Tennessee License Plate Lookup
Our Tennessee license plate lookup allows you to conduct a background check easily before purchasing a used vehicle and get the vehicle history report. Enter the license plate number into the form below to begin.
Table of Contents
What is Tennessee License Plate Lookup?
The Tennessee License Plate Lookup is a simple service that helps people check the background of a vehicle before buying a used car in the state. It can be used at home without needing special tools or long processes.
By using the license plate number, you’ll get a vehicle history report.. This report will show you the accident records, recall notices, past owners, warranty details, auction information, theft checks, and other important data that make it easier to understand the vehicle’s overall condition.
Can You Get a Free Tennessee License Plate Lookup?
Yes, you can get a free license plate lookup by using our service. However, our free service has limited information compared to the paid service. We recommend using our fully paid service instead to get all the available records.
For your reference, here’s the information provided in our free license plate lookup:
- Associated VIN number
- Year, Make, and Model
- Country of Origin
- Market Value
- Transmission Type
- Fuel Type
- Drive Type
- Body Type
- Trim Information
- MSRP
- Engine Specifications
- Dimensions
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
Why You Should Look Up a Tennessee License Plate?
Checking a Tennessee license plate before buying or selling a used car can be very helpful. For buyers, the lookup tool makes it easier to confirm the real details of the vehicle, spot possible problems that are not mentioned, and also have a stronger position when discussing the price with the seller. This simple step can save both money and stress later.
For sellers, sharing clear and verified information can build more trust with buyers. Using past records also allows you to set a fair and correct price for your car. Being open about the history not only avoids misunderstandings but can also make your car more appealing, giving you a better chance of selling it quickly.
What You Can Get From a Tennessee License Plate Lookup
While our free license plate lookup offers limited information, the paid version provides all the information you need before buying a used vehicle.
Vehicle Details
Provides information about the car’s year, make, model, trim, and engine specifications, MSRP, country of origin, drive type, and standard seating. Examine this section to check if the vehicle matches your needs and budget.
Accident Records
Offers details on any accidents the car has been involved in, including the extent of damage and repairs, giving a clear picture of its condition. Check the date and the location where the accident happened
Past Ownership
This shows the number of previous owners, the length of ownership, the year of purchase, and where the vehicle was registered. Note that you cannot see the real name of each previous owner.
Warranty Coverage
Summarizes the vehicle’s existing warranty and its months and mileage validity. See if the vehicle is still covered by warranties like corrosion protection, roadside assistance, basic, and more.
Auction Information
Indicates whether the car was sold at auction, which may suggest its market value or potential quality concerns. You can also see the auction location, date, and last price. Thus, you are able to view up to ten pictures showing the vehicle’s condition during the auction.
Title Condition
Confirms whether the title is clean, rebuilt, salvaged, lemon, flood brand, manufacturer buyback, etc, helping you assess the car’s legal and physical status. Make sure that the vehicle’s title is clean before you take it home.
Loan and Lien Records
Highlights any active loans or liens that might affect the transfer of ownership. Before you buy the vehicle, you will need to check if the vehicle’s lien/loan is cleared off by the previous owner.
Open Recalls
Lists unresolved recalls or safety-related defects, alerting you to any possible risks. In this section, you’ll see the causes of recalls, the dates of recalls, and the steps taken to fix the recalls. Thus, you can also see if the recalls weren’t fixed.
Theft Records
Verifies whether the car was ever reported stolen, ensuring it is legal and problem-free. See if the vehicle was stolen by checking the date, location, and the data source of the stolen vehicle.
Odometer Verification
Confirms the accuracy of the car’s mileage to help assess its usage and wear. In this section, you will get to see the recorded mileage along with the date, as well as the last recorded mileage of the vehicle.
Maintenance History
Provides records of repairs and servicing, offering insight into how well the car has been cared for. Check the date, location, and what service or maintenance was done to the vehicle.
Past Vehicle Usage
Shows how the car was previously used, such as for personal driving, rental, lease, or commercial purposes. This helps reveal the kind of wear and tear it may have.
Why Tennessee License Plate Report Important?
Killian wanted to buy a used 2020 KIA OPTIMA from a private seller. Before he paid for the down payment, he decided to use the Tennessee license plate lookup to get the report. Here’s what he got on the report.
Actual Condition
- 1 Record of Damage
- 2 specific events reported
- 6 service & repair record
- 2 sales records
- 1 lien or loan record
Seller’s Claim
- Privately used
- Never been in an accident
- Has no major damage
- Never been in an accident
Why Lookup's License Plate is a Must
- To help buyers see if the vehicle has few or too many red flags
- Helps to avoid buying a vehicle that has an unresolved lien/loan record.
Outcome
- Killian decided to find something else because the car had too many red flags
How Does the Tennessee License Plate Lookup Work?
To use the Tennessee license plate lookup, all you need to do is follow these simple steps. Let’s begin with:
Enter the License Plate Number
First of all, you will need to find the license plate of the vehicle you want to check. Then, fill out the form with the license plate number.
Check the Preview Page
Wait for a few seconds until the preview page, ensure it's correct, then proceed to payment to get the full vehicle history report.
Get the Report
After it's done, don’t forget to download the vehicle history report in PDF format to examine on every device you have, or you can print it right away.
Why Should You Use Our Tennessee License Plate Lookup?
- Downloadable and printable report with no expiration date
- Less than a minute to generate the full vehicle history report
- 24/7 customer service that helps you through the hassle
License Plate Regulations in Tennessee
Tennessee has clear rules governing license plate use, placement, and registration to ensure vehicles meet legal requirements. Tennessee does not require front license plates for most vehicles; drivers must display the license plate on the rear side of their vehicle. The plate must be securely mounted and visible at all times. The Tennessee Department of Revenue – Vehicle Services manages license plates and registration. Local Country Check usually helps Tennessee’s residents with vehicle registration, renewals, and applications for special plates.
Vehicle Eligibility
Tennessee Vehicle Plate Design
The standard plate design features a simple navy blue background with white lettering and the slogan “The Volunteer State” on the license plate’s top right corner, reflecting Tennessee’s historical aspect.
Types of License Plates in Tennessee
Aside from the standard license plate, Tennessee offers additional types of plates you can own. The state’s license type is categorized into several types, each serving different purposes.
Standard License Plate
Common license plates are used by passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and light trucks. They feature a basic design and are issued during vehicle registration.
Personalized Plates
Vehicle owners can customize these plates with unique text combinations, subject to availability and approval by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Specialty Plates
Represent organizations, universities, or causes, such as environmental conservation, military service, or supporting charities. Specialty plates often come with an additional fee, a portion of which may go to the related cause.
Temporary Plates
Temporary operation plates are issued for short-term use, usually for newly purchased vehicles awaiting permanent registration.
License Plate Costs in Tennessee
In Tennessee, license plate fees depend on the plate type. Below are the standard costs:
- Standard Passenger Plate: $26.50
- Standard Motorcycle Plate: $19.50
- Personalized Plate: +$35 in addition to the regular registration fee
- Specialty Plates: Range from $62.50 to over $97.50 (collegiate, military, or special interest designs)
- Disability Plates: $26.50 annually
- Military Plates: $61.50 per year
How to Register a Vehicle in Tennessee?
Registering a vehicle in Tennessee is handled through your local county clerk’s office. The requirements differ for new and used vehicles.
- For a New Vehicle
Submit the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, the new vehicle invoice, and a copy of your current registration if you are transferring a license plate.
- For a Used Vehicle
Provide a valid certificate of title properly signed over to you, along with an Odometer Disclosure Statement (if needed). If you plan to transfer your license plate, bring a copy of your current registration.
How to Transfer License Plates in Tennessee?
- Go to your local county clerk’s office
- Request to transfer your existing plate to the new vehicle
- Pay the $1 transfer fee (specialty and personalized plate fees may also apply)
- The plate will be reassigned to your new vehicle and updated in the records
What's Allowed to See in Tennessee License Plate Lookup?
When using a Tennessee license plate lookup, it is important to understand what kind of information can be shared and what stays protected under the law.
What You Can Access:
- Registration history: See if the vehicle has been properly registered in the past.
- Title transfer records: Learn when the ownership of the car has officially changed.
- Vehicle details: Look into accident history, recall notices, theft checks, and other background data linked to the plate.
What You Cannot Access (Due to DPPA Compliance):
- The name or address of current or past owners
- Contact information, such as phone numbers or emails
- Driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers, or any private personal details
Other Vehicle Check Tools
Before purchasing, verify a car’s history, factory details, and ownership records with these essential tools.
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
Fun Facts in Tennessee
- The slogan “The Volunteer State” earned its name during the War of 1812 when a significant Tennessee residents volunteered to fight against British tyranny.
- From 1936 to 1956, Tennessee license plates were uniquely shaped like the state itself, a distinct design feature rarely seen in other states.
- Tennessee’s license plates were produced by the state’s prison system through the Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TRICOR) starting in the 1980s, supporting local rehabilitation efforts.
License Plate Lookup By States
Our license plate lookups are widely available in all the states listed below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee License Plate Lookup
Q. What does RH mean in a Tennessee license plate?
A. For veterans in Tennessee who do not have disabilities, the designated license plates feature the prefix “RH.”
Q. Can I keep my old TH license plate?
A. If you’re a Tennessee driver with expiring license plates, you’ll be pleased to know you can usually keep them. Only specialty plates in Tennessee need to be surrendered upon expiration.
Q. What does the black license plate mean in Tennessee?
A. Tennessee residents can now obtain a distinctive all-black license plate: the Millennial Debt Foundation Plate. Approved in 2021, its purpose is to encourage financial well-being, as reflected in its “In the Black” motto.
Q. Can I get the past owner’s information through a Tennessee license plate lookup?
A. Yes, you can get the past owner’s information through a Tennessee license plate lookup, like the location, year of purchase, and the ownership period. However, you will not find their personal information, such as their name and address.
Q. How do I get the vehicle history report through the Tennessee license plate lookup?
A. To get the vehicle history report through our Tennessee license plate lookup, you just need to fill out the form with the license plate number and pay the required fees.
