Last Update: September 17, 2026

Change Information on Vehicle Registration in Tennessee

Vehicle registration information in Tennessee is administered by the Department of Revenue and issued through the county clerk in the county of residence, with registration applications as the only accepted filing method. Records may require revision after an address change, a legal name change, the correction of an error on a title, a vehicle purchase or transfer, or a move into the state. County clerks issue registrations, accept title applications, and forward title records to the department, so most changes are completed at a single local office.

Tennessee Vehicle Registration Changes that Commonly Require Action

A record review may be warranted when any of the following circumstances arise:

• A residential or mailing address has changed and must be updated on every vehicle registered in the owner's name.
• A legal name has changed and must be aligned on both the certificate of title and the registration.
• A title or registration record contains incorrect information.
• A vehicle has been purchased and must be titled and registered in the purchaser's name.
• The owner has moved into Tennessee from another state and must obtain a Tennessee title and registration.
• A license plate is transferred to a newly purchased vehicle, or a replacement credential is needed.

Where to File a Tennessee Vehicle Registration Change

All registration and title applications are processed through the local county clerk's office, which acts as the filing agent for Vehicle Services. The department states that registration applications are processed only through the county clerk, and that new residents file applications for a certificate of title and registration with the same office. Title records are maintained centrally by the department, but applicants do not file directly with the state; the county clerk receives the documents, collects the fees, and forwards each application for processing.

Tennessee Address Changes on Vehicle Registration

Address updates are completed by notifying the county clerk of the address change for title and registration records. The owner must notify the clerk regarding every vehicle registered in the owner's name for the change to take effect on all records. The department notes that renewal notices are not forwarded, and a failure to update the address will make any renewal notice undeliverable. Some counties also offer online or mail-in address-change options.

Tennessee Name Changes and Title-Linked Corrections

A legal name change is recorded as a title correction because both the certificate of title and the registration must reflect the current name. The department's procedure for an error on a certificate of title states that once the correction has been noted, the incorrect title is presented to the local county clerk for correction. Changes are documented with the Affidavit for General Information, Form F-1311001, which the department designates for name changes and corrections, and the corrected application is submitted through the county clerk with any supporting documentation.

Correcting Incorrect Information on a Tennessee Registration Record

A distinction applies between correcting registration data and correcting title data. Registration record changes, such as an address update or a replacement plate, are handled through the county clerk, while title record changes require a correction to the certificate of title under the department's error-on-title procedure. Official forms support each situation:

• The Application for Duplicate License Plate/Replacement Plate or Decal, Form F-1315301 covers replacement registration credentials.
• The Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien and Duplicate Title Application, Form F-1315201 covers a lost, stolen, or duplicate certificate of title.
• The title and registration forms page lists the complete set of department forms for corrections and related transactions.

Tennessee Deadlines for Vehicle Registration Changes

The following timing requirements and consequences apply in Tennessee:

• A person who moves to Tennessee from another state should register the vehicle within 30 days of the move, with limited exceptions.
• New residents submit an application for title and registration to the local county clerk with proof of identity and residency, the current out-of-state registration, and the out-of-state title.
• The purchaser of a used vehicle should title and register the vehicle as soon as possible after purchase to protect the ownership interest.
• Tennessee's Financial Responsibility Law requires every vehicle owner to maintain liability coverage, and uninsured owners who cannot provide proof of financial responsibility may be fined and may risk the loss of the vehicle's registration, as enacted by the James Lee Atwood Jr. Law.
• Required minimum liability limits are $25,000 for injury or death per person, $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

How Much Does It Cost To Change Vehicle Registration Details in Tennessee?

Contact Information

Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Division
500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37242
Phone: (615) 741-3101
Official Website: Tennessee Department of Revenue Title and Registration