Tennessee License PlatesTennessee license plates are metallic plates assigned to motor vehicles registered in the state. These license plates (sometimes called registration plates or tags) are issued by the Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR), and their primary purpose is to identify the vehicle and its registered owner. To this end, each license plate displays a unique alphanumeric combination (the license plate number) that links the vehicle to its owner and facilitates its swift and effective identification, whether for administrative, law enforcement, or compliance purposes.
Per Section 55-4-110 of the Tennessee Code, every vehicle that operates within the state, such as passenger cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, trailers, and RVs, must display a valid license plate. The license plate must be securely attached to the rear of the vehicle at least 12 inches off the ground and kept clean and visible at all times. However, truck tractors (and other similar vehicle types) typically display their plates in the front.
The Tennessee Department of Revenues offers four main kinds of license plates:
Be aware that the DOR typically issues decals indicating the month and year of your vehicle's registration expiration (and, by extension, your license plate's validity period) and your county of residence along with the license plate. These decals should be affixed to the designated areas on the plate – usually the upper right corner for the registration decal and the bottom center for the county decal.
Tennessee License Plate Design and FormatsRegular Tennessee license plates assigned to passenger automobiles have a simple and distinct design that consists of a seven-character license plate number screened in white on a reflective blue background with an emblem of the state's flag as a separator. The word "TENNESSEE" is screened in white inside an outlined state map at the top of the plate, with "THE VOLUNTEER STATE" also screened in white to the left of this (the upper left corner of the plate). In late 2023, the state introduced a variation to its regular plates that added the phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST", screened in white above the area designated for the county decal. "In God We Trust" plates became available in January 2024, and vehicle owners are typically given a choice between these plates and regular plates without the "In God We Trust" phrase when requesting new license plates.
Note that this design and format may vary for regular plates issued for motorcycles and nonpassenger vehicles. Similarly, specialty, disabled, and personalized plates also typically feature logos and background designs that reflect the specific cause or organization they represent.
Here are examples of Tennessee license plate designs:
Regular License Plates (Automobiles):
Specialty License Plates:
* Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue
Tennessee Vanity License PlateThe Tennessee Department of Revenue allows vehicle owners to personalize their license plates by choosing the combination of letters and numbers that appear on the plate themselves instead of being assigned a plate number (by the DOR). Personalization options are typically available for most of the plates the department offers. These personalized plates are generally available for several vehicle types, including passenger automobiles, motorcycles, and trucks – they allow vehicle owners to add a touch of individuality and express personal messages or opinions through their vehicles.
You can order personalized Tennessee license plates online via the DOR's website or by visiting your County Clerk's office and filling out an application form. You can also check the availability of your desired combination via the website or at the County Clerk's office – the department typically allows applicants to provide up to three variations for their desired personalization. Be aware that your desired customization must comply with certain guidelines, such as:
You will be charged a $35 personalization fee for your vanity plates, due at the time of application, when you order your personalized plates. Additional costs may be incurred depending on the type of plate you wish to customize; these fees are usually collected by the County Clerk's office when you pick up your plates. Processing and delivery times typically depend on the department's workload and your location. Be aware that you will be charged an annual fee to maintain your customized plate number. Contact the DOR at (888) 871-3171 for inquiries on personalized plate fees and delivery timelines. Queries can also be directed to your local County Clerk's office.
Most Popular Tennessee Special Plate NumbersThe Tennessee Department of Revenue offers more than 100 specialty license plates across various categories, including military, collegiate, club, environmental, sports, and special causes. Here are some of the most common specialty plates ordered by vehicle owners in the state:
Tennessee License Plate LookupA license plate lookup is a method for obtaining vehicle-related information using the vehicle's license plate number. These lookups typically offer details like the vehicle's make, model, year, and registration history. They may also include information on repairs and rebuilds, like the vehicle's accident history, odometer readings, and maintenance records.
License plate lookups are typically used for several reasons, such as verifying a vehicle's ownership, history, and registration status before purchase. They are also used to identify vehicles involved in accidents and aid in investigating stolen or suspicious vehicles. It is important to note that access to personal information about a vehicle owner is restricted to law enforcement for official use and certain authorized parties for specific purposes.
You can contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue at (888) 871-3171 to access vehicle information in its database. You will usually be required to submit a written request indicating the type of information you need and your intended use for this information. Be aware that you cannot access the personal information of Tennessee vehicle owners without their express consent unless you are statutorily exempted from this requirement. Also, requests involving access to certain personal information on Tennessee vehicle owners, like their photograph and Social Security Number, are typically routed through the state's Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Alternatively, you can obtain information on Tennessee-registered vehicles using third-party websites like RecordsFinder to perform reverse license plate number searches. These websites typically offer basic vehicle information at no cost; however, you may be required to pay a nominal fee for a more comprehensive vehicle report. Be aware that these websites are also bound by federal and state regulations concerning the release of vehicle owners' personal information.
The terms "license plate lookup" and "reverse license plate number search" are often used interchangeably; they are both processes through which you can obtain vehicle-related information. However, these processes retrieve this information through slightly different methods. License plate lookups use a plate number to access information, while reverse license plate number searches use partial vehicle information, like the car's make and model, to retrieve more information, including a list of associated plate numbers.
You can perform reverse license plate number searches on RecordsFinder and similar websites. However, it is important to note that federal and state regulations restrict the information these websites may provide users (these restrictions typically pertain to a vehicle owner's personal information, like their name or address).
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Tennessee?To get a license plate in Tennessee, you must first title and register your vehicle with the state's Department of Revenue – this department also oversees the issuance of license plates to appropriately registered vehicles. The vehicle titling and registration process is done locally at County Clerk's offices. You will typically need to submit the following documents to register your vehicle in Tennessee:
Registration costs are typically determined by your vehicle type, declared value, and applicable taxes. Your County Clerk's office will issue you a license plate after it processes your registration application; this processing time is usually influenced by the correctness of your submission and the office's workload at the time of the application. Note that, while registration applications are typically done in person, some counties may offer additional options for submitting requested registration documents and fees. As such, we recommend contacting your local County Clerk to get specific information on its vehicle registration and license plate issuance process and requirements.
General inquiries on vehicle titling, registration, and license plate issuance can also be directed to the state's Department of Revenue at (888) 871-3171.
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and a Commercial License Plate in TennesseeUnder state law, any vehicle used to transport passengers or property in exchange for compensation is considered a commercial motor vehicle if it meets any of the following criteria:
However, certain vehicles are exempt from this classification. This includes vehicles used by farmers for agricultural purposes, emergency vehicles, military vehicles, recreational vehicles, and vehicles leased for personal use.
The Tennessee Department of Revenue typically assigns these commercial motor vehicles specific license plates that indicate their vehicle type or classification. On the other hand, vehicles like cars, vans, and SUVs designed for personal use and transportation (commonly referred to as passenger vehicles) are typically assigned regular license plates. These vehicles may also be issued specialty, personalized, and disabled driver plates.
The table below outlines the key differences between passenger license plates and commercial license plates (and the vehicles they are assigned to) in Tennessee:
| Features | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Use | Personal use | Commercial use |
| Plate number arrangement |
Seven-character alphanumeric serial format for standard plates: "ABC-1234" and "123-ABCD" (for the In God We Trust version) * specialty, personalized, and disabled driver plates may have plate numbers with less than seven characters |
Plate number is typically coded to indicate the vehicle type |
| Design & Color |
White lettering over a blue background with the state flag as a separator for the plate number. "TENNESSEE" is screened inside an outlined state map at the top of the plate, with "THE VOLUNTEER STATE" screened to the left of this (the upper left corner of the plate). "IN GOD WE TRUST" is screened in white above the area designated for the county decal for the In God We Trust plates. * this design is for standard plates. Other plate types may vary from this |
Black lettering over a white background with the vehicle type indicated at the bottom of the plate. * variations may occur for different vehicle types |
| Vehicle Types | Cars, SUVs, vans, personal trucks, and vehicles that weigh less than 26,001 lbs | Vehicles weighing 26,000 lbs or more, designed to carry more than 15 passengers, or transport hazardous waste (regardless of its size and weight) |
| Requirements for obtaining |
|
Same as passenger license plates |
How to Renew License Plate in TennesseeYou must renew your vehicle registration with the Tennessee Department of Revenue annually to revalidate your license plates. Your vehicle's registration expires on the last day of your 12-month registration period (this month is indicated on the decal issued along with your license plate and for every subsequent registration renewal). However, the department allows registrants to renew their plates up to 90 days before this date. Note that even though the DOR typically sends renewal notice postcards, you are obligated to renew your registration before it expires, even if you don't receive one.
Registration (and license plate) renewals can be done via any of the following methods:
Renewal fees vary based on vehicle type, plate type, and renewal method. In-person and kiosk renewals are typically processed instantly, while online and mail-in renewals are typically processed and delivered within 5 – 10 business days.
How to Transfer a License Plate in TennesseeThe Tennessee Department of Revenue permits the transfer of license plates between vehicles registered to the same owner. These transfers are typically handled locally by county clerks and usually cost $1. Nonetheless, contact your county clerk's office for specific details on the documentation required to transfer your plates. Be aware that transferring Tennessee license plates between vehicles before appropriately informing the DOR through your county clerk is considered a class A misdemeanor, punishable by fines of up to $2,500, jail time of up to 11 months, or both.
Tennessee License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Per the provisions of the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which Tennessee closely adheres to, a vehicle owner's personal information, such as their name, address, photograph, and driver's ID number, can only be released without their consent for very specific reasons. These include law enforcement purposes, legal proceedings, providing notice to owners of towed or impounded vehicles, and insurance investigations.
As such, you cannot find a vehicle owner in Tennessee using a license plate number. However, you can use websites like RecordsFinder to access non-personal vehicle information on over 269 million registered vehicles across the country using a plate number or VIN.
The Tennessee Department of Revenue issues replacement license plates and decals for lost or stolen plates. You can obtain a replacement plate or decal by submitting an Application for Duplicate/Replacement License Plate or Decal to your county clerk's office. You will typically have to include a police report for lost or stolen plates (this is not usually required for replacing decals only). Note that your county clerk may request additional documentation. Replacement plates cost $10; you may also have to pay additional county fees.
Law enforcement officials in Tennessee can usually access the following information when they run license plates:
Free license plate searches are a convenient way to access a vehicle's history and review information like its registration status and accident history. Many Tennesseans use these services to ensure that a used car they are considering purchasing does not have a cloned VIN and to verify information provided by the seller.
You can search license plates online for various types of vehicles registered in Tennessee, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, vans, and SUVs, at RecordsFinder and other third-party websites that offer reverse license plate number searches. Search results from these websites typically include details like the vehicle's make and model, year of manufacture, VIN, body style, engine type, and price.
Tennessee license plates must be renewed annually by the last day of the vehicle's 12-month registration period. The Department of Revenue usually sends renewal notices before this date; nevertheless, it's on you to ensure that your vehicle's registration is renewed before the due date. Driving with expired license plates is against the law. The penalty for this offense typically involves a fine, which can vary depending on factors like how long the plates have expired, whether it's a first-time offense or a repeat violation, and your location.
Tennessee license plates typically follow the owner and not the vehicle; as such, you can keep your plate when you dispose of your vehicle. However, destroying the plate if your vehicle registration has not expired is advisable to avoid it falling into the wrong hands and being misused (considering that the plate is still linked to you). Be aware that you will typically be required to surrender specialty or personalized plates to the Department of Revenue (through your county clerk's office) when renewing your registration if you no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the plate or no longer want the plate.
You can choose to keep or dispose of your Tennessee license plate when you move to a new state. It is advisable to properly destroy the plate to avoid it being reused if you decide to dispose of it. The Tennessee Department of Revenue is usually notified when you register your vehicle in another state and will subsequently cancel your Tennessee registration.
Tennessee license plates usually adhere to the standard dimensions of 12 inches x 6 inches for passenger vehicles and 7 inches x 4 inches for motorcycles, which are implemented by most states nationwide.
The Tennessee Department of Revenue typically issues temporary operation permits under specific circumstances, such as when a vehicle owner has issues titling and registering their vehicle. These temporary operation permits (red tags) are usually valid for up to 30 days and can be obtained from county clerk's offices. Note that a vehicle cannot be issued more than five temporary permits per year. The DOR may also authorize the issuance of temporary disabled placards to individuals with a temporary disabling condition; this placard is valid for up to six months and may be renewed once.
Driving with an expired temporary operation permit is a class C misdemeanor, punishable by fines of up to $50, jail time of up to 30 days, or a combination of both. The vehicle will also be impounded until it has been appropriately registered.
You can renew your Tennessee license plate by taking the following steps:
You should take the following steps if your Tennessee license plate is lost or stolen: