Certification of
Ownership Application - Note: Applications submitted in this manner are stringently examined due to
the potential for fraud. Most requests are rejected due to improper documentation or circumstances that make
the vehicle eligible for titling supported by the proper transfer documents or a potential of fraud is
detected. The fact that the previous seller did not furnish a title to you when you purchased it does not
qualify for the certification process and is a civil matter per Tenn. Code Ann. Section 55-3-127.
Privacy on the web is a priority. We inform our visitors about the types of information we collect and how we use
it. We save messages we think might be needed for customer call back. We only keep email addresses on file for our
customer service records. We DON'T sell or give out email addresses to companies.
Refund Policy
Cancellation requests for any online service paid by credit card must be received before the designated date of
processing. If the request is not received before the specified date, the Convenience fee, Processing Fee, or Credit
Card Fee will be charged.
Hotel and Motel Tax
The 5% Occupancy Program was approved by the Metropolitan Council on May 25,
1976 (Bill No. 76-143). As amended, this ordinance levees a 5% tax upon the
privilege of occupancy, provides the procedure for collection, enforcement, distribution
and administration of the proceeds thereof and establishing a Tourism and Convention
Commission . Chapter 704 of the Public Acts of 1976, as passed by the 89th General
Assembly of the State of Tennessee, authorized counties having a Metropolitan form
of government to levy a privilege tax upon the occupancy in any hotel, motel or bed
and breakfast of each transient in an amount not to exceed five percent (5%) of the
consideration charged by the operator.
Vehicle Tax Calculator
Business Tax
The Business Tax Act makes it a taxable privilege to
make sales or engage in any vocation listed in Tenn.
Code Ann. Sections 67-4-708(1) - (4). Any county or
incorporated municipality on Tennessee may levy the
privilege tax on those listed activities that take place
within its geographical boundaries. (Tenn. Code Ann.
Section 67-4-704)
Engaging in any business, business activity, vocation,
or occupation described under this act is declared to
be a privilege for state purposes and taxable by the
state alone. (Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-4-705)
The tax imposed under the Business Tax Act may be
collected in addition to any other applicable privilege
taxes established by law. The tax will be in lieu of
any or all ad valorem taxes on the inventories of
merchandise held for sale or exchange by persons
taxable under this law. (Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-4-701)
"Business" Defined
"Business" includes any activity engaged in by any
person with the object of gain, benefit, or advantage,
either directly or indirectly. Business does not
include occasional and isolated sales or transactions
by a person who is not routinely engaged in business.
Occasional and isolated sales, also known as casual
and isolated sales, are sales made by persons not in
the business of regularly selling the type of property
being sold. Occasional and isolated sales are also
sales of tangible property taking place only during
temporary sales periods of 30 days or less and
occurring no more than twice per year such as the
sale of Girl Scout cookies.
Business also does not include an individual
property owner that utilizes a property management
company to manage vacation lodging for overnight
rentals.
Tennessee Department of Revenue
Taxpayer Services Division
Andrew Jackson Building, 3rd Floor
500 Deaderick Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37242-1099
Morristown:
511 West Second North Street
Morristown, TN 37814
(423) 586-1993
Boat Registration
Tennessee law requires that all mechanically powered vessels (including documented vessels) and all sailboats which
are principally used in Tennessee must be registered. Mechanical propulsion includes electric trolling motors but
does not include boats powered only by oars or paddles. Boats which require registration must be properly registered
before using them upon any public water of Tennessee. Currently registered boats from other states may use Tennessee
waters for a period not to exceed 60 consecutive days. Exception: Sailboats brought into Tennessee by persons from
states that do not require numbering of sailboats are exempt from registration provided that Tennessee is not the
state of principal use and that the vessel will not be used on Tennessee waters over 60 consecutive days.
Registration Fees
Registration fees are determined by the length of the boat. The vessel may be
registered for one, two or three years upon option by the owner. However, if
an owner acquires another boat, there is no transfer of fees from one boat to
another.
Vessel Fee Category
1 Year
2 Years
3 Years
16 feet and under
$13 (10)
$24 (19)
$35 (28)
Over 16 feet to less than 26 feet
25 (20)
48 (38)
71 (56)
26 feet to less than 40 feet
38 (30)
72 (57)
107 (84)
40 feet and over
51 (40)
97 (76)
142 (112)
Dealer / Manufacturer
32 (25)
64 (50)
95 (75)
Duplicate
6
How to Register
Persons who wish to register a boat must complete a registration form, available
through a county court clerk's office or from the dealer that sold you the boat.
Initial Registration: The Tennessee Department of Revenue requires that boats which have never been
registered before must show certification that their sales tax was paid when purchased. The owner needs to have the
appropriate county court clerk's office or boat dealer stamp on the application verifying that the tax was paid. The
registration form is then mailed to or taken to the address shown on the form for processing.
Registered Boats transferred from one individual to another: Follow the same process as described for
previously unregistered boats above. If a dealer is not involved, the county court clerk's office will require a
notarized bill of sale from the individuals involved.
Renewing a registration that does not involve a change of ownership: You may renew instantly by going to any
business that sells TWRA hunting and fishing licenses. You must have the boat registration TN number and it is very
helpful to have your TWRA ID number with you. You will receive a temporary registration which will allow you to
operate your boat until your new decals and registration card arrive by mail, in about 2 weeks.
Registration by Dealers or Manufacturers: Dealers or manufacturers may apply for registration which can be
transferred from one vessel to another. A copy of the business license and sales tax number must accompany the
application for a dealer or manufacturer number. Such vessels are to be used for demonstration purposes only and
more than one vessel may not be operated simultaneously with the same number. In addition, vessels being
demonstrated must have the Certificate of Number on board and the registration number must be correctly displayed.
However, such vessels may display the number by having it attached to removable signs which can be temporarily but
firmly attached to the vessel.
Before a marriage can occur in Tennessee, a license must be obtained from a County Clerk.
Ministers of the Gospel, Rabbis, Christian Science practitioners, and various civil officials are authorized by
law to solemnize a marriage.
Marriage license requirements are specific to each applicant's age. Please refer to the following guidelines:
18 Years of Age or Older
-Blood tests not needed
-No waiting period
-ID requirements:
One of the following: State certified birth certificate, Driver License, State Issued ID
-Identification guidelines for Legal Aliens who do not have a social security number:
1) Each with valid expiration dates: Passport and American Visa, or
2) Resident Alien Card
-Please contact your county for specific fees.
-You must know the following:
Parents full name (including maiden name of mother)
Parents state of birth and address (if living)
Applicant's number of prior marriages
Date last marriage ended (if applicable)
-A marriage license is valid for 30 days after issuance and may be executed outside of Tennessee. However,
it must be returned to the issuing Clerk for recording and filing with the Tennessee Vital Records Office.
16 or 17 Years of Age
-Blood tests are no longer needed
-Parent or guardian must accompany in applying for license. Custodial Parent must bring custody papers (if
applicable) to show proof of custody.
-Identification guidelines for Legal Aliens:
1) Each with valid expiration dates: Passport and American Visa, or
2) Resident Alien Card
-An underage application, which includes a three-day waiting period, is required unless waived by a Court of
Record or the County Mayor. The waiting period is automatically waived if both parents of underage parties join
in making the application.
-ID requirements:
-Proof of Social Security Number (Social Security Card or Driver License containing SSN)
-Please contact your county for specific fees.
-You must know the following:
Parents full name (including maiden name of mother)
Parents state of birth and address (if living)
Applicant's number of prior marriages
Date last marriage ended (if applicable)
-A marriage license is valid for 30 days after issuance and may be executed outside of Tennessee. However,
it must be returned to the issuing Clerk for recording and filing with the Tennessee Vital Records Office.
15 Years of Age or Younger
-Court consent must be granted before license may be issued
-Blood tests are no longer needed
-Parent or guardian must accompany in applying for license. Custodial Parent must bring custody papers (if
applicable) to show proof of custody.
-Identification guidelines for Legal Aliens:
1) Each with valid expiration dates: Passport and American Visa, or
2) Resident Alien Card
-An underage application, which includes a three-day waiting period, is required unless waived by a Court of
Record or the County Mayor. The waiting period is automatically waived if both parents of underage parties join
in making the application.
-ID requirements:
-Proof of Social Security Number (Social Security Card or Driver License containing SSN)
-Please contact your county for specific fees.
-You must know the following:
Parents full name (including maiden name of mother)
Parents state of birth and address (if living)
Applicant's number of prior marriages
Date last marriage ended (if applicable)
-A marriage license is valid for 30 days after issuance and may be executed outside of Tennessee. However,
it must be returned to the issuing Clerk for recording and filing with the Tennessee Vital Records Office.
Specialty Marriage Certificate
Specialty Marriage Certificates are the perfect keepsake.
Each Specialty Certificate will be in a 11X14 matted frame.
Specialty Marriage Certificate Example:
Check your county for availability
Handicap Plates/Placards
Handicap individuals must have form SF0953 completed by a physician to obtain plates or
placard. If purchasing a plate, an individual has to be a registered handicap person. Handicap license plates
cost $29.00 plus applicable wheel tax. If an individual is permanently confined to a wheel chair, the plate is
free. If a handicap individual obtains plates, the placard is free. If no plate is purchased, the placard is
$10.00, and it is renewable every two years for $3.
Notary Commission Services
Involves issuing and maintaining records relating to notary commissions.
NOTE: For notary application and election information, please contact your County Clerk's Office.
WHAT IS A NOTARY PUBLIC FOR THE STATE OF TENNESSEE? A Notary is a county public official whose powers and duties are defined by statute. Basically, a Notary
has the power to administer oaths and take depositions, affidavits and acknowledgments. A Notary's powers and
duties can be exercised in all counties in the State of Tennessee.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON BECOMING A NOTARY? Statutory age, residency and qualification requirements are specified in TCA §8-18-101 and §8-16-101.
It is a misdemeanor to take office as a Notary if a disqualification exists.
HOW DOES A PERSON BECOME A NOTARY? A Notary is elected by the county legislative body in the county in which the applicant, at the time of
his/her election, resides or maintains his/her principal place of business. An application and
a fee of $12 ($7 for the County Clerk and
$5 for the Secretary of State)
must be submitted to the County Clerk.
The County Clerk certifies an election of the applicant by the county legislative body and forwards the
certification and the $5 fee to the Secretary of
State,
Division of Business Services. Upon receipt of the election certification and the
$5 fee from the County Clerk, the Division of
Business Services
prepares, records and forwards to the County Clerk the notary commission signed by the Governor and the
Secretary of State. The County Clerk records the notary commission and notifies the person to whom the
commission was issued. After an oath has been taken and bond posted, the County Clerk delivers the
notary commission to the person elected.
WHAT IF A NOTARY MOVES FROM THE COUNTY OF ELECTION? If a Notary moves his/her residence or principal place of business out of the county from which he/she
was elected to another Tennessee county, the Notary remains qualified to act as a Notary, but must
notify the County Clerk of the county from which he/she was elected, and the County Clerk in turn will
notify the Secretary of State, Division of Business Services of the change of address. A processing fee of
$7 ($5 for the County Clerk and $2 for the Secretary of State) must be submitted to the County Clerk.
If a Notary moves his/her residence or principal place of business out of the State of Tennessee, he/she
is no longer qualified to act as a Tennessee Notary and must surrender his/her commission.
WHAT IS THE TERM OF A NOTARY? A Notary's term of office is four years, beginning on the date that the notary commission is issued by the
Governor. A notary commission can be renewed through the same method as the initial election (see
above). It is a Class C misdemeanor for a Notary to act in an official capacity after the expiration of the
notary commission.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN OFFICIAL SEAL? State law requires all Notaries to use a seal design prescribed by the Secretary of State.
Pursuant to Rule 1360-7-2-.01(1), a Notary commissioned on or after July 1, 2004, must use a seal that
substantially conforms to the following design: a circular seal with the Notary's name (as it appears on
the commission) printed at the top, the county of election printed at the bottom, and the words "State of
Tennessee Notary Public" or "Tennessee Notary Public" printed in the center. A sample seal format
appears below:
Pursuant to Rule 1360-7-2-.01(2), a Notary commissioned prior to July 1, 2004, must use either the seal
design described above, or, until the expiration of his/her current term of office, may continue to use a
seal that substantially conforms to the following design: a circular seal with the Notary's name (as it
appears on the commission) printed at the top, the county and state printed at the bottom, and "Notary
Public at Large" printed in the center. A sample seal format appears below:
A Notary must purchase an official seal at his/her own expense.
The seal should be a rubber or other type stamp (not an embossed/impression seal) and must be
imprinted in "...any color other than black or yellow, provided the color used to imprint the seal shall be
clearly legible and appear as black when photocopied on a non-color copier." However, these
requirements do not apply to Notaries commissioned prior to July 1, 2004, until the expiration of their
current terms of office. In addition, the failure to imprint the seal with a proper color does not invalidate
the notarization and does not subject the Notary to any civil or criminal liability. Furthermore, the use of
an embossed/impression seal after May 12, 2003, does not render an acknowledgment defective.
The seal must be surrendered to the county legislative body upon expiration of the Notary's term of
office or resignation, and the personal representative must surrender the seal in the event of the Notary's
death.
HOW ARE COMPLAINTS AGAINST A NOTARY HANDLED? A Notary is considered a county public official and may be removed from office just as any other county
official. Complaints concerning official misconduct should be directed to the appropriate official (such as
the County Attorney or the District Attorney General) in the county in which the Notary is elected or in
which the alleged misconduct occurred.
HOW CAN THE NAME OF A NOTARY AS COMMISSIONED BE CHANGED? A Notary whose name has been legally changed can obtain a new commission by submitting to the
Division of Business Services (through the County Clerk) the original commission, a statement from the
County Clerk indicating that the legal name has changed and identifying the former and current names,
and payment of a $5 fee to the Secretary of State. The new commission will be forwarded to the County
Clerk for delivery to the Notary.
ARE THERE ANY NOTARY ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS? Restrictions and disclosure notices may apply to advertising by certain Notaries. Please review the
consumer protection provisions found in Title 8, Chapter 16, Part 4 of Tennessee Code Annotated.
WHERE CAN I OBTAIN NOTARY INFORMATION? For Notary application and election information, please contact your County Clerk.
The Secretary of State, Division of Business Services maintains an Internet website that includes some
Notary information and a searchable database of current notary commissions. The Division's site may be
accessed via the Secretary of State's home page at: www.state.tn.us/sos/
The Secretary of State, Division of Business Services is neither authorized nor qualified to provide legal
advice relative to Notaries or their powers and duties. Please contact an attorney or other qualified
professional for such information.
Titling a Vehicle
To title and register your new vehicle, you will need to submit to your resident county clerk
the following:
-Manufacturer's Statement of Origin
-the new vehicle's invoice and
-a copy of your current registration if transferring your license plate
To title and register a used vehicle, submit to your resident county clerk the following:
-a valid certificate of title properly assigned along with an Odometer Disclosure Statement, if applicable
-a copy of the current registration if transferring your license plate
Please note: You will need to provide proof of identification and proof of residency when titling and
registering your vehicle.
Hunting and Fishing License
Hunting and Fishing Licenses may be purchased at your County Clerk's Office. For online
information regarding licensing, please refer to www.tn.gov/twra.
Note: Some counties may not offer Hunting and Fishing Licenses.
Auto Dealer Information
If you sell more than five vehicles in a calendar year in Tennessee, you must have a dealer
license.
Requirements to Apply for a Dealer License
-An approved building facility physically separate from all other buildings, with office furniture and a
working telephone (cell or mobile phone not acceptable as primary line).
-A vehicle display area large enough to fit 15 vehicles.
-To meet the sign requirements of a minimum letter height (per ordinance), permanently installed, and
visible from the road.
-A garage facility or a service agreement with a nearby garage.
-Certificate of Liability Insurance (minimum $300,000)
-Business tax license
-Sales tax identification number
-Personal and/or financial check disclosure
-Financial statement prepared by a CPA
-Zoning compliance
-Franchise agreement letter from the manufacturer
-Two-year surety bond
If applicable:
-Stockholders update
-City tax license
-Corporate charter
-Warranty rate form
Fees
-New vehicle dealer: $400, per line make
-Used vehicle dealer: $400
-New motorcycle dealer: $400, per line make
-Salesperson or change of employer endorsement: $35
-Motor vehicle show permit: $200
-RV dealer: $400
-Manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, or distributor branch: $1600
-Factory distributor representative: $400
-Auto Dismantler/Recycler: $400
-Automobile auction: $800
-All duplicate licenses: $25
Disclaimer: We, Business Information Systems (BIS), are a private (for profit)
business that operates under contract with local county governments to provide
various software solutions including but not limited to online services.
