Tennessee Code Title 55. Motor and Other Vehicles § 55-4-271

(a)(1) Subject to the requirements of § 55-4-202, the commissioner is authorized, and shall issue, a registration plate to an owner or lessee of a motorcycle who is otherwise eligible for a national guard plate, enumerated in § 55-4-203(c)(3), a Tennessee state guard plate, enumerated in § 55-4-269, a memorial plate, enumerated in § 55-4-203(c)(4), or a military plate, enumerated in § 55-4-203(c)(5); provided, however, that the owner or lessee shall comply with the state motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motorcycles; and, except for an owner or lessee eligible for a memorial plate, enumerated in § 55-4-203(c)(4), and as provided in § 55-4-255(d)(1)(A) for an enlisted national guard member, pay the regular fee applicable to motorcycles, and the applicable fee specified in § 55-4-204, prior to the issuance of any such plate.

(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the issuance of an additional plate or plates free of charge to an eligible owner or lessee, whether for a motorcycle, authorized motor vehicle, or a combination of the two, above the total number of free plates authorized by § 55-4-261 for former prisoners of war, by § 55-4-258 pertaining to recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, by § 55-4-259 for recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star (Valor), Air Medal (Valor), or the Distinguished Flying Cross, by § 55-4-256 for disabled veterans, including those disabled veterans who choose to receive the Purple Heart plate, pursuant to § 55-4-256(d), or by § 55-4-255(d)(1)(A) for enlisted national guard members, as applicable.