FAQs About Ordering a Tennessee Pickleball Specialty License Plate
Why should I buy a Tennessee Pickleball License Plate?
By purchasing a Tennessee Pickleball Specialty License Plate, you’re not just showing your love for the fastest-growing sport in America — you’re helping kids across Tennessee discover the joy of pickleball. Each plate directly supports the Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association (TJPA), funding equipment for schools, after-school programs, scholarships, and tournaments in your community that give students the chance to play, learn, and grow. Every mile you drive with your pickleball plate makes a difference — for our kids, our communities, and the future of the game.
How much does it cost?
In Tennessee, the annual fee for a specialty license plate is $61.50 (compared to $26.50 for a standard plate). To reserve your Tennessee Pickleball plate, we’ll collect $35 from you now.
What does my $35 purchase of this plate benefit?
Minus a small production cost to produce the plates, 50% of the fee is allocated to our nonprofit, Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association, Inc.; 40% to the Tennessee Arts Commission; and 10% to the Tennessee Highway Fund. So roughly, TJPA receives around $17 or so per plate. We are not rendering accounting advice here but, according to the TN Department of Revenue, the fee is tax-deductible.
May I personalize my plate?
Specific numbered or personalized plates are not available during the pre-sale of 1,000 plates. You will have that option on the next renewal of your specialty plate.
When do I receive my plate?
The Tennessee Department of Revenue will mail letters to let customers know when their assigned plates will be in their local county clerk’s office.
Who designed the plate?
The Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association specialty plate was designed by Terry Schmitt, technology coach and teacher at Riverdale Elementary School in Germantown, Tennessee. Terry also designed the Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association logo and works with TJPA as a consultant. He shares our passion for community, creativity, and youth sports.
What happens if my current plate registration expires before my new plate arrives?
Follow your normal renewal process. The Tennessee Department of Revenue will mail letters to let customers know when their assigned plates will be in their local county clerk’s office. When you pick up your plate, you will receive a credit for the remaining days of your term unless your tags are due to expire within 30 days. Your new tags will expire one year from the date you are issued your specialty license plate.
Do I have to renew my registration to pre-order a plate?
The Tennessee Department of Revenue will mail letters to let customers know when their assigned plates will be in their local county clerk’s office. When you pick up your plate, you will receive a credit for the remaining days of your term unless your tags are due to expire within 30 days. Your new tags will expire one year from the date you are issued your specialty license plate.
How will I hear updates on the impact of my purchase?
When you purchase a plate, you’ll be added to our Rally Rising newsletter list so you can stay connected with the latest junior pickleball news and impact stories. We also invite you to join us as a volunteer—TJPA hosts training events across Tennessee, and your involvement helps bring pickleball to even more kids. By choosing a TJPA plate, you’re not just supporting a cause—you’re fueling a movement that’s growing the game and inspiring the next generation of players.
What programs or initiatives will my purchase support?
Funds from the TJPA specialty plate help us provide equipment, coaching, tournaments, and league play opportunities for kids of all ages and abilities. They also support adaptive and inclusive pickleball programs, teacher training, and partnerships with schools, churches, and parks. Every plate sold strengthens youth pickleball in your county and across Tennessee.
What if I just renewed my plate?
The Tennessee Department of Revenue will mail letters to let customers know when their assigned plates will be in their local county clerk’s office. When you pick up your plate, you will receive a credit for the remaining days of your term unless your tags are due to expire within 30 days. Your new tags will expire one year from the date you are issued your specialty license plate.
What if I already own a different specialty plate?
If you own more than one vehicle, you may want to order this specialty license plate for another vehicle. Registration applies to a single vehicle.
Is shipping included in the $35 fee?
There is no additional shipping fee. The Tennessee Department of Revenue will mail letters to let customers know when their assigned plates will be in their local county clerk’s office.
What happens to my existing license plate?
Your existing license plate will no longer be registered to a vehicle, and you may keep it.
Is there a limit to the number of plates I can order?
The specialty plate is available for vehicles registered in Tennessee (excluding commercial vehicles). If you own more than one vehicle, you may order a TJPA specialty license plate for each one. Registration applies to a single vehicle.
If I have more than one car, do I need to fill out the form separately for each plate I want to purchase?
Yes. If there are multiple drivers in your household ordering a plate, you will fill out the form once for each driver. The “Your Information” section should include the name and contact information for the vehicle registrant. For example, if you are purchasing three plates for three separate family members, but the title of all three vehicles is under the same name, you will fill out the form three times with the same information.
Is this the final design of the plate?
Yes, this plate design was approved by the Tennessee Legislature. It reflects the Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association’s commitment to growing and promoting youth pickleball statewide.
I live outside of Tennessee — may I still pre-order a plate?
You must be a resident of Tennessee to purchase a Tennessee Pickleball specialty license plate.