Tennessee tag renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at your county clerk's office, and costs between $27.50 and $32.50 depending on your vehicle type

You can renew your Tennessee tag without visiting an office if you have a current driver's license, a valid email address, and no outstanding violations or liens on your vehicle. The online renewal portal at tn.gov/revenue is the fastest route — you pay the fee, print your temporary tag, and your permanent tag arrives by mail within two weeks. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a check and your renewal notice to your county clerk, or walk into any county clerk's office with your notice and payment.

Tennessee sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before your tag expires. The notice includes your renewal number, which you need for online or mail renewal. If you have lost your notice, you can still renew online by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at tn.gov/revenue takes 10 minutes and your new tag arrives within two weeks; you can drive legally on a printed temporary tag until it arrives.
  • The renewal fee ranges from $27.50 to $32.50 and depends on whether your vehicle is a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or specialty vehicle.
  • You cannot renew if your vehicle has an outstanding lien, unpaid traffic violations, or an expired emissions inspection in counties that require one.
  • Mail renewal takes three to four weeks total; bring your renewal notice and a check to a county clerk's office if you need the tag faster.
  • Tennessee tags expire on the last day of the month printed on your current tag, and driving with an expired tag can result in a citation.

What you need to renew online

To renew through the Tennessee Department of Revenue website, have your renewal notice, driver's license, and a payment method ready. The notice shows your renewal number, which speeds up the process. If you do not have the notice, you can look up your vehicle using your VIN and current license plate number instead.

You will need a valid email address because Tennessee sends your temporary tag confirmation to that address. Print the temporary tag when ready after payment — it is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while your permanent tag is in the mail. Your permanent tag typically arrives within 10 to 14 business days.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Tennessee charges a base renewal fee of $27.50 for most passenger vehicles. Trucks, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles may have different rates — the exact amount appears on your renewal notice or on the Department of Revenue website when you enter your vehicle information. Some counties add a local tax, which is included in the total you see before you pay.

The fee covers your tag for one year from the expiration date on your current tag. It does not include emissions testing, which is required in Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby counties. If your vehicle is due for an emissions inspection, you must complete that test before you renew your tag — the inspection station reports the result directly to the state, and you cannot proceed with renewal until it clears.

Renewing by mail or in person

Mail your renewal notice, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of your driver's license to your county clerk's office. The address is on your renewal notice. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the time your county clerk receives it, so send it at least five weeks before your tag expires if you want to avoid driving with an expired tag.

If you need your tag faster, visit your county clerk's office in person with your renewal notice and payment. Most offices process in-person renewals the same day. Bring your driver's license and vehicle registration as backup identification. County clerk hours vary by location — call ahead or check your county's website to confirm hours before you go.

When you cannot renew online or by mail

Tennessee will not process your renewal if your vehicle has an outstanding lien, unpaid traffic violations, or a suspended registration. If you see an error message during online renewal, it means one of these issues is blocking the transaction. Contact your county clerk's office to find out which problem is preventing renewal — they can tell you what to resolve first.

If your vehicle is registered in a county that requires emissions testing (Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, or Shelby), you cannot renew until the inspection is complete and reported to the state. Schedule the test at any certified inspection station in your county. The inspection takes about 15 minutes and costs between $15 and $30 depending on the station.

What happens if your tag expires

Driving with an expired tag is a traffic violation in Tennessee. A police officer can cite you for an expired registration, which carries a fine of up to $50 plus court costs. If you are pulled over, show the officer your temporary tag printout if you renewed online — that proves you have a valid renewal in process. If you have not renewed yet, renew when ready to avoid additional citations.

If your tag has been expired for more than 30 days, you may need to renew in person at your county clerk's office rather than online. Call your county clerk to confirm the process before you attempt online renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tag if I just bought the vehicle?

No. You must first register the vehicle in Tennessee and receive your initial tag. Once you have a valid registration and tag, you can renew it through the normal process. If you bought the vehicle from a dealer, they usually handle the initial registration; if you bought it privately, you register it at your county clerk's office with the bill of sale and title.

What if I moved to a different county in Tennessee?

You do not need to re-register your vehicle when you move within Tennessee. Renew your tag as usual using your current address. If you move out of state, you will need to register your vehicle in the new state before your Tennessee tag expires.

Do I need to inspect my vehicle before renewing?

Only if you live in Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, or Shelby counties. Those counties require an emissions inspection every two years. If your inspection is due, complete it before you renew your tag — the inspection station reports the result to the state automatically.

How long does the temporary tag last?

The temporary tag you print after online renewal is valid for 30 days. Your permanent tag should arrive within 10 to 14 business days. If your permanent tag does not arrive within 30 days, contact the Department of Revenue at 615-253-0600 to request a replacement.

Can someone else renew my tag for me?

Yes, if you authorize them. They can renew online using your renewal notice and payment information, or they can visit your county clerk's office with a signed letter from you, your renewal notice, and payment. Some county clerks may ask for a power of attorney document instead of a letter — call ahead to confirm what your county accepts.