Motor Vehicle Title and Registration Taxes

Authority.  T.C.A., Title 55, Chapters 1 through 6.

Description.  Before operating any motor vehicle upon the streets or highways of this state, the vehicle must be registered (subject to certain exceptions).  The registration fee is a privilege tax upon operation. It is administered by the Commissioner of Revenue and collected by the county clerk of the county of the owner's residence or the county wherein the vehicle is based or to be operated.  A nonresident may apply directly to the Department of Revenue for registration.  T.C.A. §§ 55-4-101(c), 55-6-105.  Terms used in administering titles and registrations are defined in T.C.A. §§ 55-1-101 through 55-1-126.

Distribution.  These state registration fees and taxes are retained by the state, with ninety-eight percent (98%) going to the state highway fund and two percent (2%) going to the state general fund.  Notwithstanding this section or any other law to the contrary, the proceeds derived under chapter 4 of this title from the increases in fees imposed by chapter 181 of the Public Acts of 2017 shall be distributed solely to the highway fund. T.C.A. § 55-6-107.

Additional Fees.  Beginning January 1, 2024, an additional registration fee must be paid for all-electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.  The fees are set forth in T.C.A. § 55-4-116.  Revenue from these additional fees will be distributed as follows:

(1) Sixty-three and four-tenths percent (63.4%) to the state highway fund;
(2) Eleven and eight-tenths percent (11.8%) to municipalities, as defined in § 54-4-201, on the basis set out in § 54-4-203;
(3) Twenty-two percent (22%) to counties on the basis set out in § 54-4-103; and
(4) Two and eight-tenths percent (2.8%) to the general fund.