What Tennessee License Plate Styles You Can Choose

Tennessee offers several standard plate designs beyond the basic blue-and-white plate. The state's most recognizable option is the Volunteer State plate, which features the state nickname and is the default choice for most drivers. You can also select specialty plates tied to universities, military service, causes, or interests — each with its own design and often a higher annual fee.

The Enhance plate is Tennessee's standard passenger plate with the state flag design. If you want something different, you can choose from over 100 specialty plate designs. These range from university plates (University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Memphis, and others) to military and veteran plates, conservation plates, and cause-related plates supporting everything from wildlife to children's health.

When you renew your registration or get a new plate, the Tennessee Department of Revenue's website shows you all available options with photos. You select your choice during the registration process, either online, by mail, or in person at your county clerk's office.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's standard plate is the Enhance plate with the state flag, but you can choose from over 100 specialty designs at registration or renewal.
  • Specialty plates cost more than the standard plate — the difference varies by plate type, typically ranging from $15 to $50 extra per year.
  • University plates, military plates, and cause-related plates are the most common specialty options, each with its own design and fee structure.
  • You select your plate choice when you register your vehicle or renew your registration through the county clerk, online, or by mail.
  • Switching to a different plate design requires a new registration, so plan ahead if you want to change plates between renewals.

How Much Specialty Plates Cost in Tennessee

The standard Enhance plate costs the same as your regular registration fee. Specialty plates add an extra annual fee on top of that. The additional cost depends on which plate you choose — some add $15 to $25 per year, while others add $35 to $50 or more.

University plates typically fall in the mid-range, usually adding $20 to $35 annually. Military and veteran plates often have lower additional fees, sometimes $15 to $25. Cause-related plates vary widely depending on the organization they support — some conservation plates or plates supporting specific charities may cost more.

When you view available plates on the Tennessee Department of Revenue website or at your county clerk's office, the additional fee for each option is listed. This lets you compare costs before you choose. The fee is renewed each year along with your registration, so you'll pay it annually as long as you keep that plate.

University and Military Specialty Plates

Tennessee's university plates are popular among alumni and current students. Options include the University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, University of Memphis, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee Tech, and several others. Each plate displays the university's colors, logo, or mascot. A portion of the additional fee often goes to the university's scholarship or athletic programs.

Military and veteran plates recognize service members and veterans. Tennessee offers plates for active-duty military, retired military, veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and former prisoners of war. These plates typically have lower additional fees than other specialty options and may include special parking privileges or other state benefits — check with your county clerk about what applies to your situation.

To order a military or veteran plate, you'll need to provide proof of your service status. This might be a DD Form 214 (discharge papers), military ID, or other documentation depending on which plate you're requesting. Your county clerk can tell you exactly what documents to bring.

Conservation and Cause-Related Plates

Tennessee offers several plates supporting environmental and wildlife causes. These include plates for wildlife conservation, state parks, and natural resource protection. A portion of the additional fee goes to the organization or cause the plate supports, so choosing one of these plates contributes to that cause each year you renew.

Cause-related plates also support children's health, education, and other community programs. Examples include plates supporting children's hospitals, literacy programs, and other nonprofits. The design and the cause vary, so check the Tennessee Department of Revenue's full list to see which causes are represented.

When you choose a cause-related plate, understand that the additional fee is not a tax deduction — it's straightforward a higher registration fee. The state passes the designated portion to the organization, but you cannot claim it as a charitable contribution on your taxes. The county clerk or the Department of Revenue website will show you exactly how much of your fee goes to the cause.

How to Order or Change Your Plate

You can order a specialty plate or switch to a different design when you register a new vehicle or renew your registration. The easiest method is online through the Tennessee Department of Revenue's website, where you can view all available plates with photos and fees before you choose. You'll select your plate during the registration process and pay the additional fee along with your registration fee.

If you prefer to handle it in person, visit your county clerk's office. They have photos or samples of available plates and can process your order on the spot. You can also renew by mail — the renewal notice will include information about specialty plate options, or you can call your county clerk to ask about available plates before you mail in your renewal.

If you want to change plates before your registration expires, you'll need to get new plates. This requires a new registration and the associated fees. It's not a straightforward swap — you're essentially re-registering your vehicle with a different plate choice. Plan your plate selection carefully, since changing mid-cycle costs extra.

What Happens When Your Registration Expires

When your registration expires, you renew it with the Tennessee Department of Revenue or your county clerk. At that time, you can keep your current plate design or switch to a different one. If you keep the same plate, you'll pay the same additional fee as before. If you switch, you'll pay the new plate's fee instead.

Your current plate remains valid until your registration expires. You don't need to physically turn in old plates when you get new ones — Tennessee doesn't require plate returns. However, if you sell your vehicle, the new owner will need to register it in their name and can choose their own plate at that time.

Renewal notices are mailed about 30 days before your registration expires. The notice will include information about specialty plate options, or you can view them online before you renew. If you're renewing online or by mail, make sure you select your plate choice clearly so the county clerk processes the right one.

Personalized and Vanity Plates

Tennessee also offers personalized plates, which let you choose custom characters instead of the standard random combination. You can personalize most plate designs, including the standard Enhance plate and many specialty plates. Personalized plates cost extra — typically an additional $50 to $75 on top of your registration fee, plus an extra annual renewal fee.

Personalized plates must follow Tennessee's rules: they can be up to seven characters, cannot contain offensive language or symbols, and cannot impersonate government or emergency vehicles. The Department of Revenue reviews requests and may deny ones that violate these rules. You can check availability and order personalized plates online or through your county clerk.

If you want both a specialty plate design and personalization, you can combine them — for example, a University of Tennessee plate with your custom characters. The fees stack, so you'll pay the specialty plate fee plus the personalization fee plus the annual renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch plate designs without renewing my registration?

No. Switching to a different plate design requires a new registration, which means paying registration fees and the new plate's additional fee. You can only change plates for free during your regular renewal. If you want to change mid-cycle, contact your county clerk about the cost.

Do I have to return my old plates when I get new ones?

Tennessee does not require you to return old plates. You can keep them or dispose of them. If you sell your vehicle, the new owner will register it in their name and receive their own plates.

What if the specialty plate I want is not available?

Availability varies by county and demand. Check the Tennessee Department of Revenue website or call your county clerk to see which plates are currently in stock. If a plate is temporarily out of stock, you may be able to order it and wait for production, or choose a different design.

Can I use a specialty plate on a commercial or farm vehicle?

Most specialty plates are for standard passenger vehicles. Commercial, farm, and other vehicle classifications have their own registration categories and may not be may be able to access for certain specialty plates. Ask your county clerk which specialty plates are available for your vehicle type.

How long does it take to receive a new specialty plate?

Standard processing takes about two to three weeks after you order. If you order online or in person, the county clerk will give you a temporary plate to use while your permanent plate is produced. If you order by mail, ask the clerk how long to expect before your plates arrive.