How to get a license plate in Nashville
You get a license plate from the Tennessee Department of Revenue's Driver Services office in Nashville, or from a regional service center in Davidson County. You cannot order one by mail or online — you must go in person with your vehicle title, proof of ownership, and a completed Form RV-F1265. The main Nashville office is located at 505 Deaderick Street, and there are satellite locations in Antioch and Hermitage if that is closer to you.
The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready. You will pay a registration fee (the amount depends on your vehicle type and weight) plus a plate fee. Tennessee charges separately for the plate itself, which is a one-time cost when you first register the vehicle in the state.
If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Tennessee, you will also need proof of a passing emissions test from an approved facility — Nashville has dozens of these, and the test costs around $30 to $40. If your vehicle is older or exempt, you may not need this step; the office staff can tell you when you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your vehicle title, proof of ownership, and a completed Form RV-F1265 to receive a plate.
- The main Nashville office is at 505 Deaderick Street, with additional locations in Antioch and Hermitage.
- Most vehicles require a passing emissions test before registration, which you can get at any approved testing facility in Nashville.
- The total cost includes a registration fee based on your vehicle type, plus a separate plate fee, and takes about 30 minutes if your paperwork is complete.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your vehicle title (the official ownership document from Tennessee or another state), a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease. If the title is in someone else's name, bring a bill of sale or power of attorney showing you have the right to register it.
You also need Form RV-F1265, which is the process for registration. You can fill it out at home before you go, or the office will provide a blank copy. Having it completed ahead of time speeds up the process.
If your vehicle is financed, bring proof that the loan is current — usually a recent payment receipt or statement from the lender. Some lenders hold the title until the loan is paid off, in which case you will need a letter from them authorizing registration in your name.
Emissions testing before you register
Nashville and Davidson County require an emissions test for most vehicles before you can register them. The test checks that your vehicle's exhaust meets Tennessee air quality standards. You do not need to schedule an appointment at most testing stations — you can drive in during business hours and wait your turn.
The test costs between $30 and $40 and takes about 15 minutes. You will receive a printed certificate showing the results. Bring this certificate with you when you go to the Driver Services office. If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to fix the problem and retest at no additional charge.
Vehicles older than 1968, diesel trucks, and some other categories are exempt from emissions testing. The testing station will tell you on the spot whether your vehicle needs it, so if you are unsure, you can drive to any station and ask.
Driver Services office locations and hours
The main Nashville office at 505 Deaderick Street is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. The Antioch location (at 2416 Murfreesboro Pike) and Hermitage location (at 4607 Old Hickory Boulevard) keep similar hours but may close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, as staffing changes can affect when the office closes.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning and mid-week tend to be less crowded than late afternoon or Friday. If you go during lunch hours (typically noon to 1 p.m.), you may find the office temporarily closed or running with reduced staff.
Registration fees and plate costs
Tennessee registration fees depend on your vehicle's type and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). A standard passenger car typically costs between $25 and $35 per year, while trucks and SUVs may cost more. The plate itself is a one-time fee of around $32 when you first register in Tennessee.
If you are transferring a plate from another state, you will not pay the plate fee again — you only pay the registration renewal fee. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Tennessee, you pay both the registration fee and the plate fee at the same visit.
Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees — for example, electric vehicles, vehicles owned by disabled veterans, or vehicles used for certain business purposes. Ask the office staff whether your vehicle qualifies for any discount.
What happens after you receive your plate
Once you receive your plate, you must attach it to your vehicle before you drive it on public roads. Tennessee law requires the plate to be clearly visible and securely fastened. You will also receive a registration certificate and a windshield sticker showing your registration is current.
Your registration is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You will need to renew it annually. Tennessee sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your registration expires, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at any Driver Services office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a personalized or vanity plate in Nashville?
Yes. You can request a personalized plate at the Driver Services office when you register your vehicle, or renew an existing personalized plate. Personalized plates cost more than standard plates — typically an additional $25 to $50 — and take longer to produce. You will receive a temporary plate to use while your personalized plate is being made.
What if my vehicle title is from another state?
You can register a vehicle with an out-of-state title in Tennessee. Bring the original title, proof of ownership, and your ID. The Driver Services office will process it the same way as a Tennessee title. If you plan to stay in Tennessee permanently, you may want to explore for a Tennessee title as well, which requires an additional form and fee.
Do I need an appointment to get a license plate?
No appointment is required at any Nashville Driver Services office. You can walk in during business hours. However, wait times can be long during peak hours. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means a shorter wait.
What if I fail the emissions test?
You have 30 days to repair your vehicle and retest at no charge. Once it passes, take the new certificate to the Driver Services office to complete your registration. If you cannot fix the problem within 30 days, you can request a waiver from the testing station, though this is granted only in specific circumstances.
Can someone else pick up my plate for me?
No. Tennessee requires the registered owner to be present when the plate is issued. If you cannot go in person, you can authorize someone with a power of attorney to represent you, but this requires additional paperwork filed with the Driver Services office ahead of time.