Tennessee License Plate Lookup
Our Tennessee license plate lookup allows you to conduct a background check easily upon purchasing a used vehicle. The lookup provides access to the vehicle’s history, including the title, history of ownership, and more. This crucial information will protect you against scams and other issues with purchasing a junk-used vehicle. Decode any TN plate number within seconds.
Table of Contents
Why Conduct a Tennessee License Plate Lookup
We know that buying a used vehicle can come with underlying issues that are hard to uncover as an individual, so license plate lookup came to the rescue, helping second vehicle buyers do an independent background check with minimal price and maximum result.
How Does the License Plate Lookup Work?
Video: How to Lookup a Tennessee License Plate
Step 1: Enter the License Plate Number
You can find the license plate number on the front and back of the vehicle. Fill out the form on this page and submit it.
Step 2: Review and Purchase
Check vehicle specifications and features and complete your purchase.
Step 3: Access Your Report
Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download and print it easily.
To get a vehicle history report, go to the form to input the license plate number and generate the vehicle history report. You will get the generated report within a few minutes.
- 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
Are there any free license plate lookup options?
Yes, you can get a free license 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 report
What You Need to Know About Our Free vs. Paid 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, which help verify its authenticity and suitability.
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.
Ownership Timeline:
This shows the number of previous owners, the length of ownership, and how well the car was maintained over time.
Sales History:
Summarizes the car’s transaction records, including changes in ownership and sale dates.
Auction Information:
Indicates whether the car was sold at auction, which may suggest its market value or potential quality concerns.
Title Condition:
Confirms whether the title is clean, rebuilt, salvaged, or branded, helping you assess the car’s legal and physical status.
Loan and Lien Records:
Highlights any active loans or liens that might affect the transfer of ownership.
Open Recalls:
Lists unresolved recalls or safety-related defects, alerting you to any possible risks.
Theft Checks:
Verifies whether the car was ever reported stolen, ensuring it is legal and problem-free.
Odometer Verification:
Confirms the accuracy of the car’s mileage to help assess its usage and wear.
Maintenance History:
Provides records of repairs and servicing, offering insight into how well the car has been cared for.
License Plate Regulations in Tennessee
Tennessee has clear rules governing license plate use, placement, and registration to ensure vehicles meet legal requirements. Below is an overview of these regulations, broken down into key areas for better understanding.
License Plate Placement in Tennessee
Unlike some states, 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.
Government Bodies Responsible for License Plate
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
All passenger cars, motorcycles, and trucks are eligible for applying the standard license plate type. However, certain types of vehicles, like farm machinery or off-road vehicles, may be exempt from registering to a certain license plate category. For specific categories of license plates, you may refer to the Tennessee Code Annotated – Title 55, Motor and Other Vehicles for legal requirements.
Driving a vehicle without a valid license plate can lead you to penalties. Therefore, make sure your vehicle complies with the right type of license plate requirements.
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 Plates
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.
Other Vehicle Check Tools
Before purchasing, verify a car’s history, factory details, and ownership records with these essential tools.
VIN Decoder
Our VIN decoder does the trick if the license plate number is unavailable. Quickly decode your VIN to access detailed information from factory details to original specifications and all vehicle history records.
Window Stickers
Get a copy of the original window sticker of any vehicle, showing all the options, packages, standard features and equipment, safety ratings, fuel economy, and factory-installed parts your vehicle came with.
Build Sheets for Classic Vehicles
Like window stickers, you can get build sheets for classic or vintage vehicles with our build sheet lookup tool for classic vehicles with the VIN only. View specifications, features, color, pricing, and more.
Classic Car History Report
You won’t find this anywhere else! Our classic car VIN check provides exclusive records for all old vehicles, giving you a full classic car vehicle history report that Carfax and AutoCheck can’t. Check a vintage car’s authenticity today!
License Plate Lookup By States
Fun facts
The slogan “The Volunteer State” earned the name during the War of 1812 when a significant Tennessee resident volunteered to fight against British tyranny.
Frequently Asked Questions
For veterans in Tennessee who do not have disabilities, the designated license plates feature the prefix “RH.”
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.
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.
