Applicable Vehicles
The state of Tennessee requires that all cars, trucks, and motorcycles be registered annually, with the exception of antique cars that are used primarily for showcasing as a collector's item.
Vehicle Inspection
In the city of Memphis, residents are required to have their vehicles inspected prior to registration. This inspection must be performed annually. Cars that are four years old or newer are exempt from inspection.
To have your vehicle inspected, go to one of the city's four inspection stations listed below. There is no fee for the inspection. The following items will be inspected: emissions, headlights, windshield, tail lights, turn signals, rear-view mirrors, window tinting, emergency brakes, side glass, windshield wipers, brake lights, exhaust system, and tail light lenses. If your car is smoking, leaking fluids, overheating, has no vehicle identification number, or has pets inside, you will be refused an inspection.
Inspection Stations
The listed locations and hours are correct at the time of this writing but are subject to change. Visit the City of Memphis website to confirm this information before planning your inspection.
- 590 Washington Ave.
Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - 855 N. White Station Rd.
Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - 1720 RKS Commercial Cove (Lamar)
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - 2355 Appling City Cove
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday - 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Registration
After you have had your vehicle inspected, you may register or renew your registration by mail, online, or in person.
- By mail:
Shelby County Clerk
P.O. Box 3743
Memphis, TN 38173-0743 - Online:
https://renewals.shelbycountytn.gov/OnlineRenewals/ - In person:
150 Washington Ave., Poplar Plaza-3412A Plaza Dr., 2037 Exeter Road in Germantown, Whitehaven Plaza-4122 Elvis Presley, 3616 Austin-Peay Highway Suite #4, 1075 Mullins Station Road-West Wing (Only location that serves dealers), 4836 Navy Rd. in Millington
Fees
Currently, fees for registering a car in the city of Memphis are as follows:
City fee - $30
Registration fee - $24
Title fee - $13
Wheel tax - $50*
Total = $117
or $106.00 for renewal only
These fees are subject to change. Please visit the Shelby County website to confirm current fees.
