Tennessee · Checked Sep 2026

Tennessee DMV fees

The Department of Safety sets driver license fees. Vehicle fees are set by the state and collected by county clerks, who add their own wheel tax, title and processing fees, so the total depends on your county. The figures here are the state's, with county examples.

Driver license and ID

Class D license8 years from the issue date, new or renewed. REAL ID costs the same: $28
Learner permitUnder 18; $5.50 from 18: $10.50
Intermediate restricted licenseTeens moving up from a permit: $24.50
Duplicate licenseFirst duplicate; $12 after that: $8
County clerk feeAdded when a county clerk renews or replaces your license: $4
ID card, 18 or older: $12
Failed testApplication fee each time you fail a knowledge or road test: $2

Registration (yearly)

Car, standard plateAs county clerks charge it; the state's share is $26.50. Plus your county's wheel tax: $29
County wheel taxSet by each county. Shelby $75 (plus up to $60 in Memphis), Davidson $55, Knox $36, none in Hamilton: $0 to $75
Electric car feeRenewals through December 31, 2026; $274 from January 1, 2027: $200
Hybrid or plug-in hybrid fee: $100
Personalized plateOn top of registration: $35
Duplicate registration: $3

Buying or selling

State sales taxOf the price, including private sales: 7%
Local and single-article taxLocal tax up to 2.75% on the first $1,600, plus 2.75% state tax on the next $1,600: Up to $88
TitleVaries by county: $14 to $19
Lien on the title: $11
Plate transferState fee to move your plate to another car; counties add their own: $1
Temporary operation permit30 days, from the county clerk: $10

There's no emissions test or safety inspection in Tennessee.
No late fee for an expired registration was found on official pages; driving on expired tags is a traffic offense with a fine and court costs.
From January 1, 2027, a first registration needs proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence; from July 1, 2027, proof of insurance, and insurance lapse fees rise to $500.

Source:Tennessee Driver Services: fees(opens official site)

Source:Tennessee Revenue: registration renewals(opens official site)

Source:Tennessee Revenue: electric and hybrid fees (notice 23-14)(opens official site)

Source:Tennessee Revenue: County Clerk Sales and Use Tax Manual(opens official site)

Source:Tennessee Revenue: county clerk offices(opens official site)