Tennessee Code Title 55. Motor and Other Vehicles § 55-6-103

(a) All fees collected by the department by the terms of this chapter and chapter 2 of this title shall be for the benefit of the state and the same when so collected shall be deposited by the commissioner with the state treasurer and shall become a part of the general funds of the state.

(b) All fees required to be paid to the clerks of the various counties shall, unless otherwise specifically provided, be retained by the clerk and handled in the same manner as all other fees collected by the clerk for the clerk's benefit.