Registration FAQs

Our FAQ section covers a variety of registration information that might not be covered on our other pages. For more information about registration, visit our main Registration and Titling section or the official Tennessee Department of Revenue - Vehicle Services Section Web page.

Can I find registration and title-related forms online?

Most of the registration and title-related forms can be found online at the Title and Registration Forms page. Some forms are only available at your county clerk's office.

Are there any special boat-related forms online?

Yes. Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency online to access them. Scroll down on the page and you can't the forms and some helpful downloadable articles.

Do I have to renew my registration in person?

No. While you may renew your registration at your County Clerk's office, you may also renew by sending your registration payment to your local office.

Some residents may also renew online. Simply use the drop-down box to find your county's page. If your county offers online renewals, it will appear as "Plate Renewals" in the left-hand column.

I need a duplicate of my registration.

This application isn't available online, but you can get one from your county clerk.

You can also request a duplicate registration by mail. Complete your request, including your license plate number and VIN; have it notarized; include the $0.50 fee, and send it to:

• Vehicle Services Section

• 44 Vantage Way, Suite 160

• Nashville, TN 37243-8050

I also need a duplicate of my title.

Complete Tennessee's Certification for Duplicate Certificate of Title form. You can submit the form by mail, along with the $5 fee, to the address given on the application.

If you'd rather submit the application in person, visit the Taxpayer and Vehicle Services Division of the Tennessee Department of Revenue in Nashville. Be sure to take photo identification.

How do I get replacement tags or decals?

To get replacement license plates or registration stickers, complete the Application for Duplicate/Replacement License Plate or Decal, then head to your local County Clerk.

I never received a registration renewal notice, and now my registration is expired. Is this fair?

Whether or not you think it's fair, renewal notices aren't required by law. The Department of Revenue (DOR) stresses the fact that renewal notices are sent as courtesies only. For this reason, it's important to keep up with your registration expiration date.

What happens if I don't receive my registration at all?

There are various reasons for not receiving your registration. Contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue at (888) 871-3171 with your specific details to receive instructions.

Help! I've lost my boat!

If your boat has been lost, abandoned, destroyed, stolen, or recovered, or transferred to another owner, you have 15 days to notify the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency in writing. You must also submit the boat's Certificate of Number.

Is there any way I can find out past information about my vehicle?

Sure. You can download the Vehicle Information Request form using the free Adobe Reader. Once completed, send it to:

• Vehicle Services Section

• 44 Vantage Way, Suite 160

• Nashville, TN 37243-8050

Fees are listed on the form.

Will I need to have my boat trailer titled and registered?

No.

I want to register my custom-built vehicle, but I didn't save any receipts for the parts I purchased. What should I do?

Per the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), you must have those receipts in order to register your vehicle.

Contact any of the special agents listed on the CID Web site for further instructions.

Does the state have a special registration for vehicles that are non-operable or being placed into storage?

No, it doesn't.

If you choose to simply let a registration lapse and then decide to reinstate it, you'll need to complete an affidavit indicating the vehicle was not in use during the lapse. Then, take the form to a county clerk's office.

However, be aware you'll have to pay the registration fees for the time the vehicle was not in service, besides the current registration fee.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.