Annual vehicle registration is a reality, and if you live in Tennessee there are a number of ways to do it, and luckily for Shelby County residents, it’s a lot easier and a bit cheaper than for your Memphis neighbors. If it’s time to register or re-register your car in Shelby County, including Bartlett, Germantown, Millington, and Collierville, here’s what you need to know.
The state of Tennessee requires that all automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles be registered annually, with the exception of vintage automobiles that are primarily used for display as collectibles; however, Shelby County residents who do not live within the Memphis city limits are not required to have their vehicles inspected.
You can register or renew your registration by mail, online, or in person at any number of Department of Motor Vehicles offices. Since their hours of operation are subject to change, it is a good idea to call the Shelby County Clerk’s office, which handles DMV matters before you travel.
Renewal requirements
You must be a resident of Tennessee to apply and you must have proof of residency, regardless of the renewal method you choose. To request a registration renewal, you will need to provide at least one form of primary identification or two forms of secondary identification, along with your street number and license plate number.
Acceptable forms of primary identification include a U.S. photo driver’s license or a photo identification card or license from another country (including an International Driving Permit), original or certified birth certificate, military ID , any Immigration and Customs documentation (including Naturalization and Citizenship Certificates), a Marriage Certificate, an Adoptive Decree and any Legal Change of Name documentation.
Secondary identification includes computerized pay stubs, union membership cards, work IDs, financial institution documents, social security documents, health insurance cards, state and IRS tax forms, and military records that include assignment orders, Earnings and Licensing statements, and selective service cards.
Locations and associated fees for renewals
Along with online access through the Shelby County Clerk’s Office website or by mailing in your renewal application, you can also travel to one of the offices at Poplar Plaza, Germantown, Whitehaven Plaza, Millington, Raleigh- Frayser or Mullins Station Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) throughout the year.
Renewals generally cost between $ 87 and $ 112, although they can be as low as $ 76 for renewal-only services. The cities of Barlette, Germantown, Memphis, Millington and Collierville charge municipal rates.
Other associated fees include title fees, wheel taxes, and registration fees, though they often vary from city to city and depending on the type of vehicle whose registration is being renewed – motorcycles cost less while owned vehicles commercial carry an additional fee. These rates are subject to change, so visit the Shelby County website to confirm current rates.
