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Title Only

T.C.A. 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 § 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 T.C.A. 55-3-101 (1) through 55-3-101 (4).

However, there are certain instances when a Title Only is applicable:

  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.

In all other instances of an owners desiring to apply for a certificate of title without registering the vehicle, a written request outlining the reasons and need will be necessary. Consideration for approval for title without registration may be requested by writing to:

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