Renew your plate online, by mail, or in person at your county clerk's office

Tennessee sends renewal notices 30 days before your plate expires. You can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Revenue website, by mail using the notice they send you, or by visiting your county clerk's office in person. Online renewal is the fastest route — you pay the fee, print a temporary tag if needed, and your new plate ships to your address. The entire process takes about 10 minutes if you have your vehicle registration and current plate number handy.

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle type and whether you have any special plate designation. Standard passenger vehicle plates cost around $27.50 annually, though this amount can vary slightly by county. If you have a specialty plate — such as a military, collegiate, or conservation plate — the fee may be higher. You'll also pay any applicable county or local fees at the time of renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee sends renewal notices 30 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or at your county clerk's office.
  • Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Revenue website is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes.
  • Standard plate renewal costs around $27.50 annually, plus any county fees, though specialty plates may cost more.
  • If you renew online and need to drive before your new plate arrives, you can print a temporary tag valid for 30 days.

Renewing online through the Tennessee Department of Revenue

Go to the Tennessee Department of Revenue website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You'll need your vehicle registration number, current plate number, and a payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Enter your vehicle information and confirm the renewal details. The system will calculate your total fee based on your vehicle type and any special designations.

After you pay, you'll receive a confirmation number and can print a temporary tag when ready if you need to drive before your permanent plate arrives. The temporary tag is valid for 30 days. Your new plate will be mailed to the address on file with your registration, typically arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to track your order or contact the Department of Revenue.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

The renewal notice Tennessee sends you includes a payment envelope and instructions. Fill out the form on the back of the notice with any updated information, enclose a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the envelope. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your current plate number on the check or money order so the payment can be matched to your vehicle.

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Department of Revenue receives your payment. If your plate expires before your new one arrives, you risk a citation for an expired tag. To avoid this, mail your renewal at least 3 weeks before the expiration date. If you're cutting it close, renewing online or in person is safer because you can print a temporary tag or receive your plate the same day.

Renewing in person at your county clerk's office

Visit your county clerk's office with your vehicle registration and current plate. Bring a payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on what your county accepts. The clerk will process your renewal, collect the fee, and issue you a new plate on the spot. This is the only method that gives you a plate when ready without waiting for mail delivery.

County clerk offices have varying hours and locations. Search online for your county clerk's office address and phone number to confirm hours before you go. Some counties offer multiple office locations, so you may have options for convenience. Bring your vehicle registration and a valid ID to speed up the process. If you have a specialty plate or your registration has changed, bring any relevant documentation.

What happens if your plate expires before you renew

Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation in Tennessee. You can be cited and fined, and your vehicle registration may be suspended. If you realize your plate has expired or will expire very soon, renew online when ready and print the temporary tag, or go to your county clerk's office the same day. The temporary tag is valid for 30 days and gives you time for your permanent plate to arrive by mail.

If you've already received a citation for an expired plate, you may be able to show proof of renewal to the court or the issuing officer. Contact the court listed on your citation to ask about the process. Some courts will dismiss the citation if you can show you renewed before the court date, though this varies by jurisdiction.

Specialty plates and additional fees

Tennessee offers specialty plates for military service, college alumni, conservation, and other designations. Specialty plates have higher renewal fees than standard plates — typically $35 to $50 or more, depending on the type. If you have a specialty plate and want to keep it, you'll renew it the same way as a standard plate, but the fee will reflect the specialty designation.

If you want to switch from a specialty plate to a standard plate, or vice versa, you'll need to contact your county clerk's office or the Department of Revenue. Some changes can be made during renewal, while others may require a separate transaction. Ask about the process and any additional fees when you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plate if my registration has expired?

No. Your vehicle registration must be current to renew your plate. If your registration has expired, you'll need to renew that first through the Department of Revenue or your county clerk's office. Once your registration is current, you can renew your plate.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or in person without the notice. Online, enter your vehicle registration number and current plate number. At your county clerk's office, bring your registration and plate. The notice is a convenience, but not required to renew.

How long is the temporary tag valid?

The temporary tag you print after online renewal is valid for 30 days. This gives your permanent plate time to arrive by mail. If your permanent plate doesn't arrive within 30 days, contact the Department of Revenue with your confirmation number to track it.

Do I need to remove my old plate when the new one arrives?

Yes. Remove your old plate and install the new one as soon as it arrives. Keep the old plate — you may need it if there's a billing dispute or if you're transferring it to another vehicle. Some counties accept old plates for recycling at the clerk's office.

What if I moved and my registration address changed?

Update your address with the Department of Revenue before renewing your plate. You can update your address online, by mail, or at your county clerk's office. Your new plate will be mailed to your updated address. If you renew before updating your address, your plate may be mailed to your old address.