Renew Registration

Eligibility Requirements

General Eligibility Criteria

To renew a car registration in Tennessee, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must provide proof of identification and relevant documentation for their vehicles.

For new vehicles, required documents include proof of identification, Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, Bill of Sale, and Odometer section completed. For pre-owned vehicles purchased from a dealer, proof of identification, title assigned from the dealership, and a Bill of Sale are required. Additionally, if transferring a current license plate, a copy of the current registration is required, and the new vehicle must be titled in the same manner as the previous vehicle.

Special Considerations for Military Families

Military members and their families may be exempt from certain registration fees and requirements while stationed in Tennessee. To qualify for these exemptions, the service member or spouse must hold a valid license from another state with similar standards and must agree to the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Regulatory Boards Division.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must also ensure compliance with state regulations concerning vehicle insurance and cannot be in default on federal or state educational loans to remain eligible for financial assistance related to vehicle registration. Applicants are required to provide two proofs of residency during the renewal process. In the case of expired licenses, applicants should be aware that a penalty of ten dollars applies if the license has been expired for six months or more.

Renewal Process

Renewal Methods

In Tennessee, vehicle registration renewal can be completed through several convenient methods, including online, in-person, by mail, or at designated renewal kiosks. The online renewal process typically takes one to two business days for applications to be processed. After renewing, it may take up to 15 business days to receive the renewed registration by mail.

Online Renewal

When renewing online, applicants can expect to receive an email confirmation once their transaction is accepted and completed. It is important to note that individuals may print their renewal transaction and payment receipt for their records.

In-Person Renewal

For those who choose to renew in person, it is essential to bring the renewal notice, a copy of the current registration, or provide the license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number at the local office. However, if the vehicle registration has been expired for more than 90 days, the renewal must be completed by the vehicle owner or by an authorized representative with a completed power of attorney.

County Residency Requirements

Residents are required to renew their registration in the county where they legally reside. If there has been a change in county of residence or if a vehicle was purchased in the last year, it is mandatory to renew in person and provide proof of residency to facilitate the transfer of vehicle information from the previous county.

Renewal Reminders

To assist with timely renewals, Tennessee offers a free renewal reminder service that sends email or text notifications to remind vehicle owners when their tags are about to expire.

Fees and Payment

Registration Fees

The standard fee for renewal is $54.75, which includes the auto license plate fee and a wheel tax. The fee to renew a passenger vehicle plate is $103.00 for walk-in customers, with an additional $3.00 fee for mail renewals. Online renewal incurs a fee of $110.43.

If transferring a registration, the fee is $17.50, with an additional $11 if there is a lien on the vehicle. Lease vehicles require a Power of Attorney from the lessor and incur a $2.00 lease fee during the initial registration and each subsequent renewal.

Payment Methods

Payments for vehicle registration can be made through various methods. Cash is accepted only when paying in person, along with personal in-state checks payable to the county clerk. Payments made via credit or debit card will incur an additional fee of 2 percent of the total transaction plus $0.25.

Online transactions also involve a convenience fee charged by a third-party vendor, which is in addition to any renewal fee or taxes.

Sales Tax

The applicable sales tax when purchasing a vehicle or during registration renewal includes a 7 percent state tax applied to the purchase price less any trade-in value. Local sales tax consists of a fixed rate of 2.75 percent on the first $1,600, with a cap of $44.00 for both state and county sales tax on single article transactions.

Postage Fees

When submitting renewals by mail, a $3.00 postage fee applies. The application should be sent to the county clerk's office.

New Fees on Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

New regulations effective from January 1, 2024, impose additional fees on hybrid and electric vehicles, further adjusting the cost of registration based on vehicle type.

Special Circumstances

Military Members and Veterans

Individuals who are active duty military members or veterans may qualify for specific exemptions and benefits related to vehicle registration and titling. If a vehicle is titled and registered in the name of an eligible service member, either alone or jointly with a spouse, it may be eligible for exemption from certain fees or requirements related to registration.

Disabled veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable can access various benefits, including potential exemptions for vehicle registration fees. This also extends to spouses and Gold Star parents of eligible veterans, who may also be granted access on a space-available basis to certain services.

Vehicle Titling Considerations

There are specific protocols for the titling of vehicles financed in particular states. For instance, vehicle titles must be held by the owner in certain states, which may affect how registration and renewal are processed if the vehicle is financed. Additionally, when a vehicle is purchased from an individual who does not provide a title, the situation is classified as a civil matter, complicating the registration process unless proper documentation is provided.

Guidance and Assistance

To ensure compliance and understand the nuances of these regulations, vehicle owners should consult the Tennessee County Clerk's website or contact regional offices for guidance on their specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for renewing car registration in Tennessee?

Renewing car registration in Tennessee can be done online or in person. For online renewals, individuals must have their vehicle information ready, including the license plate number and VIN. The online application will be processed within one to two business days. In-person renewals require a renewal notice or proof of registration, and if the registration has been expired for over 90 days, the owner must handle the renewal personally or provide a completed power of attorney.

Are there any specific documents required for renewal?

Yes, when renewing your vehicle registration, it is essential to have all necessary documents ready. This includes proof of insurance, payment for renewal fees, and any identification required by state law. If a legal name change has occurred, additional documentation, such as a court decree, may be needed to confirm the identity of the applicant.

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has been registered in a different county?

If your county of residence has changed since your last renewal, or if you have purchased a vehicle in the past year with a plate issued by a different county, you must renew in person. Acceptable proof of your new residence address is required, as this helps to transfer vehicle information due to varying wheel taxes across counties.

What happens if I forget to renew my registration on time?

If the vehicle registration is expired for more than 90 days, the renewal must be done in person by the owner. Failure to renew on time may result in the need for additional documents or fees, and you may face penalties. It is advisable to utilize renewal reminders to avoid any last-minute rush or complications.

Is there a way to check my registration status online?

Yes, individuals can check their vehicle registration status online through the Tennessee Department of Revenue's website. However, users may encounter issues, such as errors stating that vehicle information cannot be found. If you experience problems, it is recommended to contact the county clerk's office for assistance.

Data Security and Privacy

Cybersecurity Measures

In Tennessee, businesses and organizations are required to adhere to specific cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information, particularly in the context of car registration and other personal data management. Tennessee's cybersecurity laws necessitate that registrants implement comprehensive information-security programs designed to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of nonpublic information.

Breach Notification Requirements

In the event of a security breach, Tennessee law mandates that affected individuals must be notified within 45 days following the discovery of the breach. This requirement emphasizes the importance of timely communication to those whose personal information may have been compromised.

Privacy Policies

Organizations must be transparent about their data collection practices. Privacy policies should inform users about the types of personal information collected, such as names and email addresses, and clarify how this information will be used. Compliance with these policies not only adheres to state regulations but also fosters trust with customers by prioritizing their privacy and data security.