Tennessee License Plate Replacement
If your Tennessee license plate has been lost, stolen, damaged, or has become unreadable, you must obtain a replacement through your local County Clerk’s office. Tennessee does not offer online license plate replacement services, and most replacement requests require an in-person visit.
Because Tennessee issues only one license plate for most passenger vehicles, a missing plate can make your vehicle illegal to operate on public roads. If your plate was stolen, replacing it quickly can also help prevent fraudulent use of your registration number.
What to Do If Your Tennessee Plate Is Stolen
A stolen license plate can be attached to another vehicle and used to avoid tolls, parking fees, traffic enforcement systems, or law enforcement identification. Taking immediate action helps protect you from potential liability.
File a Police Report
Contact your local police department, county sheriff’s office, or the Tennessee Highway Patrol as soon as you discover the theft.
While Tennessee does not require a police report to issue a replacement plate, obtaining one is strongly recommended. A police report creates an official record of the theft and can help you dispute any violations associated with the plate after it was stolen.
Be sure to keep a copy of the report number for your records.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If your plate was stolen, notify your insurance carrier and provide the police report number. This creates additional documentation in case the stolen plate is used in criminal activity.
Apply for a Replacement Plate
Visit your local County Clerk’s office to request a replacement plate. Bring all required documents and payment for the applicable replacement fees.
How to Replace a Tennessee License Plate
Tennessee license plate replacements are processed through county clerks rather than a centralized DMV system.
In Person at the County Clerk’s Office
Visit the County Clerk’s office in the county where your vehicle is registered.
Bring:
- Valid Tennessee driver’s license or state ID
- Current vehicle registration certificate
- Proof of Tennessee auto insurance
- Replacement fee payment
- Damaged plate (if replacing a worn, bent, or unreadable plate)
You will be required to complete the state’s replacement plate application and certify whether the plate was lost, stolen, or damaged.
Required Documents
All Replacement Requests
- Valid Tennessee driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Current vehicle registration
- Proof of active liability insurance
- Payment for applicable fees
Stolen Plate Replacements
- Police report number (recommended)
Damaged Plate Replacements
- Original damaged plate for surrender
Tennessee License Plate Replacement Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard replacement plate | $10.00 |
| Replacement registration decal only | $3.00 |
| County processing fee | Varies by county |
| Mailing fee (if applicable) | May apply |
Additional county administrative charges may be added depending on the clerk’s office processing your application.
Will I Receive the Same Plate Number?
In most cases, no.
If a plate has been reported lost or stolen, Tennessee typically issues a new plate number. This allows the original plate number to be flagged within state and law enforcement databases.
Receiving a new number helps prevent misuse of the stolen plate.
Tennessee Is a Rear-Plate State
Tennessee requires only one license plate on most passenger vehicles.
The plate must be securely mounted on the rear of the vehicle and remain clearly visible at all times.
Motorcycles also display a single rear plate.
Driving Without a License Plate
Operating a vehicle without a valid rear license plate may result in a traffic citation.
If your plate has been lost or stolen, contact your County Clerk’s office as soon as possible to determine whether a temporary operating permit is available while your replacement is being processed.