Tennessee Temporary Tag Requirements & How To Get One
Source: Pixabay
If you’ve bought a car in Tennessee you’ve probably already dealt with temporary tags, getting a vehicle licensed, and the whole process of switching between different types of license plates. But, if this is your first time buying a vehicle, or you’ve recently moved to Tennessee and aren’t sure how Tennessee temporary tags work, you’re in the right place.
Like most states, Tennessee has its own requirements for temporary tags in the state. Most of the time you won’t need to worry too much about temporary tags in Tennessee, dealers take care of the majority of temporary tag registrations, but there are a few situations where you might need one.
Let’s take a closer look at Tennessee temporary tags, why you might need them, and the requirements to get one.
What Are Tennessee Temporary Tags?
For all intents and purposes having Tennessee temporary tags is just like having a regular license plate on your vehicle, but they don’t last as long. Essentially temporary tags are designed so that you can drive a vehicle while it’s new and paperwork is still going through, or that has a problem preventing registration that can be resolved, but will take time.
Temporary tags let drivers have a little more flexibility and make it easier to do things like getting emissions testing and registrations finished without having to use alternate means of transportation.
Most of the time temporary tags are used for new and used vehicles that have just been purchased, but there are a few reasons you might need temporary tags outside of those situations.
In addition to dealer-issued tags, Tennessee also has temporary operating permits, called red tags, that are designed for vehicles that have a temporary issue that prevents them from being registered and licensed as normal, but which the owner is working to resolve.
GET THE SAME INSIDER INFO THAT DEALERSHIPS USE
The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. Built using the same technology that dealerships use, we’ll show you everything you want to know about each listing - like how long it’s been on the lot, or if there are similar vehicles at a better price nearby.
In some cases, you may also get a red tag if you have a salvage vehicle you’re in the process of getting declared a rebuilt vehicle and need to have a temporary tag so you can drive it to necessary appointments to finish the process.
Red tags used to be issued for vehicles that failed an inspection in Tennessee. However, according to a 2012 memorandum from the Tennessee State Department, temporary operation permits should not be offered to vehicles that have a failed inspection.
Instead, the vehicle’s failed inspection report serves as a temporary operating permit for 30 days from the failed inspection. That way owners don’t have to pay any additional fees while working to get the vehicle in working condition, but they also have to continue getting inspections at least every 30 days until the issue is either resolved or it’s discovered that the problem cannot be sufficiently resolved.
Requirements For A Tennessee Temporary Tag
There are slightly different requirements for temporary tags in different situations.
For instance, owners don’t actually have any requirements when it comes to temporary tags from a dealer. The dealer is responsible for making sure the vehicle is eligible for a temporary tag and that the owner meets all requirements to get that tag.
For instance, the dealer needs to make sure the new owner has a valid Tennessee driver’s license before they can drive the vehicle off the sales lot.
However, owners need to take care of inspections and will need to wait for the dealer to provide registration and title details to get a valid license plate in Tennessee.
HOW MANY SPARK PLUGS DOES A DIESEL ENGINE HAVE?
The answer to this question isn’t as simple as you’d expect. Let’s look explore the difference between gas and diesel engines and explore just how many spark plugs a diesel engine actually has.
How Do Temporary Tags For Salvage Vehicles Work In Tennessee?
Tennessee is a little different from other states in how they handle salvage vehicles.
For one thing, you won’t be given a typical salvage Title in Tennessee.
Instead of a normal salvage Title, Tennessee issues a Salvage Certificate or a Non-Repairable Certificate, according to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Salvage Certificates don’t allow the vehicle to be operated, while non-repairable certificates are typically used in situations where the vehicle can’t be repaired, can’t be operated, but the owner wants to retain ownership for other reasons.
The main reason to get a Salvage Certificate is if you want to rebuild your vehicle for use. In that case, you’ll need to apply for a new VIN after the vehicle has been sufficiently rebuilt.
To do that you’ll also need photos of the wrecked vehicle, as well as proof of repair, including an itemized list of the cost of the parts used in the repair.
In addition to those requirements, owners who want to transition their vehicle from a Salvage Certificate to a Rebuilt Title will need to pay a $75 fee.
If, in the process of doing this, the vehicle’s owner needs to get the vehicle inspected or take it to appointments they may need to get a temporary vehicle tag. After the inspection is approved the owner will also need to take the vehicle back to the DMV with all official documents except the photographs to get it approved and the final Rebuilt Title issued.
THE BEST SEDANS WITH HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE
There are plenty of vehicles on the market that let you tower over obstacles without losing the convenience of a compact car. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of our favorite new sedans with high ground clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Temporary Tags
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about Tennessee temporary tags, how you get them, and how long they’re good for.
How Much Do Tennessee Temporary Tags Cost?
The cost of a temporary tag is $10 and is separate from any other fees the owner may need to pay.
How Long Are Tennessee Temporary Tags Valid?
Unlike some states, Tennessee only has one type of temporary tag, and they’re all valid for the same amount of time. If you have a temporary tag, it’s valid for 30 days from the day it was issued.
Does Tennessee Have A Grace Period For Expired Vehicle Tags?
Yes, Tennessee does have a grace period for expired license plates. It’s a 90-day grace period, during which time you can still drive your vehicle including to inspection appointments and maintenance. However, temporary vehicle tags do not have a grace period, so you’ll need to get an additional temporary tag or apply for a regular license before the end of the 30-day period if you want to keep your vehicle on the road legally.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
