Tennessee License Plate Lookup

Free Tennessee License Plate Lookup

Check Any TN License Plate Number and Get a Free Vehicle History


Considering buying a pre-owned vehicle in Tennessee? It’s important to approach the process cautiously, especially given the unique aspects of the local market. Potential hurdles may include discrepancies in mileage records, undisclosed damages, and uncertainties surrounding the vehicle’s title history.

Getting accurate details about a vehicle can be quite challenging, requiring thorough searches across various platforms and databases to uncover essential information about the car’s background. This process can be time-consuming and frustrating. Without access to a comprehensive vehicle history upfront, there’s a risk of purchasing a car with hidden issues or an unclear past.

Our Tennessee license plate lookup service offers a solution by providing free and immediate access to a vehicle’s detailed history with just a few clicks. You’ll receive comprehensive information such as registration records, ownership history, accident reports, open recalls, and more. This empowers you to make informed decisions, avoid unexpected surprises, and save both time and money. Give our free Tennessee License Plate Search a try today to gather crucial information before finalizing your purchase.

Below is the list of critical information you’ll receive from a VinCheck.info free TN license plate lookup:

  • Vehicle specification: This includes details such as the make, model, year, and body style of the vehicle.
  • Title information: Information about the vehicle’s title, including whether it’s a clean title or if it has been branded as salvaged, rebuilt, or has a salvage title.
  • Accident history: Reports may include information about any accidents the vehicle has been involved in. This could include the severity of the accidents and whether there was any structural damage.
  • Odometer readings: Reports typically show the history of recorded odometer readings. This can help identify potential odometer rollback fraud.
  • Vehicle market value: This is the estimated current monetary value of a vehicle in the open market. It represents the price at which a vehicle is likely to be bought or sold based on various factors and conditions at a specific point in time.
  • Lien and repossession records: Information on whether there are any outstanding liens on the vehicle or if it has been repossessed.
  • Vehicle use: Data on whether the vehicle has been used for personal, commercial, or rental purposes.
  • Recalls and defects: Reports may include information about any manufacturer recalls or known defects related to the vehicle.
  • Theft records: Information about whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen.
  • Title and registration history: Details about changes in ownership, title transfers, and the state where the vehicle was previously registered.

Tennessee License Plate

Tennessee Plate Serial Formats:
ABC-1234 (Standard)
123-ABCD (Standard- In God We Trust)

Want to contact the Tennessee DMV?

Tennessee Department of Revenue
Andrew Jackson Building
500 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37242

Toll-free number: (888) 871-3171

Tennessee DMV Vehicle Lookup and License Plate Search Services

The Tennessee Department of Revenue offers a variety of online services and resources related to vehicle registration, titling, and other tasks for the public. Some of these services include:

  • Renewing vehicle registration and title
  • Updating address on vehicle registration
  • Paying registration fees
  • Ordering personalized license plates
  • Scheduling appointments for vehicle registration and title services
  • Submitting a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability
  • Requesting a motor vehicle record

Tennessee License Plates, Decals, and Placards FAQs

What is a Tennessee License Plate?

Tennessee DMVTennessee Department of Revenue oversees vehicle registration and license plates across the state. The standard license plate design of Tennessee features a white background with “Tennessee” written in blue at the top, a stylized blue and white Tennessee state flag emblem in the center, and “Volunteer State” written in red at the bottom. These plates are issued by the state and require annual renewal with updated registration decals.

License Plate Sizes

The standard sizes for Tennessee license plates are as follows:

  • Automobile and commercial plates: 12″ x 6″
  • Motorcycle plates: 7″ x 4″
  • Identification plates for other vehicle types: 7″ x 4″

License Plate Validity

Tennessee license plates are validated with registration decals that show the expiration date of the registration. Normally, plates remain with the vehicle they are assigned to. However, personalized or specialty plates can be transferred to another vehicle upon the owner’s request, along with the payment of relevant fees.

Tennessee Laws on License Plates

Tennessee law requires rear license plates on most vehicles. License plates are crucial for vehicle identification, aiding law enforcement in identifying vehicle owners through DOT records.

If your Tennessee license plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, you must obtain replacements. This involves filling out an Application for Duplicate or Replacement Plates form (F-1315301)  through a Department of Revenue designated office.

Transferring a Tennessee License Plate

To transfer a Tennessee license plate from one vehicle to another, follow these steps:

  1. Check eligibility: Verify that both vehicles involved in the transfer are registered in Tennessee and that the license plate is valid. Ensure that the registration for both vehicles is up to date.
  2. Remove the license plate from the original vehicle: Carefully detach the license plate from the original vehicle and store it securely.
  3. Complete the transfer application: Obtain the Tennessee Vehicle Registration Transfer form from the Tennessee Department of Revenue or a local county clerk’s office. Fill out the form with all required information, including the license plate number and details for both the old and new vehicles.
  4. Pay the transfer fee: Submit the required fee for transferring the license plate. The fee amount may vary depending on the vehicle type and the type of plate being transferred.
  5. Submit the transfer application: Present the completed transfer application and the fee payment to the Tennessee Department of Revenue or a designated county clerk’s office. If mailing the application, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for receiving the updated registration documents.
  6. Receive updated registration: Once the Tennessee Department of Revenue processes the transfer application, you will receive updated registration documents for the new vehicle with the transferred license plate.

Ensure that you complete the license plate transfer within the timeframe specified by Tennessee’s regulations. Note that certain specialty or personalized plates may have specific transfer requirements and additional fees. It’s advisable to check with the Tennessee Department of Revenue or your local county clerk’s office for any specific instructions related to your license plate type.

License Plate Renewal

To renew your license plate registration in Tennessee, follow these steps:

  1. Check your renewal date: Locate your current registration’s expiration date on your registration card or by visiting the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s website.
  2. Review renewal requirements: Tennessee may require vehicle emissions testing for registration renewal. Ensure your vehicle meets the state’s emissions standards, if applicable.
  3. Update your information: Verify that your address is up to date with the Tennessee Department of Revenue to receive your renewal notice and any necessary documents.
  4. Renew your registration: You can renew your license plate registration online through the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s website, by mail, or in person at a local county clerk’s office. Follow the instructions on the website for online renewal and have your vehicle information and renewal fee ready.
  5. Receive your renewed registration: After completing the renewal process and paying the required fees, you will receive a new registration card and sticker. These will be mailed to you or provided immediately if you renew in person.

Remember to renew your license plate registration before the expiration date to avoid penalties and ensure your vehicle remains legally registered in Tennessee. The renewal fees may vary based on your vehicle’s type, weight, and other factors, so be prepared for the associated costs.

How Can I Find the Owner of a License Plate in Tennessee?

To find the owner of a license plate in Tennessee, you can utilize these legal avenues:

  1. Law Enforcement Assistance: Authorized law enforcement personnel in Tennessee have access to databases containing information about a vehicle’s registered owner for official purposes.
  2. Private Investigator Services: Engage the services of a licensed private investigator in Tennessee for lawful investigations into a vehicle’s registered owner.
  3. Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR): The DOR may disclose owner information under specific circumstances, such as with a court order, subpoena, or law enforcement request.
  4. Accident Reports: If the vehicle was involved in an accident in Tennessee, the accident report could contain details about the registered owner.
  5. Parking Enforcement Agencies: Reach out to local parking enforcement agencies in Tennessee regarding unauthorized parking, as they may have information about the vehicle’s owner.

It’s essential to adhere strictly to legal protocols and avoid unauthorized access to personal data, as this is against the law and may lead to legal consequences.

Whether you’re in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, or any other city or town in Tennessee, conducting a license plate lookup is vital when evaluating a used car purchase. This step helps ensure your safety, financial security, and informed decision-making. Don’t overlook this critical process; it only takes a short time and can reveal potential issues or title problems that could impact your choice. Safeguard yourself and your investment by conducting a license plate lookup today, regardless of your location in Tennessee. It’s a simple action that can prevent future complications.

  • Anderson
  • Bedford
  • Benton
  • Bledsoe
  • Blount
  • Bradley
  • Campbell
  • Cannon
  • Carroll
  • Carter
  • Cheatham
  • Chester
  • Claiborne
  • Clay
  • Cocke
  • Coffee
  • Crockett
  • Cumberland
  • Davidson
  • Decatur
  • DeKalb
  • Dickson
  • Dyer
  • Fayette
  • Fentress
  • Franklin
  • Gibson
  • Giles
  • Grainger
  • Greene
  • Grundy
  • Hamblen
  • Hamilton
  • Hancock
  • Hardeman
  • Hardin
  • Hawkins
  • Haywood
  • Henderson
  • Henry
  • Hickman
  • Houston
  • Humphreys
  • Jackson
  • Jefferson
  • Johnson
  • Knox
  • Lake
  • Lauderdale
  • Lawrence
  • Lewis
  • Lincoln
  • Loudon
  • McMinn
  • McNairy
  • Macon
  • Madison
  • Marion
  • Marshall
  • Maury
  • Meigs
  • Monroe
  • Montgomery
  • Moore
  • Morgan
  • Obion
  • Overton
  • Perry
  • Pickett
  • Polk
  • Putnam
  • Rhea
  • Roane
  • Robertson
  • Rutherford
  • Scott
  • Sequatchie
  • Sevier
  • Shelby
  • Smith
  • Stewart
  • Sullivan
  • Sumner
  • Tipton
  • Trousdale
  • Unicoi
  • Union
  • Van Buren
  • Warren
  • Washington
  • Wayne
  • Weakley
  • White
  • Williamson
  • Wilson

Buying a used car in Tennessee?  Don’t make a costly mistake. Run a Free License Plate Lookup on your vehicle!

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