Vanity License Plate Cost in Tennessee (2026)
A personalized "vanity" plate in Tennessee costs $35 to start and no recurring annual surcharge, charged on top of your normal vehicle registration. It's a one-time fee with no yearly renewal charge.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What's included
A vanity plate lets you choose the letters and numbers on a standard Tennessee plate. The $35 startup fee is in addition to your regular registration cost. Specialty design plates (universities, causes, military) usually cost more and may include a donation.
Is it worth it?
Over a typical ownership period, Tennessee keeps it simple with a one-time fee, making it one of the cheaper states to run a vanity plate long-term. See how Tennessee compares in our 50-state ranking.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a vanity plate in Tennessee?
$35 to start with no annual renewal fee, on top of your standard registration.
Is a Tennessee vanity plate a yearly or one-time cost?
It's a one-time fee — Tennessee doesn't charge an annual personalization surcharge after issuance.
What's the difference between a vanity and specialty plate?
A vanity plate lets you pick the characters on a standard plate. A specialty plate has a custom design and often its own separate fee, part of which may be a charitable donation.