Show Permit

Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission

A motor vehicle show is any display, except as provided herein below, of motor vehicles by one or more manufacturers, distributors, or motor vehicle dealers.

A motor vehicle show permit must be obtained by the sponsor or promoter thereof no later than ten (10) days prior to the commencement of the motor vehicle show. The permit, or a copy of it, shall be prominently displayed at any entrance into the motor vehicle show.

A show permit is good for seven (7) days and may be renewed one (1) time.

Requirements and General Information

  1. The applicant must provide the names and addresses of each manufacturer, distributor, or motor vehicle dealer displaying motor vehicles at the show.
  2. The sales price of each motor vehicle displayed at the show must be prominently displayed with the vehicle. Any warranty information associated with the vehicle must be available upon request.
  3. Any manufacturer, distributor, motor vehicle dealer, or other person displaying motor vehicles at the show must have a representative present at all times during the show.
  4. No sales or negotiations leading to the sale of motor vehicles, other than non-motorized camping trailers and travel trailers as provided by TCA Title 55 Chapter 17 et seq., may take place at the show.
  5. A manufacturer, distributor, or motor vehicle dealer may display at a single location without obtaining a motor vehicle show permit, provided that no representatives of the displayer are present and that no sales solicitations or activities take place at the following locations.
    1. The interior common areas of shopping malls, hotels, or convention centers
    2. The interior of wholesale shopping clubs
    3. County, regional, or state fairs
    4. Agricultural events and educational demonstrations
    5. Sporting and entertainment events in conjunction with the sponsorship thereof
    6. Commercial airport terminals

Application & Fees

Complete the “Initial Motor Vehicle Show Permit Application” online at core.tn.gov. The fee for an initial application is $200.