Car Registration Requirements for New Tennessee Residents
Persons establishing residence in Tennessee with a motor vehicle registered in another jurisdiction must transfer the registration and title within the state-mandated timeframes. Tennessee statutes govern the transfer process when individuals relocate and bring vehicles registered elsewhere.
Timeline for New Tennessee Residents
New residents must register vehicles within 30 days of moving to the state.
Establishing Tennessee Residency
Residency is established through physical presence in the state combined with activities such as employment, property ownership, or enrollment in Tennessee schools.
The county clerk's office evaluates residency status based on documentation demonstrating local ties to Tennessee communities. Proof of residency must meet state requirements during the title and registration application process.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Tennessee
New residents must submit required documentation to obtain a Tennessee title and registration through local county clerk offices.
Essential Documents
- Proof of identification and Tennessee residency
- Most current out-of-state registration
- Out-of-state title (if vehicle is owned outright)
- Name and address of lienholder (if applicable)
Identification Requirements
Acceptable identification includes one document from List A or two documents from List B:
List A:
- Photo driver license or ID card
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Military identification
- Passport (not expired)
- Immigration documentation
List B:
- Computerized check stub
- Union membership cards
- Work identification cards
- Financial institution documents
- Social Security documents
Residency Verification
Two proofs of Tennessee residency are required, selected from approved documentation:
- Current utility bill with postmarked envelope
- Current bank statement
- Current rental or mortgage contract
- Current employer verification
- Current automobile, life, or health insurance policy
- Tennessee driver's license or ID
- Tennessee motor vehicle registration
- Property tax receipt
Insurance Requirements
Tennessee law mandates minimum financial responsibility coverage for all motor vehicles:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage (per accident) | $25,000 |
Application Submission Methods
In-Person Processing: New residents complete title and registration applications at their local county clerk's office. County clerks process applications during regular business hours and collect applicable fees.
Required Forms: Applications require completion of state-approved forms available at county clerk offices or through the Tennessee Department of Revenue forms portal.
Registration Fees and Costs in Tennessee
Tennessee registration fees vary by county due to local wheel taxes and administrative charges. Fee structures include state registration fees plus county-specific assessments.
Contact Information
Tennessee Department of Revenue - Title and Registration Division
500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37242
Phone: (615) 741-3101
Tennessee Department of Revenue
