Yes. Title loans are legal in Tennessee, and lenders must follow the Tennessee Title Pledge Act (T.C.A. Title 45, Chapter 15).
Title loan rules in Tennessee at a glance
| Title-loan law | Tennessee Title Pledge Act (T.C.A. Title 45, Chapter 15) |
|---|---|
| Rate cap | 2% per month interest plus a fee of up to 20% of the original principal per 30 days (T.C.A. § 45-15-111) — about 264% APR |
| Largest loan | $2,500 |
| Loan term | Up to 30 days |
| Rollovers and renewals | Unlimited 30-day renewals; from the third renewal each requires at least 5% of the original principal (T.C.A. § 45-15-113) |
| Repossession | Allowed after default |
| Time to catch up before repossession | 20 days |
| Owe the balance after the car is sold? | No, the lender cannot collect a remaining balance |
| Lender license | Required (Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions (TDFI)) |
| Statute | T.C.A. §§ 45-15-105, 45-15-111, 45-15-113, 45-15-114, 45-15-115 (Tennessee Title Pledge Act); § 55-5-128 |
Source: T.C.A. §§ 45-15-105, 45-15-111, 45-15-113, 45-15-114, 45-15-115 (Tennessee Title Pledge Act); § 55-5-128 (read the law). We last checked it against the statute on October 3, 2026. See title loan laws in every state.
What a title loan costs in Tennessee
Under Tennessee's rate rules, borrowing $500 for 30 days costs $110 in interest or fees, so you repay $610 (264% APR). Your offer may differ.
| Loan | Term | Interest and fees | Total repaid | APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | 30 days | $110 | $610 | 264% |
| $1,000 | 30 days | $220 | $1,220 | 264% |
| $2,500 | 30 days | $550 | $3,050 | 264% |
Check whether the lender adds any fees: the written disclosure must show the full cost and the APR with every fee included.
What happens if you can't repay
If you fall behind, the lender can repossess your car, but Tennessee gives you 20 days to catch up on missed payments first. If the car is sold, the lender cannot come after you for any balance the sale did not cover.
If you think you will miss a payment, call the lender before the due date and ask what options it offers.
How to check a lender in Tennessee
Title lenders in Tennessee must be licensed (Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions (TDFI)). Search for the lender on the official license lookup before you sign. Lenditup does not check lender licenses for you (see how we verify).
Looking for a loan in Tennessee?
A title loan puts your car at risk, so compare it with a personal installment loan first. If a title loan is still the right fit, you can send one request and see what lenders and lending marketplaces in our network offer.
Lenditup is not a lender. Sending a request does not mean you will be approved; each lender sets its own rates and terms within Tennessee law.
Title loan questions for Tennessee
01What is the most a title lender can charge in Tennessee?
02How long is a title loan in Tennessee?
03How much can I borrow on a title loan in Tennessee?
04Can I roll over a title loan in Tennessee?
05What happens if I can't repay a title loan in Tennessee?
06How do I check that a title lender is licensed in Tennessee?
07Is Lenditup a title lender in Tennessee?
Title loan laws in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Compare every state side by side on the state title loan law table, or read how title loans work and what lenders ask for. Payday loans follow a different law: see payday loan rules in Tennessee.