How to register a vehicle in
Tennessee
as a non-US resident
State Overview and Advice
In order to register a vehicle in Tennessee, you need a Tennessee address, and proof that you reside there.
If you do not want to obtain residency in the United States, we recommend starting your visit in another state, or using visitor.us' services to register a vehicle that you buy in Tennessee.
The Registration Process
Tennessee's vehicle registrations are handled by its counties.
If you buy your vehicle from a Tennessee dealer, it will issue you a 30-day temporary registration.
Whether you're buying a vehicle from a private party or a dealer, and are planning to register it in Tennessee, bring the required items (below) to the county clerk's office of the address where you'll register your vehicle.
For vehicles being registered in Tennessee, Tennessee sales taxes are payable to the dealer upon sale, or the county clerk upon registration (if purchased from a private party).
Taxes and Fees
Sales Tax
State sales tax
Average local sales tax
Average combined sales tax
Registration fees
Light Vehicle
Fee: $116.50
RV
Fee: $21.50
Motorcycle
Fee: $116.50
$15,000 car
$50,000 RV
$5,000 motorcycle
Total taxes and fees
Registration Requirements
Prior owner's title
The vehicle's title must be signed by the owner(s) printed on the title, its odometer reading recorded (if less than 10 years in age), and be free of all liens in order for the prior owner's interest to be released.
Identification
A current, government-issued photo ID is required to register a vehicle in Tennessee.
Bill of sale
A bill of sale is not required to register a vehicle in Tennessee, although signing one with the vehicle's seller is recommended.
Application
Tennessee does not have a registration application form.Inspection
Emissions (smog)
An annual emissions inspection is required for vehicles from 1975 or later in the following counties: Hamilton, Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson.
Safety
Safety inspections are not required in Tennessee.
VIN
VIN inspections are not required in Tennessee.
Insurance
Tennessee's minimum liability insurance limits are 25/50/15.
Residency
People wishing to register a vehicle in Tennessee must provide proof that they reside at the registration address.
Local Address
Vehicles registered in Tennessee must be registered to a Tennessee address.
The Alternative
Company Formation
Vehicle Purchase
The seller will list your LLC and its address as the buyer on the vehicle's title, and visitor.us will arrange for it to be couriered to us for processing.
Insurance
Vehicle Registration
- MT sales tax: 0%
- Inspections not required in MT
