Tennessee license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plates to a newly acquired vehicle. Tennessee plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Transfers are processed at county clerk offices statewide. Tennessee is a two-plate state. Tennessee eliminated statewide vehicle emissions testing in February 2022.
Plate Transfer Eligibility
Tennessee allows plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person. This section explains the eligibility rules and any state-specific restrictions.
Does Tennessee allow you to transfer your plates to a new vehicle through the county clerk?
Yes. Tennessee allows plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person. When you sell your vehicle, remove plates and transfer them to your new vehicle through your county clerk’s office.
Transfer Process
Plate transfers in Tennessee are processed through your county clerk’s office. Follow these steps in order to complete the transfer without errors.
How do you transfer a license plate at a Tennessee county clerk’s office?
Visit your county clerk’s office with all required documents. Remove your plates from the sold vehicle first, then complete the transfer for the new vehicle.
- Remove your plates from the vehicle you are selling. Tennessee plates stay with the owner.
- Obtain the title for your newly acquired vehicle. For private-party purchases, the seller signs the title with all liens released.
- Visit your county clerk’s office with all required documents.
- Pay the transfer fee and applicable taxes and registration fees on the new vehicle.
- Receive updated registration for the new vehicle using your transferred plates.
Required Documents
Gather these documents before visiting your county clerk’s office to avoid delays and return trips.
What documents does the Tennessee county clerk require for a plate transfer?
You will need your driver’s license, the new vehicle’s signed title, a bill of sale, your current registration, the physical plates, proof of Tennessee liability insurance, and payment for fees.
- Valid Tennessee driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the new vehicle, signed by the seller with all liens released for private purchases
- Bill of sale with purchase price, date, and odometer reading
- Current registration for the plates you are transferring
- The physical license plates (front and rear)
- Proof of current Tennessee liability insurance for the new vehicle
- Payment for the transfer fee and applicable registration and tax fees
Transfer Fees
The 7% state sales tax plus local taxes (combined typically 9% to 9.75%) on the new vehicle purchase is typically the largest cost in a plate transfer transaction. The plate transfer fee is separate.
How much does a Tennessee plate transfer cost, and what is the combined sales tax rate?
Contact your county clerk’s office for the current plate transfer fee. The 7% state sales tax plus local taxes on the new vehicle’s purchase price is typically the dominant cost in the transaction.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | Contact your county clerk’s office for the current fee |
| Sales or excise tax on new vehicle | 7% state sales tax plus local taxes (combined typically 9% to 9.75%) |
| Registration fee | Contact your county clerk’s office for your specific vehicle’s fee |
Specialty and Personalized Plates
Tennessee offers specialty and personalized plates that can generally be transferred to a new vehicle, though procedures vary by plate type.
Can I keep my Tennessee specialty or personalized plate when I buy a new vehicle?
Tennessee specialty and personalized plates can generally be transferred to a new vehicle. Contact your county clerk’s office for the specific procedure and any additional fees applicable to your plate type.
Old Registration
Understanding what happens to the old registration protects you from liability after the sale is complete.
What happens to my Tennessee registration when I sell my vehicle?
When you sell your vehicle and remove your plates, the old registration is cancelled. The buyer registers the vehicle through your county clerk’s office and obtains a new plates. Remove your plates before the buyer takes possession.
Third-Party Transfers
Tennessee plate transfers are limited to the same registered owner. This section explains what you can and cannot do when selling to another person.
Can I transfer my Tennessee plates to a family member who is purchasing my vehicle?
No. Tennessee plates are not transferable between different owners. Only the same owner can transfer plates between their own vehicles. When selling, remove your plates and allow the buyer to register with new plates.
Plates and Vehicle Sales
Knowing who keeps the plates when a vehicle changes hands prevents confusion and potential legal liability.
Do Tennessee plates stay with the owner or the vehicle when a car is sold?
Tennessee plates stay with the owner. Remove your plates when selling your vehicle. The buyer registers through your county clerk’s office and obtains new plates. Transfer your plates to your new vehicle through your county clerk’s office.
Transfer Deadline
Tennessee sets a specific registration deadline after purchasing a new vehicle. Missing this deadline results in late fees.
How long do I have to register my new vehicle at the Tennessee county clerk’s office?
Tennessee requires new vehicle registration within 30 days days of purchase or within 30 days days of establishing Tennessee residency. Complete your plate transfer within this window to avoid late penalties.
Surrendering Plates
If you are not purchasing a replacement vehicle, you have specific options for handling your current plates.
What should I do with my Tennessee plates if I am not purchasing a replacement vehicle?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, you may surrender your plates to your county clerk’s office or retain them for a future vehicle. Contact your county clerk’s office for current guidance on plate surrender procedures.