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SB 876

Motor Vehicles, Titling and Registration - As enacted, increases, from $5 to $7, the fee for the service of handling mail orders that renew a registration plate through the U.S. postal service; increases, from $2 to $3, the fee for the service of handling mail orders of decals. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 4, Part 1.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee raises mail-order vehicle registration renewal fees from $5 to $7 and decal order fees from $2 to $3, effective July 1, 2025.

Pub. Ch. 326
#motorvehicles #titlingandregistration
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 876

Legislative bill overview

SB 876 increases two administrative fees related to vehicle registration services in Tennessee: the mail-order registration plate renewal fee rises from $5 to $7, and the mail-order decal fee increases from $2 to $3. The bill became effective July 1, 2025, and represents modest adjustments to service fees that have likely remained unchanged for several years.

Why is this important

These fee increases affect Tennessee residents who renew vehicle registrations by mail rather than in person. While the increases are small in absolute terms ($2 and $1 respectively), they represent the state's mechanism for funding the administrative costs of processing mail-based registration services. The changes impact how much Tennesseans pay for convenience when avoiding in-person trips to registration offices.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive impact: Lower-income drivers who rely on mail service for registration renewals may experience these fees as proportionally more burdensome than wealthier residents
  • Cumulative burden: When combined with other registration and licensing fees, these increases add to the overall cost of vehicle ownership, which has already risen due to inflation
  • Transparency gap: The bill provides no explanation of cost justification—whether administrative costs actually increased or if this is revenue generation for general state purposes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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