Do you need insurance to register a car in Tennessee?

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In Tennessee, you can register your car without showing proof of insurance. But to drive legally – and protect yourself financially if there’s an accident – you’ll still need to carry at least the state’s minimum required coverage.

In this guide, we’ll explain the registration process and why it’s important to maintain continuous coverage.

Do you need car insurance to register your car in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, you don’t need car insurance to register or reregister your vehicle. The DMV doesn’t require proof of insurance for registration. However, if you plan to drive on public roads, you’re legally required to have insurance to cover any damages or injuries in an accident.

Tennessee’s minimum insurance coverage includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage. Learn more about the state minimum requirements in the table below.

Minimum insurance requirements in Tennessee

In Tennessee, auto insurance is required by law to ensure drivers can cover the cost of an accident. Tennessee drivers are required to carry the following coverage limits:

Minimum car insurance limits	Additional requirement
$25,000 bodily injury per person $50,000 bodily injury per accident $25,000 property damage per accident	Not required

How do you register your car in Tennessee?

You can follow these steps to register your car in Tennessee:

Make sure you have all the required paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need to register your vehicle:

Title or proof of ownership
Driver’s license
Proof of address
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Visit the DMV. Visit your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or check if you can register online. You’ll need to bring the documents listed above with you.

Pay the registration fee. You’ll have to pay a fee to register your car in Tennessee.

Receive your registration. Once your paperwork is processed, you will receive your license plates and a registration card, which you should keep in your vehicle at all times.

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What are the consequences of driving without car insurance in Tennessee

Driving without car insurance in Tennessee can lead to serious consequences, including big fines, a suspended license, and being held responsible for damages if you cause an accident.

Depending on where you live, here’s what can happen if you’re caught driving without insurance in Tennessee:

License suspension
Registration suspension
Fines
Jail time

What happens if my insurance lapses after I register my car in Tennessee?

Most states require continuous car insurance to maintain a valid registration. Letting your coverage lapse could lead to fines, penalties, or suspended registration. This is why you should have valid insurance at all times.

You can register your vehicle in Tennessee without having insurance, but driving without proper coverage can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. To stay compliant with state laws, make sure your insurance is active before hitting the road.

Frequently asked questions

Can I register my vehicle in a different state?

In general, you cannot register a vehicle in state different from the one you live in. However, if you move to a new state, you must register your vehicle with that state’s DMV. This typically involves providing the vehicle title, a bill of sale, and proof of residency. Depending on local laws, you may also be required to pay registration fees and complete a vehicle inspection.

Can I register a car online without insurance in Tennessee?

In most states, you need proof of insurance to register a car online – but Tennessee is one of the few exceptions. While insurance isn’t required for registration, you still must carry the state’s minimum coverage to drive legally.

Shivani Gite

Contributing Writer

Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions.