › Section 55-3-130 - Title to replica model custom-built car

Title to a custom-built car for which no certificate of title has ever been issued by the division may be titled as the make, model and year of the manufactured motor vehicle that the custom-built car most closely resembles; provided, however, that the car is intended to replicate the make, model and year of the manufactured vehicle; and provided further, that the title clearly identifies the custom-built car as a replica.
Acts 2008, ch. 765, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 2 - WRECKED, DAMAGED, DISMANTLED OR REBUILT MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-3-201 — 55-3-210) › Section 55-3-202 - Owner dismantling or wrecking vehicle to return evidences of title - Rebuilt motor vehicles - Application for new certificate of title

(a)
Any owner dismantling or wrecking any registered vehicle shall immediately forward to the department the certificate of title issued to the owner for the vehicle, but may retain the certificate of registration and registration plates for the purpose of transferring the certificate of registration and registration plates to any other motor vehicle as provided in §
55-4-101
.
(b)
Any person, who has rebuilt a motor vehicle for which the certificate of title or other ownership documents have been surrendered and a salvage title, flood title, or nonrepairable vehicle certificate has been issued in accordance with the rules promulgated by the department, prior to the sale of the vehicle to another, shall make application to the local county clerk or directly to the department for a new certificate of title. The application for certificate of title shall be supported by the salvage title and evidence of ownership and reconstruction satisfactory to the commissioner. The person rebuilding or having a motor vehicle rebuilt may apply for a certificate of title.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 56 (Williams, § 5538.156); Acts 1953, ch. 167, § 10; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-329; Acts 1987, ch. 443, § 2; T.C.A., § 55-3-128; Acts 2006, ch. 517, § 2; 2007, ch. 484, § 29; 2008, ch. 1007, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 2 - WRECKED, DAMAGED, DISMANTLED OR REBUILT MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-3-201 — 55-3-210) › Section 55-3-204 - Motor vehicle dealer's license not required for person to sell motor vehicles to automotive dismantlers and recyclers or scrap metal dealers or processors

A motor vehicle dealer's license shall not be required for a person to sell motor vehicles to licensed automotive dismantlers and recyclers, as defined in §
55-17-102
, or to registered scrap metal dealers or scrap metal processors, if:
(1)
The motor vehicle has been designated by the seller as a nonrepairable vehicle, whether or not such vehicle has been issued a nonrepairable vehicle certificate; and
(2)
The motor vehicle is being sold solely for recycling, dismantling, or scrap.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 904,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 2 - WRECKED, DAMAGED, DISMANTLED OR REBUILT MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-3-201 — 55-3-210) › Section 55-3-205 - Rebuilt motor vehicles - Applications for certificate of title and registration

(a)
The department is authorized to accept applications for rebuilt certificates of title that are supported by a salvage title and other evidence of reconstruction as is required, without the applicant first submitting this evidence through one (1) of the county clerks. In these instances, there shall be an additional five-dollar issuance fee charged for processing.
(b)
Persons applying for both a certificate of title and registration must do so through the appropriate county clerk.
Acts 1987, ch. 443, § 5; T.C.A., § 55-3-134; Acts 1996, ch. 552, § 7; 2007, ch. 484, § 30.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 2 - WRECKED, DAMAGED, DISMANTLED OR REBUILT MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-3-201 — 55-3-210) › Section 55-3-206 - Rebuilt motor vehicles - Inspections - Certification

(a)
Prior to the issuance of a rebuilt certificate of title for a vehicle on which a salvage title has been issued, a representative of the department shall inspect the vehicle at a place and time to be designated by the commissioner. The person inspecting the vehicle shall certify the identity of the vehicle. The inspection shall include bills of sale, identification of source of parts used, and an affidavit by the applicant that the vehicle has been repaired in accordance with manufacturer's requirements and department rules. The commissioner, for good cause shown, may waive the inspection requirement for any given vehicle or particular class of vehicle. The commissioner, if the commissioner determines that a vehicle inspection is unsatisfactory or that the requirements of this section have not been met, shall refuse to issue a certificate of title of any kind on such motor vehicle.
(b)
The commissioner, or representative of the department, shall have all powers and authority granted under §
55-5-108(a)
to inspect at any time during regular business hours any vehicle for which a permit to dismantle has been issued under this section and §§
55-3-120(c)
,
55-3-202(b)
,
55-3-205
and
55-3-207
in order to determine the source of the vehicle and parts.
(c)
(1)
In addition to the fee required by §
55-3-205
, the commissioner shall charge a reasonable fee not to exceed seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for each conversion of a vehicle salvage document to a rebuilt title in an amount calculated to cover the cost of adequate staffing and other operation costs of a program to enforce the motor vehicle title and salvage laws and anti-theft inspection of rebuilt vehicles.
(2)
There shall be a unit established called the anti-theft unit whose primary function shall be as outlined in subdivision (c)(1).
(3)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all moneys collected pursuant to this subsection (c) shall be deposited in the state general fund and credited to a separate account for the cost of operating this program.
(4)
Disbursements from this account shall be made solely for the purpose of defraying expenses incurred in the implementation and enforcement of the program.
(5)
None of these expenses shall be paid from any other state funds.
(6)
Funds remaining in the account at the end of any fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain available for expenditure in accordance with law.
Acts 1987, ch. 443, § 6; T.C.A., § 55-3-135; Acts 1991, ch. 361, §§ 1, 2; 1996, ch. 552, § 5; 1996, ch. 839, § 3; 2005, ch. 130, § 1; 2007, ch. 484, § 31.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 2 - WRECKED, DAMAGED, DISMANTLED OR REBUILT MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-3-201 — 55-3-210) › Section 55-3-207 - Rebuilt motor vehicles - Vehicles reconstructed out of state

Sections
55-3-120(c)
,
55-3-201
,
55-3-202(b)
,
55-3-205
,
55-3-206
, and
55-3-209
, apply equally to vehicles reconstructed out of state and sought to be titled in this state.
Acts 1987, ch. 443, § 6; T.C.A., § 55-3-136; Acts 1996, ch. 552, § 11.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 2 - WRECKED, DAMAGED, DISMANTLED OR REBUILT MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-3-201 — 55-3-210) › Section 55-3-208 - Water damaged motor vehicles - Certificate of title

There shall be a brand affixed to a certificate of title issued by the department for a motor vehicle which has sustained substantial water damage.
Acts 1989, ch. 377, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 3 - CERTIFICATES OF TITLE (§§ 55-3-101 — 55-3-210) › Part 2 - WRECKED, DAMAGED, DISMANTLED OR REBUILT MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-3-201 — 55-3-210) › Section 55-3-210 - Notice of motor vehicle impoundment for manufacture of methamphetamine

(a)
Any law enforcement agency that impounds a motor vehicle due to the manufacture of methamphetamine on or within the motor vehicle, determined to be contaminated pursuant to the standards developed pursuant to title 68, chapter 212, part 5, shall submit a notice of motor vehicle impoundment for manufacture of methamphetamine to the department of revenue within thirty (30) days of such impoundment.
(b)
A notice in a form substantially as follows is sufficient to comply with subsection (a):
Notice of Motor Vehicle Impoundment for Manufacture of Methamphetamine
Notice is hereby given that a motor vehicle has been impounded due to a charge of manufacture of methamphetamine on or within the vehicle. Such motor vehicle was seized at the location described below on ______________
(date)
This motor vehicle has been impounded by ______________ pursuant to
(name of law enforcement agency)
Tennessee Code Annotated, § _________________.
Address of Motor Vehicle Seizure:
_________________________________
Name of Motor Vehicle Owner or Owners:
__________________________________
Registered Address:
__________________________________
Apartment or Unit Number (if applicable):
__________________________________
VIN:
__________________________________
Year, Make, Model and Color:
__________________________________
Name of Person and Agency Giving Notice:
__________________________________
Signature of Person Giving Notice:
__________________________________
Title/Position:
__________________________________
Date:
__________________________________.
Acts 2011 , ch. 397, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered]

(a)
As used in this section, "eligible operator" means:
(1)
A person who owns and operates a freight motor vehicle registered pursuant to § 55-4-113(a)(2)(E)-(K); or
(2)
A person who operates a freight motor vehicle registered pursuant to § 55-4-113(a)(2)(E)-(K) and who owns fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the stock in the entity that owns the freight motor vehicle.
(b)
Upon the death of an eligible operator, in order to secure a refund of the unused portion of the registration fee paid, the certificate of registration and related license plate must be surrendered to, and a copy of the death certificate of the deceased eligible operator must be submitted to, the department.
(c)
Within thirty (30) days following receipt of the surrendered certificate and plate, death certificate, and any form as may be required by the department, the department shall issue a refund of the unused portion of the registration fee paid, which is proportionate to the number of full months remaining in the registration period for which registration was issued, to the surviving spouse of the deceased eligible operator or the personal representative of the deceased eligible operator's estate.
(d)
A refund is limited to the unused portions of the registration fees paid for no more than three (3) freight motor vehicles of the eligible operator.
(e)
The department may prescribe the form and manner of submitting any proof or documentation required by this section.
(f)
This section does not apply to refunds of another state's apportioned registration fees governed by a reciprocity agreement.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 963,s 2, eff. 5/9/2024.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-102 - Forms for certificates of registration furnished by department - Contents

The department shall furnish to the county clerks of the various counties forms for certificates of registration, which certificates shall contain upon their face blank spaces for the following information: the date issued; the full name and bona fide residence of the owner, including the residential street address and number or route and box number, or post office box number if the applicant has no residential street address; provided, however, that a post office box shall not be sufficient to establish an individual's bona fide residence; mailing address of the owner or business address of the owner if a firm, association, or corporation; the registration plate number assigned to the vehicle; and the description of the vehicle as determined by the commissioner.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 63 (Williams, § 5538.163); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-402; Acts 1989, ch. 341, § 4; 2009, ch. 530, § 110.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-106 - Registration indexes - Manner of keeping

The department shall file the original of each certificate of registration received by it from the various county clerks, and shall keep a record of all these certificates of registration by registration years for a period of at least five (5) years in suitable books as follows:
(1)
Numerically, under the registration number assigned by the county clerk issuing the certificate of registration as provided for in this part, which entry shall show, in addition to the registration number, all the information required to be set out on the face of the certificate of registration; and
(2)
Alphabetically, under the name of the registered owner, which entry shall show, in addition to the name of the registered owner, the number of the owner's certificate of registration.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 34 (Williams, § 5538.134); impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-406; Acts 2001, ch. 233, § 3; 2007, ch. 484, § 35.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 55 - MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES (§§ 55-1-101 — 55-53-105) › Chapter 4 - REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-702) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 55-4-NEW — 55-4-142) › Section 55-4-107 - Lost, mutilated or illegible certificates - Replacement - Fee

In the event any certificate of registration is lost, mutilated or becomes illegible, the owner of the vehicle for which the certificate was issued, as shown by the records of the county clerk for the county where the vehicle was registered, or the owner's legal representative, shall immediately make application for and obtain a replacement certificate of registration upon the payment of the fee provided in §
55-6-104
.
Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 43 (Williams, § 5538.143); impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-407.