Tennessee License Plate Lookup

Thinking of moving to Tennessee, the Volunteer State? The state’s Department of Revenue oversees all vehicle registration and license plate applications via its Vehicle Services Division. You’ll need to visit the local county clerk’s office to complete the titling and registration processes.

In Case You Didn’t Know

Tennessee is a major hub for automotive manufacturing in the United States. The state is home to large production facilities for several major car manufacturers, including Nissan, General Motors, and Volkswagen. In fact, the Nissan plant in Smyrna is one of the largest automotive manufacturing plants in North America, producing hundreds of thousands of vehicles each year. This strong automotive presence has earned Tennessee a reputation as a key player in the U.S. auto industry.

Finding your Tennessee License Plate Number

Tennessee is one of the few states where rear license plates only need to be displayed. If you aren’t currently with your car, you can refer to any documentation related to your registration, such as the certificate of vehicle registration.

How Do I Get a Tennessee License Plate?

Both processes can be done at the county clerk’s office. You’ll need to provide the following during the registration process:

• Proof of identification and residency
• Most current out-of-state registration
• Out-of-state title, if applicable
• Lienholder information, if applicable
• The name and address of the company “where you are sending car payments,” if applicable

For current residents, you need to furnish the following to the county clerk’s office:

• Proof of identification and residency
• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)
• New vehicle invoice, if applicable
• A valid certificate of title for used cars
• Odometer disclosure statement
• Payment of all relevant fees

Temporary tags are only available to “vehicle owners experiencing title problems.”

Tennessee also requires that all drivers must have an “auto liability insurance policy.” Not having one or any other form of financial responsibility can lead to hefty fines or even imprisonment.

Additional information can be found on the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s official website.

What License Plates Can You Apply For?

Standard Plates: These plates consist of 7 characters, typically following the format AAA 0000. The county where the car is registered is indicated at the bottom of the plate.

Vanity Plates: Personalized plates that can have up to 7 alphanumeric characters. The length may vary based on the plate design. Special characters and offensive combinations are not permitted.

Military Plates: Issued to active-duty or retired military personnel from any US military branch. This includes plates for recipients of medals and honors, such as the Medal of Honor.

Disabled Plates are isssued to individuals who:

• Are confined to a wheelchair
• Walk with difficulty or uncertainty
• Have vision of 20/200 or worse with corrective lenses
• Are parents or legal guardians of a person who is permanently disabled and unable to operate a motor vehicle

Temporary disabled placards are also available for those with temporary disabilities and are valid for up to six months.

Specialty Plates: These plates are for those who want to show support for certain organizations, groups, interests, or charities. Options include:

• Collegiate plates
• Organization/association plates
• Environment and conservation plates
• Antique plates
• Volunteer organizations/professions
• Awareness programs
• Sports teams/events

You can view all associated fees for these plates here.