How to Register an X-Ray Machine in Tennessee: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Opening, buying, moving, or changing an X-ray facility in Tennessee can involve several radiation-control steps. This guide puts the ordinary registration sequence, official links, timing, fees, and records in one place.
Heartland Physics can review the project scope and confirm whether its current qualifications and authorization cover any shielding work required for this project. Use the current government sources linked below for registration, plan review, fees, inspections, and filing requirements.
Quick answer
Tennessee requires X-ray equipment to be registered with the state's X-Ray Registration program. Current 2026 guidance instructs a registrant that acquires a new X-ray unit to register it within 10 days of possession. Annual fees depend on the equipment class.
Start here: official forms and filing links
Use the official links below for the current application, instructions, or radiation-control program page. State forms and fees can change, so use the current agency version rather than an old saved copy.
What to gather before you start
• Facility legal name, physical location, mailing/billing information, and responsible owner or operator
• Each X-ray machine's manufacturer, model, serial number, tube information, room/location, and intended use
• Radiation Safety Officer or Radiation Protection Officer information when the jurisdiction requests it
• Shielding plan, room drawing, workload/occupancy assumptions, or plan-review documentation when applicable
• Installer or assembler reports, acceptance testing, inspection/calibration records, and applicable professional credentials
• Current registration fee or payment information
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Handle the room and shielding requirements
Confirm the room's shielding requirements before construction or installation and keep the shielding calculations/design with the facility records. Tennessee does not impose a separate shielding-designer license or registration for shielding-calculation/design-only work.
Step 2: Complete the registration application
Use the Tennessee X-Ray Registration process and provide the facility, owner, equipment, and tube information required for the new machine. The facility/registrant, rather than the installer, is responsible for registering the unit.
Step 3: Submit the application and fee
Submit the new-equipment registration information to the Tennessee X-Ray Registration program using the current online or program instructions, including XRay.Registration@tn.gov when directed.
Step 4: Complete the post-filing requirements
Complete the inspection requirements applicable to the equipment. Tennessee's program describes an initial inspection by a registered inspector within three months as part of the process for qualifying for the reduced annual fee structure.
Step 5: Renew and report changes
Tennessee X-ray registration fees are annual. Follow the program's renewal notice and report equipment additions, removals, or ownership/location changes.
Cost
Annual fees depend on the equipment class. Current state materials use different schedules for dental, medical, therapy, and other equipment. Confirm the class and current invoice before payment; facilities meeting the state's inspection conditions may qualify for a reduced subsequent-year fee.
State contact
Tennessee X-Ray Registration: XRay.Registration@tn.gov; 615-532-0364.
Keep these records together
• Submitted registration application and payment receipt
• Current registration certificate, permit, license, or equipment decal information
• Shielding design, calculations, room drawings, and state plan-review correspondence when applicable
• Installer/assembler paperwork, acceptance tests, calibration records, and equipment-performance reports
• Inspection reports, operating procedures, staff training, dosimetry, maintenance, and other records required for the facility
Important reminder
This is a practical guide to the ordinary radiation-machine registration process, not a substitute for the regulator's current instructions. Mammography, radiation therapy, mobile services, industrial radiography, research equipment, and other specialized uses can trigger additional permits, professional qualifications, inspections, or federal requirements.
Official sources
Source note: Use the current government sources linked on this page. Requirements, forms, fees, contacts, and procedures can change.
For Heartland Physics project inquiries, email Lancer@heartlandphysics.com.