Tennessee Vehicle Registration

Tennessee Vehicle Registration: Complete Guide

Tennessee Vehicle Registration

When Jessica moved to Nashville and bought a used SUV from a local seller, she didn’t worry about the paperwork. But that changed quickly. A police officer pulled her over and told her the out-of-state tags were no longer valid. If you’re buying a used car in Tennessee, learning how vehicle registration works and checking the VIN can save you from big problems. A VIN check shows if the car was in an accident, had flood damage, or shows signs of odometer tampering.

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As the new owner of a vehicle, the law requires that you register your vehicle with the state’s DMV. To drive legally in Tennessee, you need a valid driver’s license, current Tennessee vehicle registration, and proper tags.

Check out all the information you need here at VINCheck.info if you want to:

Tennessee Vehicle Registration for New Residents and Out-of-State Vehicles

If you’ve recently moved to Tennessee, registering your vehicle is one of the first things you need to take care of. Whether you’re a new resident or bringing in an out-of-state vehicle, the Tennessee vehicle registration process is straightforward—just follow the steps below.

Head to your local county clerk’s office with the following:

  1. Out-of-state title and registration
  2. If the title is held by a lienholder, provide their name and address
  3. Valid proof of identification
  4. Proof of Tennessee residency
  5. Payment for applicable registration and title fees

Note: You don’t need to show proof of insurance when registering for the first time. However, Tennessee law requires all drivers to carry car insurance. Driving without insurance can lead to penalties if you’re pulled over or involved in an accident.

Rebuilding and Registering a Salvaged Vehicle

You can fix a salvaged vehicle and drive it again—but you can’t hit the road until it’s fully registered. Driving a car with a salvage title and no updated registration is illegal and can lead to serious trouble.

To get your salvaged vehicle legally back on the road, follow these steps:

  • Complete and submit an Application for Motor Vehicle Identification Certification
    • A fee will be charged for each conversion of a vehicle salvage document to a rebuilt title.
    • The form should be completed by the rebuilder of the vehicle
  • Pay the fee to turn the salvage title into a rebuilt title.
  • Make sure the person who rebuilt the car completes the form.
  • Include the original Salvage Certificate with your documents.
  • Add clear color photos of the car when it was still damaged—showing all sides.
  • Include receipts for every replacement part. These must list the year, make, and VIN of the source vehicle. Each receipt must show full names and addresses of both buyer and seller.
    For new or aftermarket parts, clearly state that on the receipt.
  • Include the payment, made out to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.Mail all your documents and payment to:

    Tennessee Dept. of Revenue
    Vehicle Services Division
    44 Vantage Way – Suite 160
    Nashville, TN 37243-8050Note: All vehicles for which applications are submitted may be subject to inspection by an agent with the Special Investigations Section. The purpose of this inspection is to verify that all parts were obtained legally and not stolen.

Address Change with the Tennessee DMV

When you move to a new address—either in Tennessee or out of state—you must inform the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Do this within 10 days of moving. Even if the post office or local emergency services change your address for 9-1-1 purposes, you still need to report it.

Telling the postal service alone won’t update your DMV records. There is no fee to change your address in our system, but if you want a new driver’s license that reflects the change of address, you will need to apply for it online or via a driver services center, in which case a fee will be charged when your new license is issued to you.

The fee is based on the number of duplicates you have had and the type of license you have.

You can also update your records with your new address by writing to:

TN DEPT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY
ATTN: RECORDS
1150 Foster Avenue
Nashville, TN 37243

Include these details in your letter:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Driver’s license number
  • Social Security Number
  • Old address (as shown on your license)
  • New address
  • County of the new address

NOTE: Your license must show a real home address. That means a house or apartment number, street name, city, and zip code. A P.O. Box is not enough.

Transferring a Title to Family

If you want to give or sell a vehicle to a family member, visit your local County Clerk’s office and bring the following:

Good news—immediate family members may not have to pay tax on the transfer. If the car is a gift, no sales tax applies.

Military Vehicle Registration in Tennessee

If you’re in the military and based in Tennessee, you can title, register, renew, or transfer your vehicle right in the county where you are stationed. However, if you move to Tennessee with a vehicle from another state, you must follow the out-of-state vehicle registration TN process through your local county clerk. If Tennessee is your official home but you don’t live in the state, you can still register your vehicle by sending your documents to any county clerk office.

For New Vehicle Registration:

Bring or mail these documents:

  • Manufacturer’s statement of origin, signed on the back with mileage info
  • Itemized bill of sale
  • Security agreement or lien form, if a lien applies
  • Copy of your latest Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
  • Copy of your stationing orders if you are based out-of-state
  • Your mailing address and a daytime phone number
  • Payment for all registration fees

To register and title a used vehicle, submit the following:

  • Previous owner’s title, signed on the back and showing mileage (if title doesn’t have a space for mileage, add a separate statement)
  • Title extension form if you bought from a dealer and the back of the title is full
  • Copy of your LES
  • Stationing orders that prove you’re out-of-state
  • Mailing address and phone number
  • Payment for all necessary fees

Sales Tax Exemptions for Military Members in Tennessee

Tennessee offers sales and use tax exemptions to military members who meet certain conditions:

  • Full-time members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard stationed in Tennessee or on a base partially in Tennessee
  • Members of the Tennessee National Guard or reserves serving full-time in the active guard and reserve program in Tennessee or on a local base
  • Members of the Tennessee National Guard or reserves called to full-time duty in a combat zone

Note: This tax break starts on the date of your combat orders and ends 90 days after your release.

Vehicle Registration Renewal in Tennessee

Tennessee law says you must renew your vehicle registration every year. The Department of Revenue (DOR) will mail you a reminder a few weeks before your tag expires. After that, you can renew in three ways: in person, online, or by mail.

In-Person Renewal

Visit your local County Clerk’s office. Bring your Tennessee vehicle registration renewal notice and fee payment.

Online Renewal

Go to the Tennessee DOR renewal page here. Enter your license plate number and pay the Tennessee vehicle registration renewal fee.

Tennessee Vehicle Registration Mail-In Renewal

Mail these items to your County Clerk’s office:

  • Your renewal form
  • Emission test compliance certificate (if needed)
  • A check or money order for your renewal fees

Make sure to include the full amount for Tennessee DMV car registration fees.

Tennessee DMV Car Registration Fees Breakdown

Below is a list of common Tennessee DMV car registration fees, including rates for personal, commercial, and electric vehicles.

  • Personal vehicle- $26.50
  • Commercial vehicle seats (buses, taxis)
    • 7 or less – $49.88
    • 7 to 15 – $99.38
    • 16 to 25 – $165.38
    • 26 to 35 – $247.87
    • 35+ up – $330.38
  • Motorcycle: $19.50
  • Electric vehicle – $100 (in addition to the standard registration fee)

✅ Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Vehicle Registration

Can I register a car without a title in Tennessee?

No, you cannot register a car in Tennessee without a valid title. If the title is lost or held by a lienholder, you must provide proof of ownership or the lienholder’s contact information to proceed with registration. Title documents are mandatory for all vehicle registrations, including out-of-state vehicles and private party sales.

How long do I have to register my vehicle as a new Tennessee resident?

As a new resident, you must title and register your car in Tennessee with the local county clerk’s office as soon as you establish residency. There is no official grace period, so prompt registration is strongly recommended to avoid penalties.

Are emissions tests required for all vehicles in Tennessee?

No, emissions tests are no longer required for most vehicles in Tennessee. As of January 14, 2022, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) ended mandatory vehicle emissions testing for passenger vehicles in all counties across the state.

How do I renew my vehicle registration in Tennessee?

You can renew your Tennessee vehicle registration online, in person, or by mail. You’ll need your renewal notice or license plate number and payment for the applicable fees. Visit your local county clerk’s office or the Tennessee DOR renewal portal for details.

Is auto insurance required when registering a car in Tennessee?

You don’t need to show proof of insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time. However, Tennessee law requires all drivers to carry active auto insurance. If you drive without insurance and are stopped by law enforcement, you may face fines or legal issues.

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