Do you have a DMV Question?

To register your 1966 Porsche 912 as a historic vehicle in Tennessee and obtain a vanity plate, here’s what you’ll likely need and the associated costs:

Registering Your 1966 Porsche 912 as a Historic Vehicle (Antique Auto):

Since your Porsche 912 is a 1966 model, it qualifies as an “antique motor vehicle” in Tennessee, as it is over 25 years old with a non-modified engine and body. To register it as such, you will generally need to:

Provide Proof of Ownership: This typically includes the vehicle’s title. Ensure the title is properly assigned to you.
Complete the “Certification for Antique Registration” form: You can usually find this form on the Tennessee Department of Revenue or your local County Clerk’s website. This form requires you to certify that the vehicle meets the criteria for an antique motor vehicle and will be used primarily for participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, and similar uses, with limited general transportation on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.
Submit the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration: Along with the antique registration form.
Pay the Applicable Fees: The registration fee for Class (C) Antique Vehicles is typically $32.75, plus any applicable county fees. This is generally a permanent registration and does not require annual renewal as long as you own the vehicle.
Provide Identification: As mentioned in our previous conversation, you’ll need to provide valid proof of your identity.
Provide Proof of Tennessee Residency: You will also need to provide two acceptable proofs of your current Tennessee address.
Obtaining a Vanity Plate (“66PORS”) for a Historic Vehicle:

Yes, you can obtain a personalized (vanity) plate for a historic vehicle in Tennessee. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligibility: Once your vehicle is registered as an “Antique Auto,” you are generally eligible to apply for a personalized plate.

Application: You will need to complete a “Tennessee Personalized License Plate Application.” This form can usually be found on the Tennessee Department of Revenue website.

Availability of Your Desired Plate: You will need to indicate your desired lettering (“66PORS”) on the application. The Department will check if this specific combination is available. There are restrictions on the number of characters (usually up to 7, including spaces) and the use of special characters or punctuation.

Submission: You will submit the personalized plate application along with the required fee to the:

Vehicle Services Section
Taxpayer and Vehicle Services Division
44 Vantage Way, Suite 160
Nashville, TN 37243-8050 1  
1.
http://www.shelbycountytn.gov
http://www.shelbycountytn.gov

Cost: The fee for a personalized plate is an additional $35.00 per year on top of the regular state registration fee (which, for antique vehicles, is a one-time $32.75 plus county fees). So, you will pay the initial antique vehicle registration fee plus the $35.00 annual personalized plate fee.

Important Considerations for Historic Vehicle Plates:

Usage Restrictions: Antique motor vehicles registered under Tennessee Code Ann. § 55-4-111 have specific usage limitations. They are primarily intended for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, and similar collector’s item uses. General transportation is typically limited to Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. Violating these restrictions can lead to forfeiture of the antique vehicle registration and other penalties.
“Year of Manufacture” (Vintage) Plates: Tennessee law also allows you to display an official Tennessee license plate from the era the vehicle was manufactured (if you possess one) instead of the standard “ANTIQUE” plate issued by the state. For a 1966 vehicle, you could potentially use a 1966 Tennessee license plate if you have one. In this case, you would still register the vehicle as an antique and may need to keep the official antique plate and registration inside the vehicle. However, if you want a personalized message, you would need to apply for a personalized antique plate.
Permanent Registration: The standard antique vehicle registration is permanent as long as you own the vehicle. However, the personalized plate fee is an annual charge.
In summary, to get your 1966 Porsche 912 registered as a historic vehicle with the vanity plate “66PORS,” you will likely need to:

Gather your vehicle’s title and your identification and residency documents.
Complete the “Certification for Antique Registration” and the standard Application for Certificate of Title and Registration.
Submit these forms and pay the initial antique vehicle registration fee (approximately $32.75 + county fees).
Separately, complete the “Tennessee Personalized License Plate Application” with your desired “66PORS” lettering.
Submit the personalized plate application and pay the annual personalized plate fee ($35.00).
It is always best to verify these requirements and fees with the Tennessee Department of Revenue or your local County Clerk’s office to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific situation. They can also confirm the availability of your desired vanity plate.