Tennessee License Plate Lookup

GoodCar's license plate lookup service generally provides Tennessee buyers and sellers with two report options: comprehensive and premium, both of which are specifically crafted to meet diverse requirements in the vehicle purchasing process.

Comprehensive Data Reports

GoodCar's comprehensive report is ideal for Tennessee buyers conducting initial research on multiple vehicles or those wanting fundamental information before proceeding with further inspection. When available, this type of report may provide the following, among others:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The VIN allows GoodCar to retrieve accident history, title issues, and mileage data exclusively linked to the vehicle. Tennessee's busy streets see a substantial number of accidents, which makes cross-checking the VIN with accident and repair records important to verify the car's condition.

Accident and Damage Records

This section generally provides valuable details about previous accidents and damages that might impact a Tennessee vehicle's structural integrity. It helps identify cars with weather-related repairs to assist potential buyers in assessing how such damages may influence the vehicles' reliability and performance.

Safety Information

Tennessee drivers frequently face urban traffic, rural terrains, and seasonal weather changes. GoodCar typically integrates data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to provide reports on safety features and recalls, helping users assess a vehicle's preparedness for such conditions.

Vehicle Specifications

Information such as drivetrain, fuel type, and horsepower helps buyers evaluate a vehicle's compatibility with Tennessee's varying weather patterns and driving conditions, from mountain roads to humid summers.

Title and Problem History

Tennessee has a thriving used vehicle market, which may increase the risk of encountering cars with title issues. GoodCar generally checks over 60 title brands to help buyers spot any red flags and deal with them before buying a vehicle.

To explore how these reports operate, users may inspect the sample report on this website. For additional assistance or questions about the platform, GoodCar's customer representatives are ready to help at (800) 764-0104.

Premium Data Reports

With a focus on extensive analysis, the premium report reveals in-depth information about sales history and evolving market trends. When available, it may contain:

Market Valuation

This report section analyzes Tennessee's vehicle prices across dealerships, trade-ins, and private sales. It considers regional differences between urban markets like Nashville and rural areas, tracking pricing trends that influence the state's automotive market.

Sales History

GoodCar typically tracks where and when a vehicle was listed for sale, including dealerships, classifieds, and online marketplaces. It shows price changes over time, giving Tennessee buyers negotiation power. If an older listing is still active, users may access it directly to view original photos and descriptions for added transparency.

To explore how these reports operate, users may inspect the sample report on this website. For additional assistance or questions about the platform, GoodCar's customer representatives are ready to help at (800) 764-0104.

GoodCar is a trusted and authorized National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) data provider, serving both commercial clients and individual consumers.

GoodCar usually quickly generates detailed vehicle history information. While some records may be unavailable due to privacy laws or incomplete reports, it aims to make all accessible data presented in an easy-to-read format. To perform a proper license plate lookup in Tennessee using the GoodCar platform, follow these steps:

1. Input the complete Tennessee license plate information, including all letters and numbers, exactly as they appear, into the designated search box below.
2. From the available state options in the dropdown menu, locate and select "Tennessee".
3. The user may then activate the search function by pressing the search button to process the request and obtain a detailed Tennessee vehicle history report within seconds.

Tennessee License Plate Format and Design

Understanding the Tennessee license plate format and design helps GoodCar users correctly identify and enter the proper plate information during lookups. Entering inaccurate numbers or misinterpreting the format may result in incorrect vehicle history reports.

The standard Tennessee license plates feature:

• A reflective blue background with a seven-character white license plate number.
• The state name, "TENNESSEE", is displayed prominently in white at the top.
• The phrase "THE VOLUNTEER STATE" is positioned in the upper left corner.
• A county decal is positioned at the center of the plate's bottom edge.

In January 2024, a new design was introduced, which includes the phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST" in white text just above the area designated for the county decal. This version became the default option for new registrations unless a preference for the standard plate was expressed.

Thus, the license plate formats may vary slightly. The standard plate design without the "IN GOD WE TRUST" text uses the format ABC-1234, as shown below:

Standard Tennessee License Plate Source: Images are from the Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR)

Meanwhile, the default standard plate design that has the text "IN GOD WE TRUST" follows the format 123-ABCD, as depicted below:

Default Standard Tennessee "In God We Trust" License Plate Source: Images are from the Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR)

In addition to the standard license plates, several plate design categories are offered to Tennessee residents, which may affect the lookup process. This may include the following:

• Specialty License Plates: Tennessee recommends over 100 specialty license plates, which allow residents to express their affiliations or support various causes. These plates are available for an annual fee.
• Personalized Plates: Residents may personalize their license plates with unique messages. These plates require an additional fee, and users may check availability online.
• Disabled Driver License Plates: These plates are available for Tennessee residents who meet specific qualifications and are issued through local county clerk's offices.

For more information regarding license plate designs and availability, contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR) through its statewide toll-free hotline (888) 871-3171 or (615) 741-3101 for those coming from Nashville and out-of-state.

Tennessee Personalized Plate Availability

Tennessee drivers looking to personalize their plates may use GoodCar's Vanity Plate Lookup tool to instantly check availability. Whether you're honoring your favorite team, showcasing your nickname, or adding a fun phrase, this tool generally saves time by skipping the trip to your local county clerk's office. It's a smart way to claim your custom plate early, before someone else grabs it. Quick, easy, and accessible from any device - personalization made simple.

GoodCar typically gathers vehicle information for Tennessee reports by drawing from a mix of public records, private industry data, and internal resources, helping users make more informed choices when reviewing a vehicle's history. Here's how the data is collected:

• State and Federal Sources: GoodCar often taps into databases such as the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which compiles title history, odometer readings, and brand designations (e.g., salvage or rebuilt) reported by the Tennessee DOR and other agencies.
• Private Data Partners: Commercial providers like Black Book, DataOne, and MarketCheck contribute information such as previous sales, service records, and ownership changes, when available, to add more context to each report.
• Safety and Recall Information: Reports may include crash test ratings and open recalls using data from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Internal Systems: GoodCar generally processes and organizes this data using proprietary tools, while avoiding absolute claims about data completeness or accuracy to remain FTC-compliant.

Before deciding to use GoodCar's license plate lookup tool, Tennessee users must first familiarize themselves with the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

The DPPA is a federal law that safeguards sensitive information, including names, addresses, and contact details, such as phone numbers and email addresses, collected by various state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVs).

It complements Tennessee's Uniform Motor Vehicle Disclosure Act and the Public Records Act in governing the use and disclosure of personal information obtained from motor vehicle records.

Knowing how DPPA protects data gives Tennessee users confidence that their interactions with GoodCar are secure and privacy-compliant.

However, there are specific circumstances where GoodCar is legally permitted to disclose personal information. These may include:

• Law Enforcement & Government: Used in investigations, official duties, and legal matters in Tennessee.
• Insurance: Helps validate claims and prevent fraud.
• Legal Cases: Typically provides data for court proceedings and arbitration.
• Vehicle Safety: Supports safety checks, emissions compliance (e.g., Davidson, Hamilton), and recalls.

To prevent unauthorized sharing of personal data, GoodCar typically only allows verified users with legitimate credentials to access sensitive information. When feasible, personal details undergo anonymization to protect individual identities.

Additionally, the company regularly reviews its data-handling practices to maintain continuous compliance with current privacy laws.

The Tennessee DOR maintains vehicle title and registration records, and it allows individuals to access license plate information through the following methods:

Online

One convenient method to access license plate information from the Tennessee DOR is through the Motor Vehicle Data Services portal. If the VIN is not available, this platform enables users to search for vehicles registered within the state by solely entering the license number.

To access the online tool, one must comply with the DPPA regulations and hold a valid account subscription.

By Mail

Providing only the tag or license plate number, along with the most recent owner's name and address, may initiate the mail-in request for plate information by submitting a completed Vehicle Information Request Form to:

State of Tennessee, Department of Revenue
Vehicle Services Division
500 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37242

Depending on the type of document requested, fees vary between $1 and $15.

In-Person

Interested parties may personally request the information during office hours at 500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37242.

In addition to the license plate number, individuals must prepare proof of identity and a valid reason for requesting the data, as the DOR may require them during the visit.

For clarification and assistance, contact the Tennessee DOR through its hotline.

While the Tennessee DOR holds official vehicle records and GoodCar generally offers publicly-sourced data, other legally compliant sources in the state may also provide license plate information using a plate number:

• Nationwide Law Enforcement: The License Plate Recognition (LPR) System of the U.S. Department of Justice scans and cross-references license plate numbers with national and state databases. This tool is helpful in Tennessee for criminal investigations and traffic enforcement.
• Free Public Access: NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Recalls checks safety recall information using a license plate number. In Tennessee, this resource may help users confirm whether their vehicle complies with state-specific safety standards, including regulations for emissions compliance in counties such as Davidson and Hamilton.
• Local Law Enforcement: Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) technology captures images of license plates through mobile or fixed high-speed cameras. Local law enforcement agencies use ALPR to monitor traffic patterns near popular Tennessee tourist destinations or address safety concerns during severe weather events.

Tennessee residents have multiple ways to access vehicle information beyond a basic license plate check.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) offers a free VINCheck service, allowing Tennesseans to check for theft reports and total-loss declarations. However, users are limited to only five VIN searches per IP address per day.

Tennessee drivers may also access the NHTSA's Recall Lookup and VIN Decoder tools to identify outstanding manufacturer repairs needed on Tennessee roads and extract production details from any Tennessee vehicle's VIN, respectively.

For a more complete and convenient experience, GoodCar typically provides a one-stop solution for Tennessee vehicle buyers. The platform combines the following tools, which usually require just the VIN to offer valuable insights:

• VIN Check
• Vehicle History Search
• VIN Decoder
• Recall Lookup
• Residual Value Lookup
• Car Depreciation Check
• Lease Calculator
• Car Loan Calculator
• Car Title Check

These tools give Tennessee buyers a clear edge. From uncovering title issues, recalls, and theft records to decoding VIN specs and tracking depreciation, each feature adds insight. Plus, built-in calculators estimate lease and loan costs, helping users understand a vehicle's past, present condition, and future value before making a purchase.