Tennessee does not require a statewide mechanical safety inspection for most passenger vehicles. What it does require varies by county, and that distinction matters the moment you register a car in Davidson County (Nashville).
Davidson County (Nashville) Emissions Inspection
If you register a vehicle in Davidson County, you are required to pass an annual emissions inspection. The rules:
- All 1975 and newer gasoline and diesel light-duty vehicles must be tested annually
- “Light duty” means 10,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or less
- The fee is $9.00
The test itself is an OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) test for vehicles 1996 and newer: a technician plugs into your vehicle’s diagnostic port to check whether the onboard computer shows any emissions-related faults. Older vehicles (1975-1995 gasoline) get a single-speed idle tailpipe test. Diesel vehicles from 1975-2001 get a curb idle opacity test.
Exemptions include:
- New motor vehicles being registered for the first time
- Heavy duty vehicles over 10,500 lbs. GVWR
- Vehicles with a model year prior to 1975
- Diesel vehicles manufactured after 2001
The Nashville Vehicle Inspection Program (VIP) maintains a list of approved testing stations at nashvillevip.org. You cannot renew your registration without a current passing certificate.
If your vehicle fails, the Metro Public Health Department offers a free diagnostic service at 615-340-5656 to help you identify and resolve the problem before retesting.
Surrounding County Requirements
Not every Tennessee county requires emissions testing. The counties that do include Davidson, Rutherford, and Williamson. People who live in Sumner, Wilson, or Cheatham County, for example, do not need an emissions test. This is why people who want to register older or high-mileage vehicles sometimes consider addresses just outside the core metro counties.
New Resident Vehicle Registration
If you are moving to Tennessee from another state, you must register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. The process goes through your county clerk’s office, not a DMV.
Documents needed (bring all of these):
- Your out-of-state title and current registration
- Completed Application for Certificate of Ownership (available at the office or online)
- Valid photo ID reflecting your Tennessee address, or two proofs of residency if your ID has not been updated yet
- Proof of Tennessee car insurance (minimum liability coverage required)
- Emissions test certificate if required by your county
- Payment for registration fees (base personal vehicle fee: $26.50, plus applicable county wheel taxes and other charges)
For out-of-state vehicles, the clerk may also require a VIN inspection completed by a licensed Tennessee VIN inspector.
Electric vehicles: Add $100 to the registration fee. This is the EV surcharge that substitutes for fuel tax.
The Counter at the County Clerk vs. the DMV
In Tennessee, vehicle registration happens at the Davidson County Clerk’s Office, not the Department of Motor Vehicles. The county clerk handles titles, plates, and registration. The Tennessee Department of Safety handles driver’s licenses. These are separate trips.
The Davidson County Clerk’s office is at 501 Broadway, Suite 600, downtown Nashville. They also have satellite locations. Making an appointment reduces wait time significantly; walk-in waits on Mondays and Tuesdays can run an hour or more.
Registration Renewal
Annual renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is available through the Davidson County Clerk’s website if your emissions inspection is current and on file. Renewals typically open 60 days before expiration. Tennessee allows a 30-day grace period after the expiration date, but driving with an expired registration is technically a violation.
Sources:
- Nashville Vehicle Inspection Program overview: nashvillevip.org
- Tennessee Vehicle Registration – PolicySurfer: policysurfer.com
- Tennessee Registration Requirements – TennesseeVehicle.org: tennesseevehicle.org
- JG Title Company Tennessee Registration Guide (December 2025): jgtitleco.com