How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Tennessee?
Tennessee Vehicle Registration Renewal: Official Guide for Residents
Vehicle registration renewal is a mandatory requirement for all Tennessee residents to maintain legal vehicle operation privileges. The Tennessee Department of Revenue administers the state's vehicle registration system through a network of county clerk offices that provide registration services to residents statewide.
Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Required Documentation
Tennessee vehicle owners must provide the following documentation when renewing vehicle registration:
- Proof of Valid Vehicle Insurance: Current liability insurance certificate meeting Tennessee minimum coverage requirements as established by state law
- Vehicle Identification Documentation: Registration renewal notice, Tennessee license plate number, or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Government-Issued Photo Identification: Valid Tennessee driver's license or state-issued identification card
Registration Renewal Timeline
- Early Renewal Period: Vehicle owners may begin the renewal process up to 90 days prior to registration expiration
- Grace Period: Tennessee law does not provide a grace period following registration expiration; operation of a vehicle with expired registration may result in citation and penalties
- Late Renewal: County clerk offices accept renewal applications after expiration date; additional late fees may apply
Tennessee Vehicle Registration Fees for 2025
Tennessee vehicle registration fees consist of state-mandated base fees established by the Tennessee Department of Revenue combined with county-imposed local assessments that vary by jurisdiction. Registration costs differ substantially across Tennessee's 95 counties due to local wheel taxes and regulatory fees authorized under state law.
Davidson County Registration Fee Example
Davidson County (Nashville) provides a representative example of total registration costs including both state fees and local assessments:
Private Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Metro Vehicle Regulatory Fee (Wheel Tax) | $55.00 |
| State Registration Fee | $29.00 |
| Postage and Handling (Decal Only) | $3.00 |
| Postage and Handling (New Plate and Decal) | $7.00 |
| Total Cost | $87.00 or $91.00 |
Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Metro Vehicle Regulatory Fee (Wheel Tax) | $66.00 |
| State Registration Fee | Varies by Weight (See Renewal Notice) |
| Postage and Handling (New Plate and Decal) | $7.00 |
| Total Cost | Varies by Vehicle Classification |
Motorcycle Registration Fees
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Metro Vehicle Regulatory Fee | $55.00 |
| State Registration Fee | $22.00 |
| Postage and Handling | $3.00 |
| Total Cost | $80.00 |
Specialty and Personalized License Plate Fees
Specialty and personalized license plates require additional fees beyond standard registration costs:
| Plate Type | Additional Fee |
|---|---|
| Specialty/Collegiate Plate | $36.00 |
| Personalized Plate | $36.00 |
| Personalized Specialty/Collegiate Plate | $71.00 |
Note: A 2% convenience fee is assessed on all credit card and debit card transactions. This fee is collected by a third-party payment processor. The Metropolitan Government does not receive any portion of the convenience fee.
County Wheel Tax Variations
Local wheel taxes and regulatory fees vary significantly across Tennessee counties. While Davidson County assesses a $55.00 wheel tax for passenger vehicles, other counties may impose higher or lower local fees.
Vehicle Registration Renewal Methods
Online Renewal Through TNCountyClerk.com
Tennessee provides online renewal services through the official Tennessee County Clerk service. Most passenger vehicle registrations may be renewed online, offering residents a convenient alternative to in-person or mail-in renewal methods.
Online Renewal Procedure
Step 1: Verify Eligibility for Online Renewal
Confirm that your vehicle meets the following eligibility requirements:
- Current Tennessee vehicle registration on file with county clerk office
- Valid Tennessee automobile insurance policy
- No outstanding violations or registration holds on vehicle record
- Registration has not been expired for an extended period
Step 2: Access the Online Renewal Portal
- Navigate to Tennessee County Clerk service
- Select your county of residence from the available dropdown menu
- Alternatively, enter your license plate number to initiate the renewal process
Step 3: Gather Required Information
Prepare the following information before beginning the online renewal process:
- Tennessee license plate number
- Current vehicle registration information
- Payment method (credit card or debit card)
- Email address for electronic confirmation receipt
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
- Enter your vehicle license plate number in the designated field
- Verify that vehicle and owner information displayed is accurate and current
- Review all applicable fees including wheel tax, base registration fee, processing fee, and mailing fee
- Provide payment information and authorize the transaction
Step 5: Receive Electronic Confirmation
- Print or save the confirmation receipt for your records
- Allow 15 business days for receipt of renewed registration materials by U.S. Mail
- An electronic confirmation email will be transmitted to verify acceptance of your online renewal application
- New registration decal and documentation will be mailed to the address currently on file with the county clerk office
Mail-In Renewal Procedure
Vehicle owners may submit renewal applications by mail to their local county clerk office:
- Complete the renewal notice with required signature
- Include payment by check or money order made payable to your county clerk
- Add applicable mailing fee: $3.00 for decal renewal or $7.00 for new license plates
- Include proof of current emissions inspection (if required and not already on file with county clerk)
- Mail all materials to your county clerk office address
Allow 2-3 weeks for processing and delivery of new registration materials via U.S. Mail.
In-Person Renewal at County Clerk Offices
Vehicle owners may complete renewal in person at their local county clerk office. Bring the following documentation:
- Registration renewal notice or current registration certificate
- Government-issued photo identification (Tennessee driver's license or state-issued ID card)
- Proof of current automobile insurance
- Current emissions inspection certificate (if required in your county)
- Payment for renewal fees (most locations accept cash, check, credit card, or debit card)
Tennessee Department of Revenue Contact Information
Tennessee Department of Revenue
500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37242
Phone: (615) 253-0600
Official Website: Tennessee Department of Revenue
Tennessee County Clerk Office Locations
Anderson County Clerk
100 N. Main Street, Room 111, Clinton, TN 37716
Phone: (865) 457-6226
Official Website: Anderson County Clerk
Blount County Clerk
345 Court Street, Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 273-5800
Blount County Clerk
Bradley County Clerk
155 Ocoee Street, Room 101, Cleveland, TN 37311
Phone: (423) 728-7226
Bradley County Clerk
Greene County Clerk
204 N. Cutler Street, Suite 200, Greeneville, TN 37745
Phone: (423) 798-1775
Greene County Clerk
Hamblen County Clerk
511 West Second North Street, Morristown, TN 37814
Phone: (423) 586-1993
Hamblen County Clerk
Montgomery County Clerk
350 Pageant Lane, Suite 502, Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 648-5711
Montgomery County Clerk
Rutherford County Clerk
319 N. Maple Street, Suite 121, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Phone: (615) 898-7800
Rutherford County Clerk
Sullivan County Clerk
3258 Highway 126, Suite 101, Blountville, TN 37617
Phone: (423) 323-6428
Sullivan County Clerk
Sumner County Clerk
355 North Belvedere Drive, Room 111, Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 452-4063
Sumner County Clerk
Washington County Clerk
100 E. Main Street, Jonesborough, TN 37659
Phone: (423) 753-1621
Washington County Clerk
