In Tennessee, your vehicle is more than a way to get around; it is an important part of how you live. Whether you are cruising down the Natchez Trace, tailgating in Knoxville, or exploring the Smoky Mountains, your ride should reflect your personality. A custom license plate is one of the easiest and most meaningful ways to make your car truly yours.
With hundreds of specialty and vanity plate options available, Tennessee drivers can find the perfect tag to show off what matters, whether it is school pride, military service, personal expression, or support for a cause.
Why should Tennessee drivers get a customized license plate?
- Show your Tennessee pride wherever you go
- Support your favorite charity, school, or organization
- Celebrate military service or family heritage
- Add humor, personality, or creativity to your ride
- Stand out in traffic with a one-of-a-kind message
In this blog by our expert team at Seat Cover Solutions, we have rounded up the most popular license plate options in the Volunteer State and ideas for upgrading your entire vehicle.
Best License Plate Options in Tennessee
Tennesseans are proud of their identity, whether it comes from music, mountains, football, or community. These license plates help you express that passion every time you hit the road.
Specialty License Plates in Tennessee
If you want your license plate to reflect your personality, passion, or values, these options are made for you.
- Standard Personalized Plate – Show off your name or a fun phrase on a classic Tennessee tag.
- Autism Awareness Plate – Spread awareness and support families affected by autism.
- Boater Education Plate – Ideal for water enthusiasts who want to promote boating safety.
- D.A.R.E. Plate – A reminder to keep communities drug-free and support youth education.
- Emergency Medical Services Plate – A symbol of honor for EMS workers across the state.
- Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms Plate – Perfect for Nashville residents who love urban green spaces.
- Historic Preservation Plate – For those passionate about protecting Tennessee’s architecture.
- Music City Plate – Celebrate Nashville’s legendary music culture wherever you go.
- Nashville Predators Plate – Great for hockey fans who bleed navy and gold.
- Nashville Zoo Plate – A fun way for animal lovers to support conservation.
- Tennessee 4-H Plate – Ideal for young leaders involved in agriculture and science.
- Tennessee Arts Commission Plate – Proudly support creativity and the arts in your community.
- Tennessee State Parks Plate – For outdoor lovers who hike, camp, and explore across the state.
- Wildlife Resources Plate – A natural choice for conservationists and nature lovers.
- Choose Life Plate – If adoption and pro-life causes are close to your heart.
Military and Veteran License Plates in Tennessee
Tennessee offers a wide range of license plates that honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces. These license plates are more than just tags; they are public symbols of sacrifice, honor, and pride.
- Air Force Veteran Plate – Show your Air Force pride with a plate that reflects your service.
- Army Veteran Plate – For soldiers past and present who carry their Army commitment with them.
- Coast Guard Veteran Plate – A nod to those who protected our waters.
- Disabled Veteran Plate – Recognize service-related disability with honor.
- Marine Corps Veteran Plate – Semper Fi—carry your Corps identity on the road.
- National Guard Plate – Represent your dual service to Tennessee and the nation.
- Navy Veteran Plate – Sailors past and present, this tag salutes your legacy.
- Pearl Harbor Survivor Plate – An extremely rare and historic honor.
- Prisoner of War Plate – For those who endured captivity with strength and resilience.
- Purple Heart Plate – Reserved for the brave injured in combat.
- Tennessee National Guard Plate – Show your dedication to your community and state.
- U.S. Armed Forces Retired Plate – Celebrate a full career of commitment and courage.
- U.S. Navy Reserve Plate – Represent the reserve force with pride.
- Vietnam Veteran Plate – A long-overdue tribute to Vietnam-era service members.
- Women Veterans of America Plate – Highlight the service of women warriors in Tennessee.
College and University License Plates in Tennessee
Whether you are a proud alum, current student, or lifelong supporter, college and university license plates let you rep your school wherever you drive in Tennessee.
- Austin Peay State University Plate – Show your Govs pride from campus to interstate.
- Belmont University Plate – A Nashville favorite that supports music and innovation.
- Carson-Newman University Plate – Perfect for Eagles who value both academics and community.
- East Tennessee State University Plate – Buccaneer pride for mountain-town natives and grads.
- Fisk University Plate – A tribute to tradition, excellence, and HBCU legacy.
- Lane College Plate – A proud display for Wildcats across the state.
- Lee University Plate – Combine faith and education with a tag that stands out.
- LeMoyne-Owen College Plate – Memphis heritage and academic pride on display.
- Lipscomb University Plate – Show your connection to Nashville’s Christian university.
- Middle Tennessee State University Plate – Blue Raiders make this one a top choice.
- Rhodes College Plate – Classic Memphis elegance meets academic strength.
- Tennessee State University Plate – TSU Tigers ride with bold, blue energy.
- Tennessee Tech University Plate – Golden Eagles deserve golden recognition.
- University of Memphis Plate – Carry Tiger pride through every neighborhood.
- University of Tennessee Plate – Rocky Top spirit, anywhere your car takes you.
Charity and Organization License Plates in Tennessee
These special plates help you support your favorite nonprofit, community group, or cause while making a meaningful statement on the road.
- American Cancer Society Plate – Show your support for cancer research and awareness.
- American Red Cross Plate – Help support emergency services and relief efforts.
- Autism Tennessee Plate – Promote autism acceptance and support local initiatives.
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Tennessee Plate – Represent youth empowerment and mentorship.
- Children’s Hospital Alliance Plate – Help fund pediatric hospitals across Tennessee.
- Clean Tennessee Plate – A statement of care for our environment.
- Cure Childhood Cancer Plate – Raise awareness and drive hope for young fighters.
- Disabled American Veterans Plate – Advocate for veterans with disabilities.
- Erlanger Health System Plate – Show your support for quality healthcare in Chattanooga.
- Honor and Remember Plate – A tribute to fallen military service members.
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Plate – Proudly back lifesaving research in Memphis.
- Susan G. Komen Plate – Drive pink and promote breast cancer awareness.
- Tennessee Nurses Foundation Plate – Support those who care for our communities.
- The ARC Tennessee Plate – Advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Wounded Warrior Project Plate – Support post-service care for our military heroes.
Antique and Specialty Vehicle License Plates in Tennessee
Whether your vehicle is a vintage treasure or a custom creation, these license plates recognize your ride as something truly special.
- Antique Auto Plate – Reserved for vehicles over 25 years old used and on a limited basis.
- Historic Plate – Perfect for preserving cars of historical interest.
- Street Rod Plate – Show off your retro-styled performance machine.
- Custom Vehicle Plate – If you built or heavily modified your car, this one fits.
- Replica Plate – For modern cars built to resemble classic ones.
- Collector Vehicle Plate – A great pick for those with multiple restored classics.
- Motorcycle Antique Plate – Add vintage charm to your restored bike.
- Horse-Drawn Vehicle Plate – Unique for Amish and heritage-use wagons.
- Exhibition Plate – Designed for show vehicles used occasionally.
- Farm Vehicle Plate – Function meets identity for agricultural equipment.
- Military Surplus Vehicle Plate – Highlight the history of decommissioned gear.
- Off-Road Vehicle Plate – Hit the trail legally with your ATV or dirt bike.
- Low-Speed Vehicle Plate – For electric golf carts and similar models.
- Reconstructed Vehicle Plate – Made from salvaged or rebuilt parts.
- Dealer Antique Plate – If you buy, sell, or restore antiques professionally, this one’s for you.
Across Tennessee, your vehicle reflects your region and lifestyle. From West Tennessee farmland to the Appalachian foothills in the East, your ride fits your environment.
- In Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood, drivers prefer stylish sedans and hybrid SUVs. The Toyota RAV4, Honda Accord, and Tesla Model 3 are popular for tight streets and school runs.
- In Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Cookeville, crossovers and pickups dominate. Vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevy Colorado are great for hills and outdoor trips.
- In Memphis, Collierville, and Germantown, families lean toward roomy SUVs. The Ford Expedition, Honda Pilot, and GMC Yukon offer space and comfort for long drives.
Whether cruising through Music City or heading to the Smokies, what you drive shows how you live in Tennessee.
How to Apply for a Personalized License Plate in Tennessee
Applying for a personalized plate in Tennessee is simple and accessible both online and in person. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Choose Your Plate Type
Start by browsing the Tennessee Plate Gallery or visiting your county clerk’s office to view available designs. From school pride to veteran recognition, there is a special plate that fits your story.
Step 2: Create Your Personalized Message
Most license plates allow up to 7 characters. Choose a name, phrase, or acronym that reflects you. Avoid anything offensive or misleading, DMV staff will review submissions.
Step 3: Check Plate Availability
Use the DMV’s license plate lookup tool or ask your county clerk to confirm that your desired combination is available.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Complete the required form (in person or online) and provide documentation for military or organization plates if needed. County clerk offices can assist with processing and approvals.
Step 5: Pay the Appropriate Fee
|
Plate Type |
Initial Fee |
Renewal Fee |
|
Standard Vanity Plate |
$56.50 |
$56.50 |
|
Specialty Organization Plate |
$61.50–$100 |
$35–$61.50 |
|
Military Plate |
$10-$25 |
$10-$25 |
|
Antique or Collector Plate |
$30 |
May be one-time only |
Step 6: Install and Drive Proud
Once your customized plate arrives (typically within 4 to 6 weeks), bolt it on and hit the road with your new, personalized identity.
Tennessee Vehicle Customization Ideas: Interior and Exterior Upgrades
A license plate is just the beginning of vehicle personalization. Tennessee drivers deal with hot summers, muddy backroads, and seasonal storms, so style must meet durability.
Top Exterior Customizations
- Matte or chrome exterior trim kits
- All-terrain tires and off-road bumpers
- Headlight and taillight upgrades
- UV-protected window tint
- Side step rails and hitch covers
Top Interior Customizations
- Waterproof seat covers by Seat Cover Solutions
- Pet seat protectors to manage fur and mud
- Steering wheel covers for better grip
- Air fresheners for cabin freshness
- Back seat organizers and phone mounts
These customizations not only improve the way your vehicle looks but also make it more practical for daily life in Tennessee. Whether you are commuting, traveling with pets, or heading out for weekend adventures, these upgrades ensure your ride stays ready for anything.
Conclusion
Tennessee drivers have more than one way to show off their pride. Whether it is your alma mater, military history, or outdoor passions, a personalized plate helps your vehicle stand out. This blog has covered the best plate options available, along with tips to elevate your ride both inside and out.
From custom license plates to interior comfort solutions, Seat Cover Solutions has everything you need to create a car that reflects your lifestyle.
Ready to personalize your vehicle from bumper to back seat? Shop waterproof seat covers, pet protectors, and more at Seat Cover Solutions today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I customize a specialty license plate in Tennessee?
Yes, many specialty plates allow personalization. Character limits apply, and availability must be confirmed through your local county clerk or the DMV lookup tool.
How do I check if my license plate idea is available in Tennessee?
Use the state’s online license plate search tool or contact your county clerk’s office to check availability.
Do military or organizational plates require extra documentation?
Yes, you will need to provide proof of eligibility, such as discharge papers or organization membership.
What is the turnaround time for receiving a personalized plate?
Most custom plates arrive within 4 to 6 weeks after your application is approved.
Can I transfer my personalized plate to a new car?
Yes, plates may be transferred to another vehicle registered in your name.
Do antique or collector plates need to be renewed annually?
No, most antique and collector plates are valid for a lifetime or do not require annual renewals.
Can I use emojis or special characters on my Tennessee license plate?
No. Tennessee only allows standard letters, numbers, and a few punctuation marks on custom plates.