LOST OR STOLEN LICENSE PLATES

As soon as license plates are lost, stolen or illegible they must be replaced. In order to replace your plates you must:

• Download and fill out the Application for Duplicate/Replacement License Plate or Decal and have it notarized.
• Visit your local county clerk office.
• Hand in any remaining license plates.
• Pay the license plate replacement fees which can be obtained by calling the Vehicle Services Section on (615) 741-3101 or (888) 871-3171.

CUSTOM AND PERSONALIZED PLATES

Personalized Series

These are the different types of plates in the regular series: Auto, Commercial, Trailer, Motorcycle, Permanent Trailer Identification, Disabled Person, Disabled Veteran, and Foreign Organization. Please see the proper application forms for regular series license plates. When you have completed the forms, take them to your local county clerk's office and submit them with the appropriate fees (see below).

Special Interest Plates

The following is a list of some examples of special interest plates: Veterans, Clubs/Groups, Disabled, Emergency Management, Professional Sports and various charity plates for which a portion of the fee goes to institutions affiliated with plate style. Click on this link to access applications forms for replacing the different types of special interest plates. When you have completed the forms, take them to your local county clerk's office and submit them with the appropriate fees (see below).

FEES

The fees for replacing a license plate or getting new plates vary depending on the type of plate you need. For more information on these fees please follow this link. Note: For disabled drivers, please see disability plates and fees.

WHAT TO DO WITH PLATES WHEN BUYING/SELLING A VEHICLE

Under Tennessee Law it is NOT mandatory to retain standard license plates from a vehicle when selling. The plates will remain with the buyer once the ownership of the vehicle has been transferred; however, if the plates are special interest or personalized you should surrender them to your county clerk.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See DoR hours and locations.
• See link for disabled drivers.
• Please visit DMV.com's Tennessee home page for other topics on driving in this state.