Quick answer

In Tennessee probate, you generally value a decedent’s vehicles as of the date of death. The estate’s personal representative (executor or administrator) must show the probate court the fair market value of each vehicle. Typical evidence includes certified appraisals, dealer quotes, traded-in valuation guides (Kelley Blue Book, NADA), recent sale listings, photographs showing condition, title and registration information, and affidavits from knowledgeable witnesses. If values are disputed, the court may order a formal appraisal or hold a hearing.

Detailed answer — step-by-step guide to proving vehicle value in Tennessee probate

1. Identify who has responsibility. The personal representative appointed by the probate court is responsible for gathering and reporting estate assets, including motor vehicles. If you are acting as that person, you will prepare any inventory or account the court requires.
2. Determine the valuation date. Tennessee probate uses the date of death to determine the decedent’s estate assets’ value unless the personal representative and beneficiaries agree otherwise or the court orders a different approach.
3. Collect documentation for each vehicle. At minimum, gather the title, registration, insurance declarations (if available), maintenance records, the vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, and photographs that show overall condition, interior condition, and any damage. These documents support the vehicle’s identity and condition on the valuation date.
4. Use reliable valuation sources. Courts accept multiple valuation methods. Common, acceptable sources include:

• Independent, written appraisals from a licensed appraiser or dealership. A signed written appraisal is strong evidence.
• Professional retail or trade-in values from respected guides (Kelley Blue Book/KBB, NADA Guides, Edmunds) showing values for the exact year, make, model, mileage, and condition.
• Comparable local listings or recent local sale prices for substantially similar vehicles (same model year, mileage, condition).
• Dealer purchase or offer letters if a dealer documented a cash offer to buy the vehicle near the date of death.

5. Use sworn statements and court forms as needed. Some Tennessee probate courts require a formal inventory or sworn statement listing estate assets with values. Attach supporting documents (appraisals, valuation printouts, photos). If you rely on informal valuations (e.g., KBB printout), sign a sworn statement that the valuation accurately reflects the vehicle’s condition on the date of death.
6. Handle vehicles with liens. If a vehicle still has a loan or lien, document the payoff or outstanding balance. The estate’s net value for the vehicle is the fair market value minus outstanding liens.
7. Resolve disputes or low/high values. If beneficiaries dispute values, propose mediation, submit competing appraisals, or ask the court to order an independent appraisal. Courts may hold evidentiary hearings to decide a contested valuation.
8. Record the value on estate paperwork. Report each vehicle and its proven value on the inventory, accountings, and any distribution documents. Keep the supporting documents in the estate file in case the court or beneficiaries request them later.

Special situations

Small estates: If the estate qualifies for simplified or small estate procedures in Tennessee, you may be able to collect and distribute some assets without formal probate filings. Even in simplified processes, you should still determine a reasonable value for each vehicle and keep supporting evidence in case of later questions.

Vehicle sold before probate completes: If the personal representative sells a vehicle, document the sale with a bill of sale, the buyer’s information, price received, and how the price compares to other valuations. The sale price is strong evidence of value, but the court may examine whether the sale was at arm’s length.

Disagreement among beneficiaries: If beneficiaries cannot agree on a value or disposition, either side can ask the court to resolve the dispute (for example, by ordering an appraisal or holding a hearing).

Where to find Tennessee probate rules and local filing requirements

Probate practice and local filing rules can vary by county. The Tennessee Court’s self-help probate guide explains basic probate steps and forms that may be required by your county court: Tennessee Courts – Probate & Estate Administration. For motor vehicle title and transfer procedures after a death, consult the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s motor vehicle page: Tennessee Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle. For statutory guidance about Tennessee probate law, see Title 30 of the Tennessee Code via the Tennessee General Assembly website: Tennessee General Assembly (Tennessee Code).

Evidence checklist — what to bring to court or to the estate file

• Vehicle title and registration (copy).
• Photographs showing vehicle condition and odometer reading taken nearest to the date of death.
• Written appraisal(s) or dealership offer letters.
• Printed valuation reports from KBB, NADA, Edmunds, or similar (showing model, option, mileage, and condition used).
• Comparable local listings or recent sale listings.
• Maintenance records and insurance declarations.
• Documents showing liens or loans on the vehicle and payoff statements.
• Bill of sale if the vehicle was sold during estate administration.

Helpful hints

• Start gathering evidence early. Values and memories fade; contemporaneous documents are strongest.
• Get a written appraisal if you expect disputes or the vehicle is unusual, classic, or has unclear market value.
• Use multiple valuation sources (appraisal + guide + comparables) to strengthen your position.
• Keep a clear chain of custody and a copy of everything you file with the court.
• If beneficiaries all agree on an informal value and the court allows a simplified filing, document that agreement in writing and file it with the estate records.
• If a vehicle has sentimental rather than monetary value, document the monetary valuation separately from any decisions about who receives the vehicle.
• Contact the probate clerk in the county where probate is filed for local forms and specific filing requirements.

When to get professional help

Consider hiring a probate attorney if the estate is large, beneficiaries dispute values, the vehicles are high-value or unusual (collectibles, antiques), or liens and taxes complicate the matters. An attorney can help prepare inventories, negotiate disputes, and represent the estate at any hearings.