If you just bought a car, you are probably asking: “Can I drive it home without a plate?” or “Can I print a temporary tag online?”
In Tennessee, the answer is strict. Unlike some states that let you buy a 3-day transit permit on your phone, Tennessee does NOT allow individuals to print temporary tags at home.
The process depends entirely on how you bought the car. There are two main tags: the “Green Tag” (Dealer) and the “Red Tag” (Private/Hardship).
This guide explains the 2026 rules, the fees, and how to legally move a car you just bought from a private seller.
Can You Get a Printable Tennessee Temporary Tag?
The Short Answer: No.
If you search online, you might find sites claiming to sell a printable Tennessee temporary tag. These are scams.
- Dealers: Authorized dealers use the “EZ Tag” system to print tags on-demand, but only they have access to this system.
- Individuals: You must get a physical tag issued by the County Clerk. You cannot print one yourself.
Scenario 1: Buying from a Tennessee Dealership (60-Day Green Dealer Drive-Out Tags)
This is the easiest scenario. You do not need to visit the DMV or Clerk.
- What You Get: A “Dealer Drive-Out Tag” (often called a Green Tag).
- Validity: 60 Days (Updated from the old 30-day rule).
- Cost: $5.50 (Usually included in your “Doc Fee” or closing costs).
- Action Required: None. The dealer prints it, puts it on your car, and handles the title work.
Warning: If 60 days pass and your permanent metal plates haven’t arrived, do not drive on the expired tag.Contact the dealership immediately. If they are stalling, file a complaint with the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission.
Scenario 2: Buying from a Private Seller in Tennessee (Driving Home Without Plates)
If you buy a car from a neighbor or Facebook Marketplace, the seller keeps their plates. You have no plates.
“Can I drive it home?” Technically, Tennessee law requires a vehicle to be registered before it is operated on the highway.
- Strictly Legal Method: You meet the seller at the County Clerk’s office, sign the title there, and get your new plates immediately.
- Real World: If you drive it home without a plate, have the Signed Title, Bill of Sale, and Proof of Insurance on the passenger seat. If you get pulled over, most officers may be lenient if you are driving directly home, but it is not guaranteed.
What to do next: Go to your local County Clerk (not the Driver Services Center) within 24 hours.
- Bring: Title, Bill of Sale, and Proof of Residence.
- Result: You will receive your permanent metal plates on the spot. If they are out of stock, then they will issue you a temporary permit.
Scenario 3: Title Problems and the Red Temporary Operation Permit
This is the only time a private individual actually applies for a temporary tag. This is known as the Temporary Operation Permit (or Red Tag).
Who is this for? You can only get this if you own the car but cannot get permanent plates yet because:
- The title is lost or being held by a lienholder.
- The car is a “rebuilt” salvage vehicle waiting for inspection.
How to Apply:
- Download: Get Form RV-F1315401 (Application for Temporary Operation Permit).
- Visit: Go to your County Clerk’s Office.
- Tip: Skip the line by checking if your county allows you to book a DMV Tennessee appointment.
- Submit:
- The completed form.
- Proof of Ownership (Bill of Sale).
- Proof that you are trying to fix the title (e.g., a letter from the lienholder).
- Pay: $10.00.
Validity:
- Valid for 30 Days.
- Non-Renewable: You generally cannot extend this. You must fix the title issue within the month.
Temporary Trailer Plates in Tennessee (5-Day Yellow Tag, $9 Fee)
If you bought a trailer (for a boat or hauling), the rules are slightly different.
- Tag Type: 5-Day Temporary Trailer Plate.
- Cost: $9.00.
- Usage: Strictly for transporting a trailer from the seller to your home or out of state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. “Red Tags” are valid for 30 days and are rarely extended unless you can prove the state is at fault for the delay. Dealer tags (60 days) cannot be extended; the dealer must issue a second one if they messed up the paperwork.
You need a “Drive-Out” tag to legally drive it back to Florida.
Dealer: They will issue you a Green Tag.
Private Sale: You should visit a Tennessee County Clerk with the seller to get a Temporary Operation Permit for transit purposes before you leave the state.
Yes. Your registration will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved, ensure you follow the Tennessee DMV address change process so your metal plates don’t get lost in the mail.
You can put it in a plastic sleeve or tape it to the inside of the rear window, but ensure it is clearly visible. Do not cover the expiration date or the hologram numbers.
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