Tennessee Speciality EV License Plate: Q&A

DriveElectricTN is wrapping up collecting the first 1,000 registrations for the TN speciality electric vehicle license plate!

However, it is not too late for you to register for a FREE EV license plate. The registration portal will remain open until we hit our goal, and you can register here.

We wanted to answer some of the most commonly asked questions we have been asked in regard to the license plate. If you have any other questions about the license plate program or DriveElectricTN, email info@driveelectrictn.org.

I’m registered! What does the process look like from here?

Once we have a complete list of 1,000+ registrations, we’ll send the information to the TN Department of Revenue. From there, they will process the registrations and begin production of the plate. This could take several months. If you have already registered for the plate, you do not need to reregister. You can expect to hear from someone from DriveElectricTN over the next several months with updates as we have them.

Can I also get the plate customized with a special license #?
The short answer is yes! We’re currently working with the TN Department of Revenue to determine the exact process for making this happen. Please note that the free registration opportunity only covers the cost of the specialty plate registration ($35 value) and not any additional customizations, so you may be contacted later by the TN Department of Revenue if additional funds are required.

What does the free plate include?
DriveElectricTN has funding to cover ONLY the $35 fee associated with speciality license plates in Tennessee. We will be covering this fee for the first 1,000 plates for the first year you have the plate. After the first year, it will be your responsibility to cover the $35 fee associated with the speciality plate in order to keep it.

The free license plate funding does NOT cover your personal vehicle registration costs that you pay each year.

Can I register for this license plate if I do not have an EV?
Yes! This license plate is not exclusive to any type of vehicle. Many people support electric vehicle adoption in Tennessee but do not currently drive an EV themselves. This plate is for any Tennessean interested in supporting EV adoption in our state and DriveElectricTN’s mission.

How long will it take to get my plate?
This is where there’s a bit open question. Our goal is to have all registration information submitted to the TN Department of Revenue by the end of October 2021. From there, the TN DoR’s process of review and production can take up to 6 months. Our hope is that plates will begin distribution to you by Q2 2022, but the process could stretch into later 2022 if there are additional bumps in the road.

How does my plate assist with EV development in Tennessee?
~45% of your annual $35 fee (covered by us for the first year!) for the electric vehicle license plate will go directly to support DriveElectricTN’s work in Tennessee. Our cross-TN initiative brings together nearly 100 local, statewide and national stakeholders to complete projects related to EV Awareness, Infrastructure and Policies & Programs. Our goal is to see 200,000 EVs on Tennessee’s roads by 2028! You’re helping us get there. Thank you!

What does the rest of my registration fee cover?
~10% of the registration fee covers the cost of producing the plate. ~9% of the fee goes to the Tennessee Highway Fund. The remaining ~36% of the fee goes to the TN Arts Commission.

We want to thank everyone for their enthusiasm surrounding the TN speciality EV license plate! You are directly helping DriveElectricTN continue the work we do and showing your fellow Tennesseans that you are ready to see more EVs on our roads.

Thank you for being part of the electric revolution in our state. We can’t do this without you!