The basic purpose of a license plate is to identify your car. They connect drivers to their vehicles. This comes in handy when filing insurance claims, tracking down stolen cars, or any situation where a car’s owner must be identified.

Tennessee only requires rear license plates

for cars, motorcycles, and semi trucks, whereas some states require plates on the front and back of a vehicle.

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What license plates does Tennessee have?

Tennessee license plates come in three different styles:

Standard plates are the classic designs seen on most vehicles. In Tennessee, the blue star is the most common plate.

Special interest plates give financial support to specific causes like breast cancer research, environmental conservation, or the Dolly Parton Foundation.

Special plates are used to identify uncommon vehicles like mopeds or antique cars.

Standard license plates

“In God We Trust” design: This design was the standard for the last decade until the new “bold blue” look. It features a green depiction of a hilly landscape and a small black silhouette of Tennessee surrounded by the words “In God We Trust.”

Muted: This design is extremely similar to “In God We Trust,” but with a muted color palette. The colors help make each quote and license number pop.

Bold Blue: Tennessee's new license plate design features a bold blue color, Tennessee's nickname, “The Volunteer State,” and a link to the Tennessee travel website.

MORE:

Is my license plate frame legal in Tennessee?

Special interest license plates

Dolly Parton Foundation: The Dolly Parton Foundation plates give proceeds directly to Dolly Parton's

Imagination Library

. They’re one of the easiest ways to get a Dolly Parton painting on your car.

Animal Friendly: The

Animal Friendly

plate shows a cat and dog lounging under a tree with eighth notes for leaves. Proceeds benefit the AnimalPopulation Control endowment fund.

Appalachian Trail: This unique tag shows a hiker on the

Appalachian trail

complete with a satchel and walking stick. Proceeds go toward AppalachianTrail Conservation programs.

Collegiate: Tennessee has an enormous selection of plates for colleges in the state. You'll see everything from Vanderbilt to Knoxville—each proudly displaying that college's logo.

Down Syndrome Awareness: All proceeds from the colorful plate go towards the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee. Membership is $35 to $61.50 a year.

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Special license plates

Amateur Radio Operator:

Amateur radio plates

are a part of the emergency series. They are available only to residents who currently hold an official FCC-issued amateur radio license.

Antique Auto: Antique plates are quite plain compared to other designs, drawing attention to the vehicle itself. They feature a black and white design that reads “Antique Auto.” In Tennessee, vehicles 25 years or older are considered antiques.

Veteran: Tennessee has many different plates for veterans, highlighting different branches of the military or different awards or distinctions given to members.

Emergency: This plate is exclusive to

emergency vehicles

. You can identify it with the plain black and white color scheme, the word “emergency,” and the “E-” in front of the license plate number.

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How do I get a Tennessee license plate?

All you need is a vehicle and a title to get a new license plate in Tennessee. Once you have your title, visit any Tennessee TNDMV location to order a plate. If you’re getting a title for the first time, you can select a plate during the process.

Here’s what you’ll need to get a Tennessee vehicle title:

Proof of identification and

proof of insurance

Passed emissions certificate

Name or address of lienholder (if applicable)

Not every county (or vehicle) requires an emissions test. Visit the Department of

Environment and Conservation website

to see if air pollution restrictions apply to you. It currently costs $95 to change plates (and title your vehicle) in Tennessee, plus a $14.50 title transfer fee.

MORE:

How to register a car in Tennessee

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