Why do car shoppers choose our Tennessee license plate search?

Our Tennessee license plate search tool draws from a robust database of public records that we source from Tennessee Driver Services, NMVTIS, NHTSA and other third-party data sources like J.D. Power. Whether you spotted a vehicle you’re interested in while galavanting around Gatlinburg or motoring through Memphis, or even if you’re trying to sell a vehicle in Nashville, we can help you find a range of information about vehicles registered in Tennessee. Our detailed TN vehicle reports may include vehicle specs, open recalls and title changes . Tennessee isn’t just home to the country music capital of the world (Nashville), it’s also the birthplace of a slew of American legends, from Davy Crockett and Aretha Franklin to Dolly Parton. Tennessee also has claim to the most visited national park in the US: the Great Smoky Mountains. Add in its nearly 7 million residents, and you can see that there are plenty of drivers commuting across and exploring the Grand Divisions, AKA East, Middle and West Tennessee. That means there are plenty of cars cruising I-24 or exploring the sights along the Newfound Road Gap. And each of those vehicles has its own history and particular details that could be valuable for you to try and learn about with our TN license plate lookup.

How can a TN license plate lookup help your vehicle research?

Our Tennessee license plate search can help you tap into a rich vein of vital vehicle data, helping you own your journey, whether you’re buying, selling, or keeping your TN-based ride. The results of our license plate lookup for Tennessee may yield valuable vehicle history info, including title issues caused by flooding from the powerful storms and tornadoes that often harry Tennessee. Our license plate lookup for TN can also reveal vehicles impacted by salvaged or branded titles , liens, and issues with Tennessee lemon laws. And if you’re hoping to sell your TN-registered ride, we can help you out. Just punch in your Tennessee vehicle’s license plate number and we may identify your vehicle’s estimated value in TN. That way, you may be able to set a reasonable asking price and score a quick sale. Can’t decide between more than one vehicle? Let us help you compare them side by side . You can even use our VIN decoder to find the specs and configurations it came with from the factory. And if you’re in the market for a new ride, be sure to hit up our growing vehicle marketplace!

What info can you find with a Tennessee license plate search?

Our TN license plate search results can yield a horde of vital information about Tennessee vehicles you’re interested in learning more about. Our TN license plate searches may reveal the following: Sales history Market value Estimated ownership costs Accident history Salvage and other branded titles Liens on the vehicle Manufacturer recalls Equipment and trim specifications Our Tennessee vehicle reports may just make or break a deal if you’re planning on buying or keeping your ride. Our reports are equally valuable when you’re selling a Tennessee vehicle . With thorough reports, affordable subscription pricing, and always improving features, our license plate reports can help you stay firmly in the driver’s seat of your car ownership.

Why try our Tennessee license plate lookup?

There’s no need to bother with expensive competitors, multiple data sources, or slow-moving public records sources. A Bumper subscription could help you get access to the same great features, more vehicle reports monthly, and a more affordable subscription fee! Whether you’re taking in the wonders of Graceland or going out for a live show at the Bluebird Cafe, you can’t miss with a Bumper subscription. Our exhaustive vehicle reports can even help you learn about vehicles from Nashville to Knoxville. At Bumper, we compile the data you may need to know about Tennessee vehicles—all in one online dashboard, iOS and Google mobile apps, and in downloadable PDF form.

Do you need dual license plates in Tennessee?

No, you don’t need front and rear plates in Tennessee . The Volunteer State is one of 19 states that don’t require front and rear license plates. That said, we can help you run a license plate search for any state, especially nearby states in the South and Midwest, from Alabama to Arkansas , Mississippi , Kentucky , Indiana , Illinois , Missouri , Mississippi , North Carolina , Virginia , Florida , to Georgia !

How many vehicles are registered in Tennessee?

According to the Federal Highway Administration’s latest update in 2021, there are nearly 6 million vehicles registered in Tennessee (including buses, motorcycles, and medium and heavy duty trucks that have a TN license plate). According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the Ford F-150 is the most popular vehicle in Tennessee (no surprise there, it’s the most popular vehicle across the USA). However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, electric vehicle ownership is on the rise, with more than 12,000 EVs registered in TN as of 2021. While driving through Music City comes with a slew of challenges, you can see that Tennesseans rely on their vehicles with a ratio of approximately 93 vehicles per 100 residents! If you already have a vehicle’s VIN (or vehicle identification number), we can also help you run a VIN search for even more detailed info on a vehicle in the state of Tennessee!

Tennessee License Plate Lookup

Want to learn more about a vehicle in the Volunteer State? Punch in a Tennessee vehicle’s license plate number and search!

License Plate Number

State

Over 1 Million reports ran on
Bumper.com

Want to learn more about a vehicle in the Volunteer State? Punch in a Tennessee vehicle’s license plate number and search!

Approved NMVTIS Data Provider

Approved NMVTIS Data Provider

As featured in

Reference to these media organizations does not constitute or imply endorsement of Bumper or its products and services.

Types of information accessible via license plate lookup
Performing a license plate lookup in Tennessee
Types of Tennessee license plates
Societal and personal benefits
History of Tennessee license plates
Regulations and requirements

A Tennessee license plate lookup can serve as a vital tool for acquiring essential vehicle information, from the number of past owners to vehicle history. If you are a potential buyer seeking to learn about a vehicle’s background, a Tennessee license plate lookup can help inform your research.

TRY BUMPER

Types of information accessible via license plate lookup

Vehicle records

For a fee, individuals can request a vehicle history report, offering background information. Records are maintained by the Tennessee Department of Safety, the Tennessee Department of Revenue, and local county clerk offices. These records are essential for potential buyers as they research the vehicle’s history, possibly confirming its legitimacy and identifying potential red flags that might affect a purchasing decision.

Vehicle history and title search

Using a vehicle’s VIN number, individuals may uncover a detailed history, including instances of past accidents*, flood damage, and odometer tampering. A Tennessee vehicle title search plays a critical role in checking if the title is clean, helping to build buyer confidence and protect against fraudulent activity.

Shop Bumper Marketplace

Performing a license plate lookup in Tennessee

Step-by-step guide:

Visit Bumper.com: Go to Bumper’s License Plate Lookup page.
Enter license plate number: Input the license plate number of the vehicle you want to look up. Bumper will use this information to try and retrieve relevant data.
Search results: Bumper could provide you with information related to the vehicle, including accident history*, salvage titles, manufacturer recalls, market value, and more.
Explore details: Review the details provided in the search results. This can help you make informed decisions when buying or selling a vehicle.

CHECK MARKET VALUE

Types of Tennessee license plates

Standard plates

Since late 2023, the standard plate features white serial numbers on a reflective blue background, with a flag emblem acting as a separator. At the top, “TENNESSEE” is displayed in white inside an outlined state map. The county name is shown on a white sticker at the bottom center. Additionally, “THE VOLUNTEER STATE” is screened in white on the top left corner, to the left of the state map. The current plates use an ABC-1234 serial format with three letters followed by four numbers. An alternate version has “IN GOD WE TRUST” in white at the bottom of the plate, and has a 1234-ABC serial format, with three numbers followed by four letters.

Specialty plates

Military plates

Tennessee’s specialty military plates typically have an annual fee of $26.50, with an initial fee that varies but is generally around $30. Documentation, such as proof of service or military awards, is required for application. These plates honor veterans, active-duty service members, and military award recipients.

Collegiate, fraternity, and sorority plates

Tennessee’s collegiate, fraternity, and sorority plates come with an annual fee of $61.50, of which $35 supports the respective institution or organization. The plates feature designs related to various colleges, universities, and Greek organizations, allowing individuals to show support for their alma mater or affiliations.

Emergency and safety plates

Tennessee offers a range of emergency and safety plates, each designed to honor various first responders and public safety professionals. Some plates have an annual fee of $61.50, with $35 benefiting related organizations. Others have a lower annual fee of $26.50, with an initial fee of around $30.

Environment and conservation plates

Check VIN

Societal and personal benefits

Specialty license plates serve multiple purposes beyond vehicle identification. They generate significant funding for various causes. For instance, the Friends of the Smokies plate, second in popularity, raised over $1 million in support of the National Park Service’s care of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2023.

Whether it’s supporting veterans, promoting wildlife conservation, or funding educational programs, these plates allow individuals to make a statement and contribute to their chosen causes. The “Save the Bees” plate, which raised $183,730.20 in 2023, benefits local schools and camps by providing funding for beekeeping equipment.

History of Tennessee license plates

Tennessee’s journey with vehicle registration began in 1905 when residents were first required to register their motor vehicles. Initially, vehicle owners provided their own plates until 1915, when the state started issuing standardized plates.

The design and size of Tennessee license plates saw significant changes in 1956. The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, agreed with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and the National Safety Council to standardize license plates at 6 inches by 12 inches, including standardized mounting holes. Tennessee adopted this format with its 1957-dated plates, which marked the end of a 21-year period where the plates were roughly shaped like the state.

Between 1939 and 1965 and from 1971 through 1988, Tennessee plates began with a county code, whose order was based on each county’s population. These codes were reallocated in 1971, 1976, and 1983 to reflect population shifts.

In 1977, Tennessee shifted to requiring only rear plates for all vehicles, a regulation that remains in effect today.

The state offers over 200 optional license plates today, with most available for personalization at an additional fee. From 2015, Tennesseans could even purchase gift vouchers for specialty plates, a program that has since ended but still honors outstanding vouchers at county clerk offices

Plate colors have also evolved, with some years requiring revalidation of earlier issued plates. For instance, plates from 1960, 1962, and 1963 were revalidated until 1965.

Regulations and requirements

New residents and registration

New residents in Tennessee have a specific timeframe to obtain a Tennessee license plate after establishing permanent residence. This process begins with submitting an application for a Certificate of Title and Registration through the local county clerk’s office. Required documentation includes proof of identification, proof of residency, the most current out-of-state registration, and either the out-of-state title or the lienholder’s name and address if there’s an outstanding loan on the vehicle.

Renewal and replacement services

Vehicle registration renewals in Tennessee offer multiple convenient options. Residents can renew online by visiting this page, by mail, or by using self-service kiosks available at designated locations. The “Auto Assistant” smartphone app also provides a straightforward method for registration renewal.

In the event of a lost or stolen license plate, residents must complete an Application for Duplicate License Plate/Replacement Plate or Decal and pay the applicable replacement fee. County-specific fees may also apply. Adhering to these regulations helps avoid legal complications, such as fines or penalties related to non-compliance with Tennessee state laws.

Performing license plate lookups in Tennessee is particularly valuable for both potential buyers and sellers in the vehicle market. By accessing a vehicle’s history, prospective buyers can uncover critical information about past accidents*, title status, and more, which helps in making informed purchasing decisions and avoiding costly mistakes. Sellers, on the other hand, can use this information to provide transparency and build trust with potential buyers. This insight could help a smoother transaction process and promote confidence in the vehicle’s condition and history. Ultimately, license plate lookups help facilitate a more transparent and secure vehicle buying and selling experience.

* Bumper reports are based on data available and may not include historical accident records in all states.