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North Carolinamoving toTennessee
Emissions Test Only — smog check (often county-based)

Tennessee

Days to Register
30 days
Registration Fee
$26.50
Title Transfer Fee
$14.50
Inspections Required
Emissions test only
Min. Liability Insurance (BI/BI/PD, thousands)
25/50/15
License Plates
Rear only

Deadlines — Days to Register and Transfer License

When moving from North Carolina to Tennessee, you must register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. You must also transfer your driver's license within 30 days. Plan to visit the Tennessee DMV promptly after your move.

What You'll Pay — Registration, Title, and Sales Tax

Registering your vehicle in Tennessee costs $26.50. Title transfer fee is $14.50 (title transfer is required). Vehicle sales/use tax is 7% (plus local up to 9.75%). Budget for these costs before your move.

Inspections — Safety, Emissions, or None

Tennessee requires emissions testing: Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson counties. No recurring safety inspection is required. Check if your specific county requires testing.

Insurance Minimums — Liability Coverage Required

Tennessee requires minimum liability insurance of 25/50/15 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage, in thousands). Your current North Carolina minimums are 30/60/25. You must update your insurance to meet Tennessee requirements before registering.

License Plates — Front, Rear, and Plate Transfer

Tennessee requires rear only plates (North Carolina requires front and rear). Surrender out-of-state plates; new TN plates issued. You will need to surrender your North Carolina plates and obtain new Tennessee plates.

Verify With the Official State DMV

For the most current requirements, fees, and forms, visit the official Tennessee DMV at https://www.tn.gov/revenue/title-and-registration.html. Requirements can change, so verify before your move.

Law last updated: 2025Row last reviewed: May 7, 2026

Registration fees, inspection requirements, and deadlines are subject to change. Always verify current requirements on the official state DMV website before your move. Data reflects 2025–2026 requirements where available.