The County Clerk's Office is responsible for:

• Motor Vehicle Titling, Registration, and Noting of Liens
• Boat Registrations (when there is a change of ownership)
• Probate Court Records
• Juvenile Court Records
• Marriage Records and Issuance of Marriage Licenses
• Issuance of County Business Licenses & Collection of Business Taxes
• Notary Public Applications and Processing
• Putnam County Board of Commissioners' Records/Minutes
• Putnam County Beer Board Records/Minutes

Driving Directions from I-40:
Exit I-40 @ Exit 287 (Hwy 136/Jefferson Ave) go North toward the square following Hwy 136 North. At the square, make a right onto Spring Street and a left onto Washington, making an "L" around the square and still following Hwy 136N. Go across Broad Street and take the second street to the right (Freeze Street). our building is at the corner of N. Washington and Freeze Street, with the entrance off of Staley.

Driving Directions | Frequently Asked Questions | Forms | License Plates

Frequently asked question:

1. How much does a marriage license cost, and what do I have to bring with me?
   If both parties are 18 years of age or older, the cost of a marriage license is $99.00, which must be paid in cash. However, upon completion of a 4 hr. pre-martial counseling course and presentation of a certificate (see forms section) signed by the minister or licensed counseling professional who administered the course and notarized by a Notary Public, a $60.00 credit will bring the cost down to $33.50, which still must be paid in cash.
   Each party should bring a pictorial driver's license or certified birth certificate and their social security card. If you cannot produce your social security card, than a Letter of Confirmation of your number must be obtained from the local Social Security Administration office and presented along with other proper identification. Individuals under the age of 18, or situations with special circumstances, should call County Clerk's office for additional information and requirements.
2. What is the sales tax rate on vehicles?
   For any vehicle less than $1600, the tax rate is 9.75%. For those over $1600, the rate is 7% of the total plus $44.00 for the county, and an additional"single article" state tax of 2.75% of the amount over $1600.00 up to a maximum of $44.00 (anything over $3200.00 will be charged the maximum single article tax of $44.00)
3. How much does a County Business License cost?
   The initial cost of a County Business License is $20.00.
4. What do I have to do to become a Notary Public?
   An application must be completed, and an oath signed in person at the County Clerk's Office. The applicant must also arrange to be bonded, either through an insurance company, or by having two (2) Putnam County property owners come to the Clerk's Office to sign a bond and Property Owner's Statement. The initial fee is $49.00.
5. How do I get a Disabled Driver plate or placard?
   Fill out the top of the application (see the forms section), sign where indicated in the center of the page, and have your doctor fill in and sign the bottom section. Bring it to the County Clerk's Office and pay the appropriate fees. If purchasing a disabled driver plate and it is not time for the current plate to be renewed, you can surrender the current plate for a credit toward the purchase of your new plate.
6. How do I go about giving a car to my son, daughter, mother, father, brother, or sister?
   Complete an "Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfer.." (see the forms section), indicating the relationship and zero money involved. Sign the back of the title as "seller". If the title is in two names with the conjunction "and", both parties must sign as sellers. Have the recipient bring the title and the affidavit to the Clerk's Office. The cost will be $37.50 (if purchasing a regular plate).
7. Do utility trailers have to be registered? What about camping trailers?
   Utility trailers under 16 feet in length and used for personal use only do not have to be licensed and titled in Tennessee. Any utility trailer 16 feet in length and over for personal use must be licensed and titled. Any size utility trailer used for commercial use must be licensed and titled. The following are also exempt from license and title: a) Livestock trailers owned by farmers and used for agriculture or hauling livestock between farm and market, b) boat trailers c) a one car pull behind car hauler dolly, d) pop-up or fold up camping trailers. All one-piece structure pull behind camping trailers must be licensed and titled.
8. How do I get a title for a homemade trailer?
   Fill out an "Application for Certificate of Trailer Inspection (see forms section) and follow the directions.
9. Do mobile homes have to be titled?
   New laws governing the titling of mobile homes took effect on May 14, 2003. According to these laws, new or used mobile homes, modular homes, double or triple-wide's, etc., that are being permanently affixed to real property (being set on a foundation) do not have to be titled through this office. Instead, a description of the residence should be included on the deed and the deed should be recorded in the Register of Deeds' Office in the Courthouse.
10. Do I have to put a plate on a vehicle just to put it in my name?
    Yes, unless a parent is taking ownership for the sole purpose of turning the vehicle over to his or her minor child.
    

Forms Section:

Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers of Motor Vehicles and Boats

Application for Disabled Person License Plate and/or Placard

Application for Certificate of Trailer Inspection

Premarital Preparation Course Certificate of Completion