As in other states in the USA, the renewal of license plate stickers in Tennessee is a mandatory procedure in the 95 counties of the state, and must be completed annually to be able to drive legally.
Those who do not do this, or do not do it on time, risk receiving traffic tickets or other more severe penalties from the Tennessee Department of Revenue (known in the state as DOR).
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When do you have to renew your license plate sticker in Tennessee?
License plate sticker renewal in Tennessee must be done annually, before the expiration date of the car registration.
The DOR sends drivers a renewal notice or reminder by mail or email approximately six weeks before the registration expiration date.
It indicates the exact expiration date of the license plate sticker in Tennessee, the fee to pay and other vehicle information.
If you do not receive it, you can check the expiration date on the license plate sticker or on the registration certificate of your vehicle. The expiration day is the last day of the month indicated on the sticker.
The driver has the obligation to renew the car sticker even if he does not receive this notice.
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Requirements to renew the license plate sticker in Tennessee
To renew your license plate sticker in Tennessee you must meet some requirements:
- Current car insurance
- Vehicle safety inspection and emissions testing (if required)
- The current registration card
- The car's license plate number
- The residence address
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Driver's license number
- Payment of corresponding fees
IMPORTANT: If you change your address, you must notify the DOR before renewing your license plates in Tennessee.
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How to renew the license plate sticker in Tennessee?
The state Department of Revenue makes available to the public different methods to facilitate the Tennessee license plate sticker renewal process:
- Online
- By postal mail
- In person
Renew license plates online
Go to the page authorized by the Tennessee government to renew your license plate sticker online.
The page has a drop-down menu where you can choose any county and search for all local information related to license plate sticker renewal.
To renew, complete the “Renew Your License Plate” field with your license plate number and click on the “go” field.
Retrieved from secure.tncountyclerk.com
Follow the instructions on the page and pay the corresponding fees. Print the renewal receipt and payment receipt.
You will receive an email confirming that your online vehicle renewal has been accepted and completed. The estimated time for the registration and sticker to arrive is between 5 and 10 days.
In Tennessee you can also renew license plates through the Auto Assistant mobile application, available in the App Store and Google Play.
Plate renewal by mail
To renew your license plate sticker by mail, gather copies of your previous registration, title, and notice (if you received it), and then send them to the mailing address of your local county clerk's office. .
If you renew your registration this way, you must pay by check from a Tennessee bank payable to the County Clerk's Office that corresponds to you.; cash is not accepted.
Plate renewal in person
Visit your local county clerk's office with your Tennessee license plate sticker renewal notice or current registration. Once you complete the process, you will immediately receive the stickers and registration.
You can also renew your license plate sticker at a county kiosk. (not all counties have this service).
The method is simple: first you scan your current registration or driver's license into the machine's reader, then you pay with your debit or credit card, and finally you print the license plate sticker.
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Places where I can get the license plate sticker in Tennessee
The official agency in charge of issuing and administering license plate sticker renewals in Tennessee is the Tennessee Department of Revenue or DOR.
The places where you can get the license plate sticker in person are the county clerk's offices where you live.
You can also do so at one of the 44 smart kiosks (available in some counties) of the Department of Homeland Security (TDOSHS) Division of Driver Services.
Keep reading: How to register a car in Virginia
License Plate Sticker Renewal Near Me in Tennessee
If you want to find the county clerk's office closest to you, follow this link or consult the map below:
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When will you receive license plate stickers in Tennessee?
If you renew at a county clerk's office or at a kiosk, you will receive them at the same time you finish completing the process.
When the renewal is managed online or by mail, the license plate stickers take between 5 and 10 days to arrive at your postal address.
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How much does a license plate sticker cost in Tennessee?
In Nashville the rates are: wheel tax $55.00, renewal tax $23.00 – $29.00, decals only $2.00, new license plate and decal $5.00. Renewal costs vary by county and car classification (personal, commercial, etc.).
How long can you drive with expired tags in Tennessee?
You have up to 90 days to complete the process, counted from the expiration date of the car registration. After that time, the authorities can fine you.
How much is a ticket for expired license plates in Tennessee?
On average it is around $50, but it depends on the county where you are located. Additionally, If your car insurance is expired, you could pay up to $120 more for violating the financial responsibility law.
How do I renew my tags after 90 days in TN?
If your registration is 90 days expired, you can renew it by gathering all the paperwork required by the DOR and visiting a local county clerk's office.
Where do the stickers go on Tennessee license plates?
The decal that is attached to the registration card must be removed and affixed to the plate in the upper right corner. Your registration will expire on the last day of the month indicated on the sticker.
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