Tennessee Vehicle Registration

Worried about the hassle of completing the Tennessee vehicle registration process at the DMV? Let 4DMV.com help.

So you’ve just purchased a new vehicle and you’re ready to take it on the roads; however, you must first complete the vehicle registration process in order for you to legally drive your brand new vehicle. 4DMV.com is here to help you through the process, which will save you unnecessary time and energy at the TN DMV.

First-Time Vehicle Registration in TN

First-time vehicle registration must be completed in TN when:

  • You’ve just bought your vehicle.
  • You’ve just received a vehicle as a gift.
  • You’ve just moved here from another state.
If you are an owner to a vehicle that has never been registered, you will be required to complete the first time vehicle registration process as well. If you’ve relocated from another state, you will have 30 days, beginning from the day you moved to Tennessee, to register your vehicle.

Insurance

Tennessee insists that each vehicle owner be properly insured and you will need to have proof of your insurance, prior to your vehicle registration request. Visit 4DMV.com’s Insurance Center to learn more about the state insurance requirements and to receive free quotes from outstanding insurance providers at competitive rates.

Getting Your TN Vehicle Registration Paperwork Together

If you are lucky enough to have purchased your vehicle at a dealership, then the dealership should perform and submit all the necessary paperwork to have your vehicle titled and registered. If not, you are responsible to complete the TN vehicle registration process yourself. You will require the following items:

  • Your vehicle’s title.
  • An Odometer Disclosure Statement.
  • If you are transferring your license plates from your old vehicle, you will also need a copy of its current registration.
If you are registering an out-of-state vehicle you will need:

  • Your vehicle title.
  • Complete and Application for Certificate of Title and Registration.
  • Emissions testing certificate if your county requires testing. To find out if your county requires emissions testing, click here.
  • Proof of identification.
  • Proof of residency.

Calculate TN Vehicle Registration Fees

Vehicle registration fees will vary, but, you can get the information you need by contacting your local County Clerk’s office.

License Plates

With your vehicle registration, you will receive standard plates. If you wish to have your plates upgraded to personalized or custom plates, you can do this during the registration process. For more information on personalized or custom plates, visit our License Plates Section.

Affixing Your Stickers to Your License Plates

Stickers will be issued at the time of your vehicle registration process which must be affixed to your plates and provide law enforcement the information they need to know you are legal on the roads.

Get a Tennessee Vehicle Registration Tax Deduction

The state of Tennessee does not grant a tax deduction on a portion of your vehicle registration fees.