The DD number is a county designation code, not a vehicle identifier
The DD number on your Tennessee license plate tells you which county issued that plate. It is a two-digit code printed on the plate itself, usually in the upper right corner. Tennessee uses these codes to track which county's motor vehicle office processed your registration, which matters if you need to renew, transfer the plate, or resolve a registration issue.
This is different from your vehicle identification number (VIN) or your license plate number. The DD code stays the same for the life of the plate, even if you move to a different county. If you get a new plate, the DD number changes to reflect your new county of registration.
Key Takeaways
- The DD number on your Tennessee plate is a two-digit county code that shows which county issued your registration.
- Each Tennessee county has its own DD number, ranging from 01 to 95, though not all numbers are currently in use.
- You need the DD number if you are renewing your registration by mail or phone, or if you are transferring a plate between vehicles.
- The DD number does not change when you renew your registration in the same county, but it changes if you move and register in a new county.
How Tennessee county codes work
Tennessee assigns a unique two-digit code to each county. These codes run from 01 (Anderson County) through 95, though the state does not use every number in that range. The code appears on every plate issued in that county and serves as a quick way for the state to know where your vehicle was registered.
When you register a vehicle in Tennessee, the county motor vehicle office where you complete the registration assigns the DD number based on that county. If you live in Davidson County (Nashville), your plate will carry the Davidson County code. If you move to Shelby County (Memphis) and re-register there, your new plate will carry the Shelby County code instead.
Where to find your DD number
Look at your Tennessee license plate. The DD number is printed in the upper right corner of the plate, above the inspection sticker area. It appears as two digits. On older plates, it may be slightly harder to see, but it is always there on the right side of the plate.
You can also find your DD number on your vehicle registration certificate (the pink slip you receive when you register). It is listed in the county information section. If you have lost your registration certificate, you can contact your county motor vehicle office and they will tell you the code for your county.
When you need to know your DD number
You will need your DD number if you are renewing your registration by mail or by phone rather than in person at the county office. The renewal form or the phone representative will ask for it to pull up your registration record quickly. Having the number ready speeds up the process.
You also need it if you are transferring a plate from one vehicle to another within the same county. The transfer paperwork requires the DD number to confirm that both vehicles are registered in the same county. If you are moving to a different county, you will get a new plate with a new DD number, so the old one becomes irrelevant.
What happens to your DD number when you move
If you move within Tennessee but stay in the same county, your DD number does not change. You can renew your registration in that county and keep the same plate and code. However, if you move to a different county, you must register your vehicle in the new county, and you will receive a new plate with the new county's DD number.
You do not have to get a new plate when ready when you move. Tennessee law gives you a grace period to update your registration at your new address, but once you renew, the new plate and DD number will reflect your current county. Some people keep their old county plates for a while, but the registration records will show your new address and county.
DD numbers for all Tennessee counties
| County | DD Number |
|---|---|
| Anderson | 01 |
| Bedford | 02 |
| Benton | 03 |
| Bledsoe | 04 |
| Blount | 05 |
| Bradley | 06 |
| Campbell | 07 |
| Cannon | 08 |
| Carroll | 09 |
| Carter | 10 |
| Cheatham | 11 |
| Chester | 12 |
| Claiborne | 13 |
| Clay | 14 |
| Cocke | 15 |
| Coffee | 16 |
| Crockett | 17 |
| Cumberland | 18 |
| Davidson | 19 |
| Decatur | 20 |
| DeKalb | 21 |
| Dickson | 22 |
| Dyer | 23 |
| Fayette | 24 |
| Fentress | 25 |
| Franklin | 26 |
| Gibson | 27 |
| Giles | 28 |
| Grainger | 29 |
| Greene | 30 |
| Grundy | 31 |
| Hamblen | 32 |
| Hamilton | 33 |
| Hancock | 34 |
| Hardeman | 35 |
| Hardin | 36 |
| Harris | 37 |
| Hart | 38 |
| Hawkins | 39 |
| Haywood | 40 |
| Henderson | 41 |
| Henry | 42 |
| Hickman | 43 |
| Houston | 44 |
| Humphreys | 45 |
| Jackson | 46 |
| Jefferson | 47 |
| Johnson | 48 |
| Knox | 49 |
| Lake | 50 |
| Lauderdale | 51 |
| Lawrence | 52 |
| Lewis | 53 |
| Lincoln | 54 |
| Loudon | 55 |
| Macon | 56 |
| Madison | 57 |
| Marion | 58 |
| Marshall | 59 |
| Maury | 60 |
| McMinn | 61 |
| McNairy | 62 |
| Meigs | 63 |
| Monroe | 64 |
| Montgomery | 65 |
| Moore | 66 |
| Morgan | 67 |
| Obion | 68 |
| Overton | 69 |
| Perry | 70 |
| Pickett | 71 |
| Pike | 72 |
| Polk | 73 |
| Putnam | 74 |
| Rhea | 75 |
| Roane | 76 |
| Robertson | 77 |
| Rutherford | 78 |
| Scott | 79 |
| Sequatchie | 80 |
| Sevier | 81 |
| Shelby | 82 |
| Smith | 83 |
| Stewart | 84 |
| Sullivan | 85 |
| Sumner | 86 |
| Tipton | 87 |
| Trousdale | 88 |
| Unicoi | 89 |
| Union | 90 |
| Van Buren | 91 |
| Warren | 92 |
| Washington | 93 |
| Wayne | 94 |
| Weakley | 95 |
| White | 96 |
| Williamson | 97 |
| Wilson | 98 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old DD number if I move to a different county?
No. When you move to a new county and renew your registration, Tennessee issues you a new plate with the new county's DD number. You cannot keep an old county's code once you register in a new county. The registration system ties the DD number to your current county of residence.
Does the DD number identify my specific vehicle?
No. The DD number only identifies which county issued your plate. Your vehicle is identified by your license plate number and your VIN. Many vehicles in the same county will have the same DD number but different plate numbers.
What if I cannot find the DD number on my plate?
Check the upper right corner of your plate, above the inspection sticker. If the plate is old or damaged, the number may be faded. You can also call your county motor vehicle office or check your registration certificate. They will tell you your county code when ready.
Do I need the DD number to renew my registration in person?
No. If you go to your county motor vehicle office in person, you do not need the DD number. The staff will look up your registration by your plate number or VIN. The DD number is mainly useful for mail and phone renewals, where the office needs a quick way to locate your file.