If y'all are the owner of a new or used vehicle, you must register it with the state of Tennessee to legally drive it. Vehicle registration requires the filling out of forms along with other bureaucratic requirements. Let'due south look at how to register a vehicle in Tennessee.

TN Vehicle Registration: TN Tags and Registration

Registering a vehicle in Tennessee is not the bureaucratic nightmare many brand information technology out to be. TN car registration, TN trailer registration, motorbike registration and and so on is surprisingly easy. Manufacture improvements accept fabricated the feel much easier than it used to be. Information technology is even possible to renew automobile registration online through the local DMV. You will need some documents to register the vehicle. These include:

  • The vehicle's title
  • Your proof of residence and identity
  • The odometer disclosure statement

    • If you lot need time to collect such paperwork, you should bridge the gap with a temporary operation allow. This must be performed earlier submitting the awarding for the registration. The bodily registration of the vehicle takes identify at the Vehicle Services Division. Y'all can obtain your vehicle championship and registration at the same time.

    Registering a Vehicle in TN: Emissions Inspection

    Certain counties in Tennessee crave drivers to have an emissions inspection performed earlier the vehicle tin can be registered. These counties include Sumner, Wilson, Williamson, Davidson, Hamilton and Rutherford. The automobile owner must provide the TN car title or registration for the emissions exam to be performed. If TN lost championship, yous must obtain a duplicate championship TN. The emissions test requires the payment of a $9 fee. Payment must be made in cash. Bills greater than $20 volition non exist accepted.

    How new Tennessee Residents Register a Vehicle

    Be sure to bring:

  • Your out-of-country title
  • Out-of-country registration
  • Emissions test paperwork
  • Proper name and address of the vehicle's lien holder
  • Proof of identification (license, military ID, birth document)
  • Money for fees to the canton clerk's part

    • Though auto insurance is unnecessary to register a vehicle in the state of Tennessee for the first time, it is illegal to drive without auto insurance.

    Registering a Vehicle Purchased from a Individual Party or Dealership

    Regardless of how you purchased the vehicle, you must bring the following to the county clerk's office:

  • The Manufacturer'south Certificate of Origin
  • New vehicle invoice showing car sales revenue enhancement in TN
  • Proof of identification
  • Proof of residency

    • Documents that suffice for proof of residency include a utility bill, a mortgage or rental agreement and a paycheck stub. You must too bring the electric current registration from your old automobile if you plan on transferring TN license plates to your new vehicle.

    Registering a Used Auto

    Bring a valid certificate of title holding completed past the seller, an odometer disclosure statement if the vehicle is less than a decade former, proof of identification and proof of residency to the county clerk'due south office.

    License Plates

    Exist sure to bring your current registration if yous desire to transfer the license plates to the used automobile you purchased. TN vanity plates are available upon request and depending on availability. You can pick up your license plates when registering your automobile. If the TN specialty license plates you desire are non bachelor, gild it for commitment to your local county clerk's office for pickup.

    Exceptions

    If y'all can't provide the documentation described higher up, information technology might be possible to obtain a temporary operation permit. Such a permit is valid for a period of 30 days. This permit requires proof that you own the vehicle in question and evidence you are taking activity to remedy the registration/championship consequence. You must show your Tennessee commuter's license and submit the Application for Temporary Operation Permit. Finally, there is a $10 fee to obtain the allow. Owners of salvaged vehicles and those that fail inspection will not qualify for the permit.