Title Brands

AUTHORITY:
Tenn. Code Ann. Sections 55-1-106, 55-3-208, 55-3-201

DESCRIPTION:

• A Tennessee Title is “BRANDED” with the following words, when it falls into one of these categories; NEW, USED, DEMONSTRATOR, SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED, RECONSTRUCTED, FLOOD DAMAGE, REBUILT, METHAMPHETAMINE, REPLICA. This guide breaks down how, when and why a Tennessee Title is branded.

TITLE BRAND CODES:

New/MSO	N
Used	U
Demonstrator	D
Rebuilt Vehicle	1
Flood Damage	2
Specially Constructed	3
Replica	4
Methamphetamine Vehicle	5
Non-Repairable	8
Demonstrator/Meth Vehicle	A
Rebuilt/Meth Vehicle	B
Flood Damage/Meth Vehicle	C
Specially Constructed/Meth Vehicle	E
Replica/Meth Vehicle	F
Non-Repairable/Meth Vehicle	G

NEW:

• A motor vehicle defined in Tennessee law is considered new until such time the vehicle is titled. An untitled vehicle requires a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) properly assigned by the dealer to the purchaser reflecting all liens, a dealer's bill of sale and a separate odometer statement (necessary only if the MSO does not contain the conforming odometer language).
• The MSO is used to assign the vehicle from the manufacturer to the first franchised dealer and subsequent franchised dealers until the first assignment to a customer or to a used vehicle dealer. The vehicle carries the brand NEW as long as it is assigned to another franchised dealer of the same line or make (example: Ford to Ford or Chevrolet to Chevrolet) or until assigned to an individual retail purchaser. For instance, a person with a new vehicle from another state may establish residency in Tennessee.
• At such time, the person is required to title and register the vehicle in Tennessee. Since the ownership has not changed, the vehicle will be branded ‘NEW’. The same is true when a person with a new vehicle must replace their existing title. This brand is accomplished by placing an "N" in the new field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.

USED:

• Mileage itself is not considered when a vehicle is to be branded USED. Vehicles that carry this brand are simply vehicles (1) sold by a used car dealer or (2) titled after an initial title has been issued.
• Vehicles with an MSO and zero mileage should be branded USED if sold by a used vehicle dealer because the used motor vehicle dealer is not franchised by a manufacturer or importer and the dealer is only licensed to sell used vehicles. This brand is accomplished by placing a "U" in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.

DEMONSTRATOR (DEMO):

• The vehicle is titled NEW to the first retail customer unless it has been used as a demonstrator. It is branded as “DEMONSTRATOR”. Only franchised dealers may title a vehicle as “DEMONSTRATOR” and mileage is not considered. The criteria are a previously untitled motor vehicle which has incurred mileage due to its use as a demonstration vehicle. This brand is accomplished by placing a "D" in the used field on the Multi-Purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.
• Franchised dealers with untitled vehicles in their inventory may title the vehicle as a demonstrator as long as the vehicle has not been previously titled and is still carrying its original MSO.

REBUILT:

• "Rebuilt Vehicle" means any passenger motor vehicle which was previously issued a salvage title; has passed state anti-theft inspections; and repaired to meet all safety requirements as outlined by the NHTSA. The passenger motor vehicle was rebuilt to required standards; has been issued a certificate indicating that the passenger motor vehicle has passed the required anti-theft inspections; and has a decal stating "REBUILT VEHICLE – ANTI-THEFT INSPECTIONS PASSED" affixed to the driver's door jamb. This brand is accomplished by placing a "1" in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.
• "Rebuilt Title" means the passenger motor vehicle ownership document issued by the state to the owner of a rebuilt vehicle. Ownership of the passenger motor vehicle may be transferred on a rebuilt title, and a passenger motor vehicle for which a rebuilt title has been issued may be registered for use on the roads and highways. A rebuilt title shall be conspicuously labeled with the words "REBUILT VEHICLE – ANTI-THEFT INSPECTIONS PASSED" across the front.
• This brand is placed on a Tennessee Certificate of Title when the following circumstances occur:
  • Previously issued Salvage title
  • Passed Tennessee anti-theft inspection and issued a decal and
  • An affidavit issued by the re-builder that indicates the vehicle has been repaired to manufacturer’s specifications and is supported with receipts for parts and labor and pictures of the vehicle in its wrecked condition. All subsequent titles issued for a vehicle with a brand will continue to carry the brand

FLOOD:

• “Flood Vehicle” means any passenger motor vehicle which has sustained substantial water damage as determined by departmental rules and regulations. Disclosure that a passenger motor vehicle has become a flood vehicle shall be made at the time of transfer of ownership, and the next certificate of title issued after the transfer shall be conspicuously labeled with the word "FLOOD" across the front. This brand is accomplished by placing a "2" in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.

SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED/RECONSTRUCTED REQUIREMENTS:

• Completed Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application form
• VIN Plate
• “SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED” is placed on the certificate of title for vehicles that are not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles and not materially altered from its original construction. This brand is accomplished by placing a "3" in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.
• "Specially Constructed Vehicle" means every vehicle of a type required to be registered in this state that have been materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, or substitution of essential parts, new or used as covered in Tenn. Code Ann. Section 55-1-106.
• "Essential parts" means all integral and body parts of a vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder, the removal, alteration, or substitution of which would tend to conceal the identity of the vehicle or substantially alter its appearance, model, type, or mode of operation.

REPLICA:

• “Replica Vehicle” means a custom-built car for which no certificate of title has ever been issued by the division may be titled as make, model and year of manufactured motor vehicle that the custom-built car most closely resembles, provided however the car is intended to replicate the make, model and year of the manufactured vehicle, and provided further, that the title clearly identifies the custom-built car as a replica. This brand is accomplished by placing a “4” in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application and will be labeled with the word “REPLICA” across the front of the Tennessee Title.

METHAMPHETAMINE VEHICLE:

• "Methamphetamine Vehicle" means any motor vehicle subject to registration and certificate of title provisions that has been impounded by a law enforcement agency based on a charge of manufacture of methamphetamine on or within the vehicle and determined to be contaminated pursuant to the standards developed pursuant to title 68, chapter 212, part 5, and for which the department has received a notice of motor vehicle impoundment for manufacture of methamphetamine pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. Section 55-3-210. Disclosure that a motor vehicle has become a methamphetamine vehicle shall be made upon the department's receipt of such notice by issuance of a new certificate of title conspicuously labeled with the language "Methamphetamine Vehicle" across the front. Upon any subsequent transfer of ownership, the next certificate of title issued after the transfer shall be conspicuously labeled with the language "METHAMPHETAMINE VEHICLE" across the front. This brand is accomplished by placing a "5" in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.

NON-REPAIRABLE:

• “Parts Only” can include:
  • "Non-repairable Vehicle" means any passenger motor vehicle which is incapable of safe operation for use on roads or highways and which has no resale value except as a source of parts or scrap only or which the owner irreversibly designates as a source of parts or scrap.
  • "Non-repairable vehicle" includes, but is not limited to, any passenger motor vehicle which has sustained salt water damage as a result of salt water entering the passenger compartment. A non-repairable vehicle shall be issued a non-repairable vehicle certificate and shall never again be titled or registered.
  • "Non-repairable Vehicle Certificate" means a passenger motor vehicle ownership document issued by the state to the owner of a non-repairable vehicle. Ownership of the passenger motor vehicle may only be transferred two (2) times on a non-repairable vehicle certificate. A passenger motor vehicle for which a non-repairable vehicle certificate has been issued can never be titled or registered for use on roads or highways. A non-repairable vehicle certificate shall be conspicuously labeled with the word "NON-REPAIRABLE" across the front. This brand is accomplished by placing an "8" in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.

DEMONSTRATOR/ METH VEHICLE:

• The vehicle is titled “DEMONSTRATOR/METH VEHICLE” when it was used as a ‘Demonstrator’ vehicle but has been impounded by law enforcement agency based on a charge of manufacture of methamphetamine on or within the vehicle.
• Disclosure that a motor vehicle has become a methamphetamine vehicle shall be made upon the department's receipt of such notice by issuance of a new certificate of title conspicuously labeled with the language "Demonstrator/Meth Vehicle" across the front. Upon any subsequent transfer of ownership, the next certificate of title issued after the transfer shall be conspicuously labeled with the language "METHAMPHETAMINE VEHICLE" across the front.
• This “DEMONSTRATOR/METH VEHICLE” brand is accomplished by placing an "A" in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application

REBUILT/ METH VEHICLE:

• The vehicle is titled “REBUILT/METH VEHICLE” when it had previously been issued a salvage title but has been impounded by law enforcement agency based on a charge of manufacture of methamphetamine on or within the vehicle.
• This vehicle would have a Tennessee Certificate of Title showing a previously issued Salvage title, passed Tennessee anti-theft inspection and issued a decal as well as an affidavit issued by the re-builder that says vehicle has been repaired to manufacturer’s specifications and is supported with receipts for parts and labor and pictures of the vehicle in its wrecked condition.
• Disclosure that a motor vehicle has become a methamphetamine vehicle shall be made upon the department's receipt of such notice by issuance of a new certificate of title conspicuously labeled with the language "Rebuilt/Meth Vehicle" across the front. Upon any subsequent transfer of ownership, the next certificate of title issued after the transfer shall be conspicuously labeled with the language "METHAMPHETAMINE VEHICLE" across the front.
• This “REBUILT/METH VEHICLE” brand is accomplished by placing a "B" in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.

FLOOD DAMAGE/ METH VEHICLE:

• The vehicle is titled “FLOOD DAMAGE/METH VEHICLE” when it had previously been issued a flood title but has been impounded by law enforcement agency based on a charge of manufacture of methamphetamine on or within the vehicle.
• Disclosure that a motor vehicle has become a methamphetamine vehicle shall be made upon the department's receipt of such notice by issuance of a new certificate of title conspicuously labeled with the language "Flood/Meth Vehicle" across the front. Upon any subsequent transfer of ownership, the next certificate of title issued after the transfer shall be conspicuously labeled with the language "FLOOD DAMAGE/METH VEHICLE" across the front.
• This “FLOOD/METH VEHICLE” brand is accomplished by placing a "C" in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.

 SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED/ METH VEHICLE:

• The vehicle is titled “SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED/ METH VEHICLE” when it had previously been issued a specially constructed title but has been impounded by law enforcement agency based on a charge of manufacture of methamphetamine on or within the vehicle.
• Disclosure that a motor vehicle has become a methamphetamine vehicle shall be made upon the department's receipt of such notice by issuance of a new certificate of title conspicuously labeled with the language "Specially Constructed/Meth Vehicle" across the front. Upon any subsequent transfer of ownership, the next certificate of title issued after the transfer shall be conspicuously labeled with the language “SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED/ METH VEHICLE” across the front.
• This “SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED/ METH VEHICLE” brand is accomplished by placing an "E" in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.

REPLICA/ METH VEHICLE:

• The vehicle is titled “REPLICA/ METH VEHICLE” when it had previously been issued a replica title but has been impounded by law enforcement agency based on a charge of manufacture of methamphetamine on or within the vehicle.
• Disclosure that a motor vehicle has become a methamphetamine vehicle shall be made upon the department’s receipt of such notice by issuance of a new certificate of title conspicuously labeled with the language “Replica/Meth Vehicle” across the front. Upon any subsequent transfer of ownership, the next certificate of title issued after the transfer shall be conspicuously labeled with the language “REPLICA/METH VEHICLE” across the front.
• This “REPLICA/METH VEHICLE” brand is accomplished by placing an “F” in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.

NON-REPAIRABLE/ METH VEHICLE:

• The vehicle is titled “NON-REPAIRABLE/ METH VEHICLE” when it had previously been issued a non-repairable title as a source of parts or scrap but has been impounded by law enforcement agency based on a charge of manufacture of methamphetamine on or within the vehicle.
• Disclosure that a motor vehicle has become a methamphetamine vehicle shall be made upon the department’s receipt of such notice by issuance of a new certificate of title conspicuously labeled with the language “Non-Repairable/Meth Vehicle” across the front. Upon any subsequent transfer of ownership, the next certificate of title issued after the transfer shall be conspicuously labeled with the language “NON-REPAIRABLE/METH VEHICLE” across the front. Ownership of the passenger motor vehicle may only be transferred two (2) times on a non-repairable vehicle certificate.
• This “NON-REPAIRABLE /METH VEHICLE” brand is accomplished by placing a “G” in the used field on the Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title application.

Examples

Examples

“Brands can be displayed
in the “Remarks: field on
the front of a TN Title.

Some Brands are
Controlled Stock

Examples:

• Salvage Certificate of Title with an “Actual Mileage" Odometer Brand Shown

A Non-Repairable
Certificate:

• For Parts Only – "Not Actual Mileage” Brand Shown

Note:

• Consumers should NOT drive on a “Salvage” or “Non-Repairable” Certificate.