Tennessee Temporary License Plate Guide

A temporary license plate (often called a "temp tag" or temporary operation permit) allows you to legally drive a newly acquired vehicle in Tennessee while your permanent registration, titling, or license plate transfer is being processed.

Tennessee Temporary Tag & Plate Guide. Source: Etsy

Types of Temporary Tags in Tennessee

Tennessee issues different classes of temporary operation permits depending on where you bought the vehicle and how you plan to register it:

When Do You Need a Temporary Tag?

You must apply for a temporary tag in Tennessee if you need to operate a vehicle under any of the following scenarios:

• Private-Party Purchases: You bought a vehicle from an individual seller and need legal road authorization while your County Clerk processes the title assignment.
• Out-of-State Transfers: You moved to Tennessee or bought a vehicle out-of-state and are waiting for the previous state's lienholder to release the original paper title.
• Specialty or Custom Plate Orders: You ordered a personalized or specialty plate that requires manufacturing time at the state facility.
• Emissions or Inspection Verification: You need to drive the vehicle to an official facility to resolve titling or VIN verification requirements.

How to Apply at Your Local County Clerk’s Office

In Tennessee, temporary tags for private transactions are not issued at state Driver Services Centers (DMV locations). Physical vehicle titling, registration, and temporary permits are administered by local County Clerk's Offices in your county of residence.

• Gather Required Documentation: Prepare your government-issued ID, proof of ownership, current Tennessee auto insurance, and any active bill of sale documents.
• Visit Your County Clerk: Bring your paperwork to your resident County Clerk's office (e.g., Shelby County, Davidson County, Knox County, Hamilton County Clerk).
• Complete the Permit Application: Fill out the state Application for Temporary Operation Permit detailing the vehicle year, make, model, VIN, and reason for the permit.
• Pay State & County Fees: Base permit fee is ~$10 plus clerk processing. Pay the temporary permit fee (typically $10 for a 30-day permit) plus nominal local County Clerk processing fees.

Required Documents Checklist

To ensure a smooth application process, bring the following original documents to your County Clerk’s office:

• Proof of Ownership: Signed-over Certificate of Title, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), or a properly executed Bill of Sale detailing the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Proof of Auto Insurance: Valid proof of active financial responsibility (auto insurance policy or insurance card) meeting Tennessee minimum liability limits ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000).
• Valid Identification: A government-issued photo ID (Tennessee Driver's License or Military ID).
• Out-of-State Registration (If Applicable): Current registration papers if transferring a vehicle from another state.

Driving & Display Rules for Temporary Tags

Driving with a temporary tag carries strict legal requirements under Tennessee Code Annotated (§ 55-4-110):

• Placement Location: Temporary tags must be securely mounted to the rear license plate bracket of the vehicle. Placing paper tags in the rear windshield or taped inside windows is illegal if it obscures legibility.
• Single Plate Rule: Like permanent plates in Tennessee, only a single rear temporary tag is issued or required (no front tag is needed).
• Weather Protection: Tags issued by dealers or clerks must be enclosed in clear protective plastic sleeves to prevent rain or road spray from destroying the cardboard/paper permit.
• Expiration Limits: Driving on an expired temporary tag is a class C misdemeanor in Tennessee. Temporary 30-day permits generally cannot be renewed unless there is a documented delay in title processing caused by a third-party financial institution or government agency.