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Used car dealer fees in Tennessee
Buying a used car in Tennessee, expect a documentation fee (no cap; ~$400–$600 typical), sales tax of 7% state + local (capped local portion), a title fee around $14, and registration (~$29/yr + county wheel tax). Everything beyond those four lines deserves scrutiny before you sign.
- Doc fee
- No cap; ~$400–$600 typical
- Sales tax
- 7% state + local (capped local portion)
- Title fee
- ~$14
- Registration
- ~$29/yr + county wheel tax
Frequently asked
Is the doc fee capped in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee does not cap the documentation fee, and dealers commonly charge ~$400–$600 typical. The fee itself is rarely dropped, so negotiate the out-the-door total instead.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Tennessee?
7% state + local (capped local portion). Tax is a government charge, not dealer profit — but check that it is calculated on the correct price, with any trade-in credit applied where Tennessee allows it.
Which dealer fees can I refuse in Tennessee?
Government charges (sales tax, title, registration) are fixed. Everything else — doc fee, dealer prep, VIN etching, paint protection, nitrogen tires, appearance packages — is dealer profit. You may not get individual lines removed, but you can negotiate the out-the-door total down to offset them, or walk away.
What is a fair out-the-door price in Tennessee?
Take the agreed vehicle price, add Tennessee's tax (7% state + local (capped local portion)), title (~$14), and registration, plus a doc fee in line with no cap; ~$400–$600 typical. If the quote is meaningfully above that math, ask the dealer to walk you through every added line.
Figures are typical published amounts as of 2026-07-03 and can change with legislation or local rates. Always verify current caps, tax rates, and fees with the Tennessee DMV or your county before signing.