How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Tennessee From Out of State
Registering a vehicle in Tennessee from another state requires adherence to procedures overseen by the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Individuals establishing residency in Tennessee must complete vehicle registration within 30 days of relocating to the state. The state operates motor vehicle services through county clerk offices located throughout Tennessee's 95 counties, which collect all applicable fees and issue registrations.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Vehicle registration costs in Tennessee encompass state registration charges, title application expenses, county wheel taxes, and lien notation fees when applicable. The Tennessee Department of Revenue establishes the framework for vehicle titling and registration procedures, while county clerk offices administer these services and collect associated fees.
State Registration Fees
Registration charges in Tennessee are assessed based on vehicle classification and intended use. The standard plate fee for passenger vehicles is $26.50, while motorcycles require a $19.50 plate fee. Additional costs vary depending on specialty plate selections and personalization options.
State Registration Fees:
| Vehicle Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | $26.50 |
| Motorcycles | $19.50 |
| Personalized plates | $35.00 (additional) |
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Fee Period | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| All-Electric Vehicles | January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026 | $200.00 |
| All-Electric Vehicles | January 1, 2027 - December 31, 2027 | $274.00 |
| All-Electric Vehicles | January 1, 2028 and thereafter | $274.00 (adjusted annually for inflation) |
| Hybrid Electric Vehicles | January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2027 | $100.00 |
| Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles | January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2027 | $100.00 |
| Hybrid Electric Vehicles | January 1, 2028 and thereafter | $100.00 (adjusted annually for inflation) |
| Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles | January 1, 2028 and thereafter | $100.00 (adjusted annually for inflation) |
Note: These fees are in addition to the standard registration fee of $26.50.
County Wheel Tax
Tennessee counties impose a local motor vehicle privilege tax, commonly referred to as a wheel tax, which varies significantly across jurisdictions. This county-assessed fee supplements state registration costs and funds local infrastructure projects. Wheel tax rates range from zero in some rural counties to $85 or more in urban areas.
Wheel Tax by Major Counties:
| County | Wheel Tax Amount |
|---|---|
| Davidson (Nashville) | $55.00 |
| Shelby (Memphis) | $50.00 |
| Knox (Knoxville) | $36.00 |
| Hamilton (Chattanooga) | $34.00 |
| Williamson (Franklin) | $24.00 |
| Rutherford (Murfreesboro) | $49.50 |
| Montgomery (Clarksville) | $74.00 |
Vehicle owners should contact their respective county clerk's office to verify the exact wheel tax applicable in their jurisdiction, as rates are established through county ordinances and may be adjusted periodically.
Title Fees and Lien Notation
Tennessee requires vehicle owners to obtain certificates of title for motor vehicles. Title fees are standardized across all counties, though county clerks may assess additional processing charges.
Title and Lien Fees:
| Service Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $14.00 |
| Lien notation (per lien) | $11.00 |
| County clerk processing fee | $8.50 |
When a vehicle has an outstanding loan or lease, the lien notation fee of $11.00 per lienholder is required in addition to the standard title fee. County clerk offices also assess an $8.50 processing fee for title transactions.
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Tennessee assesses sales tax on vehicle purchases and transfers, applying different tax structures depending on the vehicle's purchase price. The state employs a combination of general sales tax and single article tax for motor vehicle transactions, which creates a graduated tax structure for vehicles exceeding specific price thresholds.
State Sales Tax Structure
The state general sales tax rate for motor vehicles is 7% of the total purchase price or fair market value. This rate applies to the entire sales price of the vehicle, including any dealer fees or documentation charges that form part of the transaction value.
State Sales Tax:
| Tax Type | Rate | Application |
|---|---|---|
| State general sales tax | 7% | Entire purchase price |
Single Article Tax
Tennessee imposes an additional single article tax on motor vehicles when the sales price exceeds $1,600. This special rate of 2.75% applies to the portion of the sales price between $1,600 and $3,200, with a maximum single article tax of $44.00.
Single Article Tax Structure:
| Price Range | Tax Rate | Maximum Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $1,600.01 to $3,200 | 2.75% | $44.00 |
| Over $3,200 | 2.75% (capped) | $44.00 |
The single article tax calculation applies to the second $1,600 increment of the vehicle's value. For vehicles priced above $3,200, the single article tax remains capped at $44.00 regardless of additional value.
Local Sales Tax
Local sales tax applies to the first $1,600 of a vehicle's purchase price in most Tennessee municipalities. Local rates vary by jurisdiction, typically ranging from 2.25% to 2.75%. Certain counties maintain different local tax thresholds—Hamblen County applies local tax to only the first $300 (except within Morristown city limits, which uses the standard $1,600), and Hancock County applies local tax to the first $375.
Local Sales Tax Application:
| Tax Component | Rate Range | Taxable Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Local sales tax | 2.25% to 2.75% | First $1,600 |
Combined state, local, and single article taxes typically result in effective tax rates between 9.25% and 9.75% for vehicles purchased in Tennessee. Residents who purchased vehicles in other states and paid sales tax may receive credit toward Tennessee's tax obligation, with any remaining difference due at registration.
Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles bearing salvage certificates that have undergone reconstruction must complete a specialized inspection before receiving a rebuilt title designation.
Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection Fees:
| Service | Individual Fee | Dealer Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Rebuilt vehicle conversion | $75.00 | $85.50 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Tennessee Department of Revenue - Vehicle Services Division
500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37242
Phone: (888) 871-3171
Official Website: Tennessee Department of Revenue
The Tennessee Department of Revenue administers motor vehicle title and registration laws, maintains vehicle ownership records, oversees the mandatory liability insurance verification system, and coordinates with county clerk offices throughout Tennessee. All vehicle registration transactions are processed through county clerk offices, which serve as the primary point of contact for registration services.
County Clerk Motor Vehicle Offices
Tennessee operates vehicle registration services through county clerk offices in each of the state's 95 counties. The county clerk locations directory provides comprehensive contact information for all offices. The following offices serve Tennessee's major population centers:
Davidson County Clerk
Howard Office Building, 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 101, Davidson County Clerk, Nashville, TN 37210
Phone: (615) 862-6050
Official Website: Davidson County Clerk
Shelby County Clerk
150 Washington Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 222-3000
Official Website: Shelby County Clerk
Knox County Clerk
300 Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2385
Official Website: Knox County Clerk
Hamilton County Clerk
625 Georgia Avenue, Room 201, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: (423) 209-6525
Official Website: Hamilton County Clerk
Rutherford County Clerk
319 North Maple Street, Suite 121, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Phone: (615) 898-7800
Official Website: Rutherford County Clerk
Montgomery County Clerk
350 Pageant Lane, Suite 502, Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5711
Official Website: Montgomery County Clerk
Williamson County Clerk
1320 West Main Street, Suite 135, Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: (615) 790-5712
Official Website: Williamson County Clerk
Madison County Clerk
100 East Main Street, Room 105, Jackson, TN 38301
Phone: (731) 988-3960
Official Website: Madison County Clerk
Washington County Clerk
100 East Main Street, Jonesborough, TN 37659
Phone: (423) 753-1621
Official Website: Washington County Clerk
Sullivan County Clerk
3258 Highway 126, Suite 101, Blountville, TN 37617
Phone: (423) 323-6428
Official Website: Sullivan County Clerk
