Where to renew your Shelby County license plate
In Shelby County, you renew your license plate through the Shelby County Clerk's Office, not through a separate motor vehicle department. The main office is located in downtown Memphis at 160 South Main Street, Room 101. You can also use any of the branch clerk offices around the county if the main location is inconvenient.
You have three ways to renew: in person at a clerk's office, by mail, or online through the Shelby County Clerk's website. The online option is the fastest if your registration is not expired and you have not had any changes to your vehicle or address. By mail takes longer but works if you cannot visit in person.
Before you go or submit anything, check your current registration card to see your renewal important date. Tennessee sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before expiration, but do not rely on receiving it — the important date is what matters.
Key Takeaways
- Renew at the Shelby County Clerk's Office in person, by mail, or online through their website.
- You will need your current registration card, proof of a current Tennessee vehicle inspection, and proof of insurance.
- The renewal fee varies depending on your vehicle type and weight, so contact the clerk's office for your exact amount.
- Online renewal is fastest if nothing has changed about your vehicle or address since your last renewal.
- If your registration is already expired, you cannot renew online and must go in person or mail your documents.
Documents you need to bring or send
For any renewal method, you will need three things: your current registration card, proof of a current Tennessee vehicle inspection, and proof of insurance. The inspection must be dated within the past 12 months. Your insurance proof can be a declaration page, a renewal notice, or a card from your insurance company — it just needs to show your vehicle is covered and the policy is active.
If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring or include a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you have a new mailing address but the vehicle is still registered at an old address, the clerk's office will update both.
If someone other than the registered owner is renewing on their behalf, that person will need a signed power of attorney or a letter from the owner authorizing the renewal. Call the clerk's office ahead of time if this applies to you, because requirements can vary.
Renewing online through the Shelby County Clerk website
Online renewal is the fastest option and works only if your registration has not expired, your vehicle information has not changed, and your address is current. You will upload a photo of your inspection certificate and proof of insurance. The system will calculate your renewal fee, which you pay by credit or debit card.
After you submit, the clerk's office processes your renewal and mails your new registration card and plate sticker to the address on file. This usually takes one to two weeks. You can use your old registration card and sticker until the new ones arrive.
If the online system will not let you complete your renewal, it means something about your registration needs to be updated in person — usually an address change, a vehicle modification, or an expired inspection. In that case, you will need to visit a clerk's office or mail in your documents.
Renewing in person at a Shelby County Clerk office
The main clerk's office at 160 South Main Street is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Branch offices have different hours, so check the Shelby County Clerk's website for the location nearest you and its schedule before you go. Bring your current registration card, inspection certificate, insurance proof, and payment.
The clerk's staff will verify your documents, calculate your fee, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive your new registration card when ready. Your new plate sticker will be mailed to you within one to two weeks, but you can drive legally with your old sticker until it arrives.
In-person renewal is required if your registration has expired, if your vehicle information has changed, or if you need to update your address. It is also the best option if you want to resolve any issues with your registration the same day.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, send your current registration card, inspection certificate, proof of insurance, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Shelby County Clerk's Office, 160 South Main Street, Room 101, Memphis, TN 38103. Include a note with your name and phone number so the office can contact you if there is a problem.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online — usually two to three weeks from the time the clerk's office receives your documents. Your new registration card and sticker will be mailed back to you. Do not mail your original documents unless you have copies; keep a copy of everything you send.
Mail renewal does not work if your registration has already expired. If your important date has passed, you must renew in person at a clerk's office.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's type, weight, and age. A standard passenger car costs less to renew than a truck or commercial vehicle. Older vehicles may have a different fee than newer ones. The clerk's office will tell you the exact amount when you renew, or you can call ahead to ask.
Some vehicles are exempt from renewal fees or pay a reduced fee — for example, vehicles owned by disabled veterans or certain government agencies. If you think you may may have access to for an exemption, ask the clerk's office when you renew.
You pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on your renewal method. Online and in-person renewals accept cards. Mail renewals require a check or money order.
What to do if your registration has already expired
If your registration card shows a date that has passed, you cannot renew online. You must go in person to a Shelby County Clerk's Office with your current inspection certificate and proof of insurance. The clerk will process your renewal as a late renewal, and you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost.
Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Tennessee. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. Renew as soon as you can to avoid fines and to keep your vehicle legal on the road.
If your inspection certificate has also expired, you will need to get a new vehicle inspection before you can renew your registration. Find an inspection station through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Shelby County license plate before my expiration date?
Yes. You can renew up to 30 days before your registration expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new registration will expire on the same month and year as your current one would have. Early renewal is useful if you are about to travel or want to avoid a last-minute rush.
What if my inspection certificate or insurance expires before my registration does?
You cannot renew your registration without a current inspection and proof of active insurance. If either one expires before your registration renewal date, get a new inspection or contact your insurance company to renew your policy before you renew your registration.
How long does it take to get my new registration card and sticker after I renew?
The new registration card and sticker are mailed to you and usually arrive within one to two weeks. You can drive legally with your old sticker until the new one arrives. If you do not receive them within three weeks, contact the Shelby County Clerk's Office.
Do I need to renew my license plate every year in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee requires annual registration renewal. Your registration card shows the month and year it expires. You must renew before that date to keep your vehicle legal to drive.
What if I moved out of Shelby County but my vehicle is still registered there?
You can renew by mail or online if nothing else has changed. If you have moved to another Tennessee county and want to re-register there, you will need to contact that county's clerk's office. If you moved out of state, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state.