Vehicle/DMV Benefits for Veterans in Tennessee
4 Vehicle/DMV benefits for veterans in Tennessee.
Free Disabled Veteran License Plate
The Tennessee Department of Revenue issues a disabled veteran license plate free of charge (registration and plate) for a vehicle registered to a qualifying disabled veteran, or jointly to the veteran and spouse.
Eligibility: Veteran with a 100% permanent and total VA service-connected disability, or who has loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, or permanent vision impairment of 20/200 or worse. One free plate per eligible veteran (grandfathered veterans may keep two).
Estimated value: Free plate and registration (normal fees waived)
How to apply: Apply through your county clerk with your VA disability documentation; the plate is administered by the TN Department of Revenue.
County Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax Exemption
Qualifying disabled veterans and former prisoners of war are exempt from the annual county motor vehicle privilege tax (wheel tax) on their vehicle registration.
Eligibility: Veteran with a 100% permanent and total VA service-connected disability, or a former prisoner of war, with status confirmed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Estimated value: Full exemption from the annual county wheel/privilege tax
How to apply: Submit evidence of your disability or POW status to the county officer who collects the motor vehicle privilege tax (typically the county clerk).
Free Disabled Parking Decal for Veterans
Disabled veterans can receive a free disabled driver decal that attaches to a specialty license plate, providing disabled parking privileges at no cost.
Eligibility: Veterans who meet the definition of a disabled driver under TCA 55-21-102.
Estimated value: No-cost disabled parking decal
How to apply: Contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue for the application and instructions; the decal is administered through that agency.
Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID
Honorably discharged veterans can have a veteran designation added to their Tennessee driver license or ID card, serving as convenient proof of veteran status without carrying discharge papers.
Eligibility: Any honorably discharged Tennessee veteran.
Estimated value: Standard license/ID fees apply; no separate charge for the designation
How to apply: Visit any driver services center with a certified or original copy of your DD-214 and request the veteran designation.