Tennessee vehicle registration fees are processed through your county clerk’s office. Tennessee is a two-plate state. This page covers registration costs, taxes, replacement fees, emissions requirements, insurance minimums, and late fee rules.
Registration Fees
Tennessee registration fees are based on the fee structure described below. Contact your county clerk’s office for the most current fee schedule applicable to your specific vehicle.
How much does it cost to register a vehicle in Tennessee including the county wheel tax?
The registration fee structure for Tennessee is detailed in the table below. Contact your county clerk’s office for your specific vehicle’s total.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | Contact your county clerk’s office for current amounts |
| EV surcharge | Contact your county clerk’s office for current EV fee |
Contact your county clerk’s office for the current plate replacement fee. Tennessee is a two-plate state – replacement typically involves both front and rear plates.
Plate Replacement
Contact your county clerk’s office for the current plate replacement fee. Tennessee is a two-plate state, which affects the replacement cost.
How much does Tennessee charge to replace a license plate at the county clerk’s office?
Tennessee charges 7% state sales tax plus local taxes on vehicle purchases at the time of title transfer. This is the primary tax component of a vehicle transaction.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement | Contact your county clerk’s office for the current fee |
| Personalized plate replacement | Contact your county clerk’s office for current fee |
Vehicle Taxes
Tennessee charges 7% state sales tax plus local taxes (combined typically 9% to 9.75%) on vehicle purchases. This is typically the dominant one-time cost when acquiring a new or used vehicle.
What is Tennessee’s combined sales tax rate on vehicle purchases in most counties?
Tennessee eliminated statewide vehicle emissions testing in February 2022. No emissions test, smog check, or emissions certificate is required for registration renewal in any Tennessee county.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sales or excise tax on vehicle purchase | 7% state sales tax plus local taxes (combined typically 9% to 9.75%) |
| Local taxes | Vary by jurisdiction – contact your local tax authority |
Tennessee requires minimum liability insurance for all registered vehicles. Proof of insurance must be provided at registration.
Emissions Testing
Check your Tennessee renewal notice to determine whether emissions testing is required for your specific vehicle and registration area.
Did Tennessee eliminate emissions testing, and when did that change take effect?
Tennessee charges late fees for registration not completed on time: Contact your county clerk for the current penalty schedule.
Insurance Requirements
Tennessee requires all registered vehicles to carry minimum liability insurance as a condition of registration.
What are Tennessee’s minimum auto insurance and uninsured motorist requirements?
Tennessee does not provide a formal grace period for registration renewal. Contact your county clerk for current rules. New residents must register immediately upon establishing residency.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury – per person | See your state minimums |
| Bodily injury – per accident | See your state minimums |
| Property damage – per accident | See your state minimums |
Late Fees and Penalties
Tennessee charges penalties for vehicle registration not completed within the required timeframe. The rules vary by whether it is a new purchase or a renewal.
What is the penalty for late vehicle registration at the Tennessee county clerk’s office?
Contact your county clerk’s office for current registration fee refund eligibility.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Late registration penalty | Contact your county clerk’s office for the current penalty schedule |
Grace Period
Tennessee’s grace period rules determine how much time you have after expiration or purchase before penalties begin to apply.
Does Tennessee have a grace period for annual vehicle registration renewal?
See the registration fee table above. Contact your county clerk’s office for your specific vehicle’s total.
Refunds
Tennessee may allow registration fee refunds in certain situations. Contact your county clerk’s office for current eligibility requirements.
Can I get a refund on my Tennessee registration fee if I sell my vehicle?
Contact your county clerk for the current fee