Transfer a car title after a death in Tennessee

If the person left no will and no surviving spouse, the heirs can transfer a vehicle with the Department of Revenue's Affidavit of Inheritance (RV-F1310501), filed with the county clerk. All heirs and next of kin sign it (or attach their own affidavit or a power of attorney) to give the vehicle to one person.

Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.

Car or vehicle title after a death in Tennessee

If the person left no will and no surviving spouse, the heirs can transfer a vehicle with the Department of Revenue's Affidavit of Inheritance (RV-F1310501), filed with the county clerk. All heirs and next of kin sign it (or attach their own affidavit or a power of attorney) to give the vehicle to one person. It states under penalty of perjury that there is no estate needing administration, no letters have been issued, and lists any unpaid liens. A vehicle can also be collected under small estate limited letters.

Law: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-5-13-.02(2)(b); Tenn. Code Ann. 55-4-101 (as cited on form RV-F1310501)

Agency
Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services (through the county clerk)
Form
RV-F1310501 Affidavit of Inheritance (Rev. 10-20)
Fee

County clerk title fees apply; ask the county clerk.

Source: Official page

Do vehicles count toward the small estate limit?

Kind of propertyHow it is treatedDetails
Cars and other vehicles
Counts

A vehicle is personal property and counts. Heirs can also transfer a title through the county clerk with the Department of Revenue's Affidavit of Inheritance.

Law: Tenn. Code Ann. 30-4-102(8)

Boats and mobile or manufactured homes
Counts

Boats and other personal property count.

Law: Tenn. Code Ann. 30-4-102(8)

Related pages

Free help in Tennessee

A court self-help center or a legal aid office can check whether the estate qualifies, free of charge or at low cost.