How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Tennessee
To legally obtain a temporary license plate in Tennessee, you must get one from a licensed dealer.
Written by Kate Kirby
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Illegitimate temporary license plate tags are a huge issue in Tennessee, but obtaining a temporary Tennessee license plate through the dealer that you bought the vehicle from is a good way to ensure that it is legal.
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
Does Tennessee issue temporary plates?
Yes—the Tennessee Department of Revenue will issue temporary operation plates, also known as Dealer Drive-Out Tags (Green Tags), for drivers of automobiles and motorcycles. Green tags cost $5.50 each. For trailers, you can purchase a five-day Trailer Temporary Plate (Yellow Tags) for $9 per tag.
If you are experiencing issues with your vehicle’s title, you can apply for a Temporary Operation Permit (Red Tags) at your
local county clerk
for a $10 fee. Temporary tags can only be purchased through licensed dealers. The dealership will use the
Temporary Plate Application Form
to apply for tags while registration plates are ordered. What’s the problem with temporary Tennessee license plates?
Unfortunately, fake temporary tags are a common problem in Tennessee and there is a huge market for them. Many people have been caught selling them on places like Facebook Marketplace.
Criminals have been using fake tags to avoid taxes and vehicle registration fees, but being caught comes with a big penalty. Altering tags or titles could land you a felony charge along with some large fines.
The Tennessee Department of Revenue is working to stop people from producing and selling fake tags online, but no other additional security measures have been implemented. Other states have added more restrictions and guidelines to the process of issuing temporary tags and hopefully, Tennessee will soon follow.
MORE: Car loan in Tennessee 2023
How to get a temporary license plate in Tennessee
If you need a temporary license plate in Tennessee, it’s possible to get one without violating the law. Just make sure that you get it through a licensed dealer and you should be in the clear.
You will only be able to purchase a temporary tag through the dealer that you bought your vehicle from. Avoid any ads online stating that you can get a temporary license plate from them as they are most likely fraudulent.
Temporary registration permits in Tennessee
There are certain restrictions on obtaining a temporary tag in Tennessee. The most common reasons that drivers need a temporary tag are:
- You purchased a vehicle and have to wait for the registration plates to come in
- Your vehicle didn't pass emissions testing
- Your vehicle’s title is in dispute
The dealer that issues the temporary tags is responsible for ensuring that you are eligible to receive them. All temporary tags are valid for 30 days from the date they were issued. Once that period ends, you will need to get another temporary tag or have the regular license plate—otherwise, you will not be allowed to legally drive the vehicle.
Can I drive a car without plates if I just bought it in Tennessee?
You need to have a temporary operation permit in order to drive a vehicle without plates that you just bought in Tennessee. Submit your application to the
local county clerk
and pay the $10 fee. 
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How to find affordable car insurance in Tennessee
Getting a temporary license in Tennessee is not always an easy task, but finding the best rate on
car insurance
can be. Jerry
, the trustworthy insurance comparison app, compares rates from dozens of providers so you can find the most affordable plan in no time. It’s this simple: download the Jerry app. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.
No long forms. No calling around. No hard work. Just savings. The average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on
car insurance
.“Jerrygot me insured through Allstate with $100 of savings each month compared to my previous insurance. The customer service was excellent, and they even detected an error my previous insurer didn’t!” —Warren H.
Compare quotes from 50+ insurers with Jerry in under 45 seconds?
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers
