JDM Car Dealerships in Tennessee

Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from federal NHTSA and EPA import standards, and Tennessee is one of the easier states for JDM registration — there is no statewide safety inspection program. Right-hand-drive imports are permitted, and basic equipment requirements (lights, mirrors, wipers, horn) apply.

Bring your federal import paperwork (CBP Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1, DOT Form HS-7), the Japanese export certificate with a notarized translation, your bill of sale, and proof of insurance meeting Tennessee's 25/50/15 minimums to your county clerk's office. A VIN inspection by law enforcement or an authorized agent is required, and short Japanese chassis numbers are accepted. Title fee is $14, registration is $26.50, and sales/use tax is 7% state plus up to 2.75% local.

Tennessee has historically permitted kei trucks for road use, and Tennessee dealers continue to sell road-titled kei mini trucks. As kei truck rules have shifted in some states recently, confirm the current titling situation with the county clerk or your dealer before purchasing.

Emissions testing is required only in six counties around Nashville and Chattanooga: Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson. Vehicles over 25 years old are exempt — which covers all properly imported JDM vehicles. Most of the state has no testing at all.

Yes — most Tennessee dealers ship nationwide and provide the bill of sale and federal import documents your home state's DMV will need.