Selling a Lebanon car that no longer runs

Is there a Lebanon junk-car ordinance?

We checked and Lebanon's city code wasn't posted online, so this page sticks to Tennessee law. Lebanon could still set limits on inoperable or unlicensed cars kept on a lot, and a local limit can be stricter than the state's. If a code officer has left a notice on your door, the notice is the clock to follow, not this page.

Lebanon spreads across about 40.7 square miles of land, from the square out to farm roads. A car on a long gravel drive may draw no attention for years. Some Lebanon subdivisions set their own street rules. Ask Lebanon city staff first if you think you'll need longer.

A registration that lapsed

Plenty of dead cars around Lebanon stop being renewed long before they stop moving. Tennessee's rule for staggered registrations is mild:

• Renew within 90 days after the expiration and the car keeps its old expiration date.
• Renew 91 or more days late and it gets one year from the date of issue.

The rule shows no back fees. Selling the Lebanon car means no renewal is needed, since the plate is yours and not tied to the car.

Signing the title for a Wilson County buyer

In Tennessee the county clerk issues titles. Whoever buys your Lebanon car titles it at the Wilson County clerk's office, bringing ID, proof of residency and the odometer disclosure. Your part is the back of the title:

• Sign and print your name under "ASSIGNMENT OF TITLE BY REGISTERED OWNER", spelled exactly as it appears on the front.
• When "and" links two owner names, each one signs. If they are joined by "or", one signature is enough.
• No notary. Tennessee titles do not need one, though some out-of-state titles do.

Lost the title? A duplicate costs $14, and the county may add its own fees. Lebanon owners take or mail the "Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title Application" to the clerk along with lien payoff proof. Our guide to a junk car with no title covers the rest.

The plate goes home with you

Plates in Tennessee follow the owner. Take yours off before the truck leaves, and you can move it to another vehicle for $1. Selling in Lebanon? You won't mail in any sale notice or liability release, since the Revenue Department's titling pages list neither. For sellers they list the title assignment and, for gifts or low-price sales, an Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers. After you sell walks through the last steps.

Getting an offer from Lebanon

Lebanon sellers can call (877) 421-6008 or use the form. Our truck comes to the square by the Civil War memorial or out toward Mount Juliet, 9.2 miles off. See the Tennessee page for statewide rules.