Tennessee license plate renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at your county clerk's office

You can renew your Tennessee plate through the Department of Revenue website, by mail using a renewal notice, or by visiting your county clerk's office in person. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home. The process costs between $27.50 and $32.50 depending on your vehicle type, plus any local wheel tax your county charges. Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your plate expires — that notice contains everything you need to renew.

Tennessee sends you a renewal notice by mail, but you don't have to wait for it to renew. You can renew up to six months before your plate expires. If you've moved and didn't update your address with the state, your notice may go to your old address, so check your renewal status online if you don't receive one.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Revenue website is the fastest method and requires your plate number, VIN, and driver's license number.
  • You must renew before your plate expires, and Tennessee allows renewal up to six months in advance.
  • The renewal fee ranges from $27.50 to $32.50 plus any local wheel tax, which varies by county.
  • If you renew online or by mail, your new plate sticker arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can renew in person at your county clerk's office if you prefer to handle it the same day and receive your sticker when ready.

Renewing online through the Tennessee Department of Revenue

Go to the Tennessee Department of Revenue website and select "Renew a Vehicle Registration." You'll need your current plate number, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and your driver's license number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee for your specific vehicle type. You pay by credit card or debit card, and the transaction takes about five minutes.

After you complete the online renewal, the state mails your new plate sticker to the address on file with your driver's license. The sticker arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You place the sticker on your current plate, and your registration is current. If your address has changed since you last registered, update it before you renew — the sticker will go to your new address.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your plate expires. The notice includes a payment envelope and instructions. You write a check or money order for the amount shown, sign the notice, and mail both back to the address listed. Mail renewal takes longer than online — allow 10 to 14 days for the state to receive and process your payment, plus another 7 to 10 days for your sticker to arrive.

If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail. Call the Tennessee Department of Revenue at 615-253-0600 and ask them to send you a duplicate notice. Have your plate number and VIN ready when you call.

Renewing in person at your county clerk's office

You can walk into your county clerk's office with your renewal notice and renew the same day. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The clerk will process your renewal, collect the fee, and give you your new sticker on the spot. This method works well if your plate is expiring soon and you want the sticker when ready.

County clerk offices have different hours, so check your county's website before you go. Some counties offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. If you don't have your renewal notice, bring your plate number and VIN — the clerk can look up your vehicle record in the state system.

Understanding Tennessee wheel tax and local fees

In addition to the state renewal fee, some Tennessee counties charge a local wheel tax. This tax varies by county and ranges from $0 to around $100 per year, depending on your vehicle's value and your county's rate. The wheel tax is not optional — if your county charges it, you pay it as part of your renewal.

When you renew online, the system shows you the total cost including any wheel tax for your county. If you're unsure whether your county charges a wheel tax, call your county clerk's office or check the county website. The wheel tax money goes to local road maintenance and public transportation in your county.

What to do if your plate expires before you renew

If your plate expires and you haven't renewed yet, you can still renew when ready — there is no grace period in Tennessee. Driving with an expired plate is a violation. Renew online right away, or go to your county clerk's office if you need the sticker the same day. If you're pulled over with an expired plate, you can show the officer your online renewal confirmation as proof that you've renewed, though this doesn't may provide you won't receive a citation.

Once you renew online or by mail, your registration is current even if the sticker hasn't arrived yet. Keep your renewal confirmation email or receipt in your vehicle until the sticker arrives and you place it on your plate.

Renewing a plate for a vehicle you no longer own

If you've sold your vehicle, don't renew the plate. Instead, contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue to cancel the registration. You can do this online through the same portal where you renew, or call 615-253-0600. Canceling stops you from being billed for renewal and removes the vehicle from your name in the state system.

If you've already paid for a renewal on a vehicle you no longer own, you may be able to transfer that registration to a new vehicle or request a refund. Contact the Department of Revenue with your receipt to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plate before I receive my renewal notice?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your plate expires by going online or visiting your county clerk's office. You don't need the renewal notice — just your plate number, VIN, and driver's license number.

What if I moved and my renewal notice went to my old address?

Go to the Tennessee Department of Revenue website and update your address in the system, then renew online. Or call 615-253-0600 and ask them to send a duplicate notice to your new address. You can also renew in person at your county clerk's office without the notice.

How long does it take to get my new sticker after I renew online?

The sticker arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your registration is current as soon as you complete the online renewal, even if the sticker hasn't arrived yet. Keep your confirmation email in your vehicle as proof.

Do I have to pay the wheel tax every year?

Yes, if your county charges a wheel tax, you pay it every time you renew your plate. The amount depends on your vehicle's value and your county's rate. The tax goes to local road and transportation projects.

What happens if I drive with an expired plate?

Driving with an expired plate is a violation in Tennessee. Renew when ready online or at your county clerk's office. If you're pulled over, you can show your online renewal confirmation, but this doesn't may provide you won't receive a citation.