Where to renew your Shelby County tags
In Shelby County, Tennessee, you renew your vehicle tags through the Shelby County Clerk's Office, not through the state. The clerk's office handles all tag renewals for vehicles registered in the county. You can renew in person at one of their locations, by mail, or online through their website.
The main clerk's office is located in downtown Memphis at 160 South Main Street, Room 161. There are also satellite offices in other parts of the county if the main office is inconvenient. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should confirm current hours before you go, as they can change seasonally.
Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle is may be able to access. You can renew through the Shelby County Clerk's website without visiting an office or mailing anything in. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to go in person.
Key Takeaways
- Shelby County tags renew through the Shelby County Clerk's Office, with locations in downtown Memphis and satellite offices throughout the county.
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person, and the method you choose depends on whether your vehicle is may be able to access and how quickly you need new tags.
- You will need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to renew, whether you go in person or by mail.
- Renewal notices are mailed to your address on file, and renewing before your expiration date keeps you from driving on expired tags.
- If your vehicle has a lien or you owe back taxes, you may need to resolve those issues before the clerk's office will renew your tags.
What documents you need to bring
For any renewal method, you will need your current vehicle registration card (the one you keep in your car), a valid photo ID, and proof of current insurance. The proof of insurance must show your vehicle's VIN and current coverage dates. A copy of your insurance card or a declaration page from your insurance company both work.
If you are renewing by mail, send copies of these documents, not originals. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the Shelby County Clerk. Do not send cash through the mail. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card, depending on which office you visit.
If your vehicle has a lien (the bank or finance company holds the title), bring documentation showing the lienholder's name and address. If you have recently paid off a loan, bring the title release document from your lender.
Online renewal through the Shelby County Clerk's website
Online renewal is the fastest method if your vehicle is may be able to access. Not all vehicles can renew online—for example, if you have unpaid property taxes, a lien on the vehicle, or certain other issues, you will need to renew in person or by mail instead. The website will tell you when ready whether your vehicle can renew online.
To renew online, visit the Shelby County Clerk's website and enter your vehicle information and registration number. You will upload a photo of your current registration card and proof of insurance. You pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Once approved, your new tags are mailed to your address on file, usually within one to two weeks.
Online renewal does not give you tags the same day. If you need tags when ready, you must renew in person at a clerk's office location.
In-person renewal at a clerk's office
Renewing in person at the Shelby County Clerk's Office takes about 15 to 30 minutes during normal hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your registration card, valid ID, proof of insurance, and payment. You can pay by cash, check, or card.
If you renew in person, you can receive your new tags the same day. The clerk's office will give you temporary tags to use while your permanent tags are being made, or in some cases will give you the permanent tags when ready. Ask at the counter what to expect for your specific vehicle.
The main office downtown tends to be busier than satellite locations. If you want a shorter wait, try a satellite office in your part of the county, or go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Shelby County Clerk's Office or read one from their website. Fill out the form completely and include copies (not originals) of your registration card, valid ID, and proof of insurance. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the Shelby County Clerk.
Mail everything to the address listed on the renewal form. Keep a copy of what you send for your records. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the clerk's office receives your envelope. Your new tags will be mailed to your address on file.
Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person renewal, but it works if you cannot visit an office or prefer not to. Do not send cash or original documents through the mail.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
The renewal fee for Shelby County tags varies depending on your vehicle's weight and type. Passenger vehicles typically cost less to renew than trucks or commercial vehicles. The clerk's office website lists the current fee schedule, or you can call to ask what your specific vehicle will cost.
Some vehicles also owe property tax as part of the renewal. If your vehicle is subject to property tax in Shelby County, that amount will be added to your renewal fee. If you have unpaid property taxes from previous years, you must pay those before the clerk's office will renew your tags.
The fee does not change based on how early or late you renew. Renewing early does not cost more, and renewing late does not cost more either—but driving on expired tags can result in a traffic citation.
When your tags expire and renewal reminders
Your vehicle tags expire on the date printed on your current tag. Shelby County mails renewal notices to the address on file about 30 days before expiration. Check your mail for this notice, as it contains important information about your renewal options and the fee amount.
If you do not receive a renewal notice, that does not mean your tags have not expired. You are responsible for renewing on time whether or not you receive the notice. You can check your vehicle's expiration date by looking at the tag on your license plate or by calling the clerk's office.
Renewing before your expiration date keeps you from driving on expired tags. If your tags expire and you have not renewed, you should not drive the vehicle until you have new tags, as law enforcement can cite you for expired registration.
What to do if you have unpaid taxes or a lien
If you owe back property taxes on your vehicle, the Shelby County Clerk's Office will not renew your tags until you pay those taxes. You will need to contact the Shelby County Assessor's Office to find out what you owe and pay it before you can renew. Once you have paid, you can renew through any method.
If your vehicle has a lien (a bank or finance company holds the title), you can still renew your tags. Bring documentation showing the lienholder's name and address when you renew. The clerk's office will note the lien on your registration.
If you have recently paid off a loan and the lien has been released, bring the title release document from your lender. This shows the clerk's office that the lien is no longer active and you now own the vehicle free and clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tags if they have already expired?
Yes, you can renew expired tags at any time. However, you should not drive your vehicle on expired tags. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for expired registration. Renew as soon as you realize your tags have expired.
How long do new tags take to arrive if I renew by mail?
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the clerk's office receives your envelope. Your new tags are mailed to your address on file. If you need tags faster, renew in person or online instead.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
Contact the Shelby County Clerk's Office to update your address before you renew. If you renew with an old address on file, your renewal notice and new tags will be mailed to that address. You can update your address by phone, in person, or sometimes online through the clerk's website.
Do I need to renew my tags every year in Shelby County?
Yes, vehicle tags in Shelby County renew annually. Your expiration date is printed on your current tag. Some counties offer multi-year renewals, but Shelby County requires annual renewal.
What if my vehicle is financed and the lender requires specific insurance coverage?
Your lender's insurance requirements do not affect tag renewal. You only need to show proof of current insurance to the clerk's office. Make sure your insurance meets your lender's requirements separately, as that is between you and your lender.