Car title loans in Tennessee
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
Tennessee title loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | Tennessee Title Pledge Act. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 45-15-101 et seq.) |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | No more than $2,500, counting other outstanding title pledge loans with the same lender on the same title. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 45-15-115(3)) |
| Rate / fee cap | Interest of up to 2% per month, plus fees of no more than one-fifth (20%) of the original principal per 30-day period. Renewal fees are based on the unpaid balance at the start of each renewal. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 45-15-111) |
| Maximum term | Each agreement is for no more than 30 days, but may renew (even automatically) for more 30-day periods. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 45-15-113) |
| Renewals | Renewals are allowed. From the third renewal on, you must pay at least 5% of the original principal each time, on top of interest and fees. The lender may not add unpaid interest or fees to principal, or pay off a title loan with a new one from the same lender. (Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 45-15-113, 45-15-115(10), (16)) |
| Repossession notice / right to cure | On default, the lender may repossess the vehicle without court process if it can do so without a breach of the peace. It must hold the vehicle for 20 days so you can redeem it, then has 60 days to sell it in a commercially reasonable manner. The lender's recourse is limited to the vehicle and title. (Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 45-15-114(b), 45-15-115(2)) |
| Surplus after sale | Yes. Any surplus from the sale, after principal, interest and authorized fees (including direct sale costs), must be sent to you. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 45-15-114(b)) |
Title loans online in Tennessee
You can start a Tennessee title loan online: fill out the short form, then the lender values your vehicle from its details and photos or a quick inspection. You keep driving your car while you repay, and the lien is released when the loan is paid off. How online title loans work.
Estimate a title loan
Title loan calculator
Many title lenders lend 25%–50% of a vehicle's value, and you keep driving your car. Estimate only; your lender shows exact terms.
Compare neighboring states
Lenders must follow the law of the state where you live, not where you visit.
| State | Status | Max loan |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Legal | — |
| Arkansas | Not available | — |
| Georgia | Legal | — |
| Kentucky | Limited | Up to $15,000, excluding charges (consumer loan act limit). |
| Mississippi | Legal | A title pledge on any single vehicle title may not exceed $2,500. |
| Missouri | Legal | A title lender may not make a loan over $5,000. |
| North Carolina | Not available | — |
| Virginia | Legal | No more than $2,500, and a lender may not have you owe it more than $2,500 in principal at any time. |
Title Loans by city in Tennessee
Counties in Tennessee
Show all 95 counties
Also see: Payday Loans in Tennessee · Personal Loans in Tennessee · All Tennessee loan options
Frequently asked questions
Are title loans legal in Tennessee?
Title loans (title pledge loans) are legal in Tennessee from lenders licensed by TDFI under the Title Pledge Act, Tenn. Code Ann. § 45-15-101 et seq.
How much can you get for a title loan in Tennessee?
No more than $2,500, counting other outstanding title pledge loans with the same lender on the same title.
What interest can title lenders charge in Tennessee?
Interest of up to 2% per month, plus fees of no more than one-fifth (20%) of the original principal per 30-day period. Renewal fees are based on the unpaid balance at the start of each renewal.
When can a title lender repossess my car in Tennessee?
On default, the lender may repossess the vehicle without court process if it can do so without a breach of the peace. It must hold the vehicle for 20 days so you can redeem it, then has 60 days to sell it in a commercially reasonable manner. The lender's recourse is limited to the vehicle and title.
Do I get money back if my car is sold in Tennessee?
Yes. Any surplus from the sale, after principal, interest and authorized fees (including direct sale costs), must be sent to you.
What do I need for a title loan in Tennessee?
Most lenders ask for a vehicle title in your name, ideally free of other liens, a valid government-issued ID, proof of income, proof of residence in Tennessee, and the vehicle itself for photos or a quick inspection. Some lenders also ask for proof of insurance or a spare key. Requirements vary by lender. Start our 3-minute form to see what lenders need from you.
Can I get a title loan on a financed car in Tennessee?
Sometimes. If you still owe money on your car, some lenders may approve a title loan based on your equity, meaning the car's value minus what you owe. Others require a title that's fully paid off and in your name. Because policies vary, enter your vehicle and current loan details on our form, and lenders serving Tennessee will tell you what they can offer.
Can I refinance my title loan in Tennessee?
Often, yes. Some lenders let you refinance an existing title loan into a new loan with a different payment amount or term, and a new lender may be able to pay off your current one. Options depend on your vehicle's value, your income and Tennessee rules. Enter your details on our form to see what lenders in our network can offer you. It takes about 3 minutes.
How much can I get for a title loan in Tennessee?
The amount depends mainly on your vehicle's value, along with your income and Tennessee rules. Lenders typically offer a portion of what your car is worth, so newer vehicles with lower mileage usually qualify for more. You'll see the exact amount and terms before signing. Enter your vehicle's details on our form to see what lenders may offer. It takes about 3 minutes.