How to own a vehicle in
Tennessee
as a non-US resident
Tennessee
Presence requirements
The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.
In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.
These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:
Address
Tennessee address required to own a vehicle in Tennessee.
Proof of Residency at Address
Proof of Tennessee residency must be provided to register a vehicle in Tennessee. Two documents must be provided, and may include a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, insurance policy, personal property or real estate tax receipt.
Identity
A foreign passport may be used to register a vehicle in Tennessee.
Cost of owning a vehicle
When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:
- Sales tax
- Registration fees
Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.
These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.
Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.
Sales tax (state + local average)
7% of the vehicle's value
Registration fees
$201
Inspection Requirements
In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:
Annual emissions inspection required for the following counties: Hamilton, Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson for vehicles from 1975 or later
There are 38 states that
Don't require proof of residency.
There are 21 states that
Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.
There are 7 states that
Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.
Don't require vehicle inspections.
Montana is the only US state that
Doesn't require proof of residency.
Doesn't require a US driver's license.
Doesn't require vehicle inspections.
Doesn't have vehicle sales tax.
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The South
How to register a vehicle in other states in the region
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