Tennessee license plates: What’s the best-selling specialty plate?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – “Drive with Dolly,” “Save the Bees,” and “Cool Cat” are just a few of the specialty license plates available for drivers in Tennessee.
In 2021, the Volunteer State unveiled its next standard license plate after a statewide vote.
The dark blue plate, which is displayed on the majority of vehicles, represents the state’s Grand Divisions – West, Middle, and East, according to Gov. Bill Lee.
How many types of special plates are available in TN?
Looking to stand out from the rest? Well, you’re in luck since there are more than 100 specialty plates to choose from to display on the rear of your vehicle in Tennessee.
However, with various options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start when choosing a plate for your vehicle.
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The Tennessee Department of Revenue placed the plates in special categories which include:
Colleges and universities
Branches of military
Special interest organizations
Professional organizations
Fraternity and sorority
Sports
For children
How much does it cost?
Standing out from the rest comes at a price. In fact, specialty plates require a $61.50 annual fee. The Department of Revenue reports $35 of that fee is allocated to the Tennessee Art Commission, the plate’s beneficiary and the Highway Fund.
What are the most popular specialty plates?
According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s 2023 Fiscal Report, these were the top-selling specialty plates last year:
#1: Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area
The Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area was the most popular specialty license issued in 2023. According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, 36,894 plates were issued bringing $619,130.55 to the beneficiary.
The profits included, but were not limited to, assisting in the maintenance and presentation of the park’s grounds and structures at Sycamore Shoals State Park in Elizabethton.
#2: Friends of the Smokies
Friends of the Smokies plate — which features a black bear and a backdrop of the Smoky Mountains — came in second with 32,506 issued and $1,103,559.55 going toward the beneficiary. Funds assist in the National Park Service’s care of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
#3: American Eagle Foundation
Plates sporting an American eagle and the slogan “In God We Trust,” came in third. The American Eagle Foundation plate helps with efforts to preserve bald eagles and their habitat. Last year, 19,849 were issued bringing $337,408.20 to the beneficiary.
#4: Agriculture
Agriculture plates came in fourth, with 19,685 issued. The plates benefit agriculture education and awareness of the Department of Agriculture.
#5: Fish and Wildlife Species
Trailing Agriculture were Fish and Wildlife Species plates, with 15,433 issued and $263,155.35 collected. The plate features a bear and helps the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) manage, protect and propagate fish and wildlife species.
#6: Dollywood Foundation
Tennesseans can support Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library by purchasing a “Drive with Dolly” license plate. Data shows 12,874 were issued in 2023 bringing in $214,680.35. According to the Dollywood Foundation, 100% of the plate sales help fund a child’s enrollment in the program for a full year.
#7: Save the Bees
Save the Bees plates — which feature the slogan “SAVE THE HONEY BEE” — was the seventh most popular with 11,047 issued. Proceeds raised by the plates help provide funding for local schools and camps for equipment material needed for beekeeping. $183,730.20 of proceeds were raised from plate sales in 2023.
#8: St. Jude’s Research Hospital
With 11,005 issued, St. Jude’s Research Hospital plates collected $379.589.70 to go toward a special fund used for research into the causes and treatment of cancer-related illness in children at hospitals in Tennessee.
#9: Tennessee Titans
Plates representing the two-toned blue came in ninth, with 10,404 issued and $177,630.70 going toward the Titans Foundation, which distributes funds equally to Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee, Boy Scouts of Tennessee, Camp Discovery, Fisk University Scholarship Fund, Girl Scouts of Tennessee, Jason Foundation, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Saint Thomas Midtown Maternity/Birthing Center, and the Tennessee State University Scholarship Fund.
#10: Tennessee Arts Commission – Cool Cat
Finally, the Tennessee Arts Commission saw $333,619.30 from the 9,913 plates that were issued in 2023.
How can I request a specialty plate?
To purchase one of the many specialty plates, motorists should call their local county clerk’s office or use the online application.
Can I create a specialty plate?
Yes, residents can establish a specialty plate to support an organization! However, you must contact a state legislator so a bill for the plate can be introduced. Once the bill passes, the organization must provide information that includes: a template of the plate, names for the initial order and specifics for the artwork.
| Check out more lists and rankings from across Tennessee →
After the information is submitted to the Department of Revenue, the plate will undergo road tests and take up to six weeks before it’s produced. For more information, click here.
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