New Driver Checklist

Relocating to Tennessee and Getting a New Driver License

You have 30 days to apply for a Tennessee (TN) drivers license after you finish moving to the state. As a new resident you will visit a Department of Safety (DOS) driver licensing center to apply for your TN driver license. TN does not allow residents to keep a drivers license from more than one state.

Most stations are open Monday through Friday. Dial (866) 849-3548 to inquire about office locations and hours of operation.

Requirements for Drivers Relocating to Tennessee

Post relocation to TN, each new resident must provide documents to the DOS that proves citizenship, residency, and identity.

Documents the driver licensing station accepts as proof of your citizenship and identity include your:

• Birth certificate
• Official naturalization or citizenship certificates (i.e. N550, N560)
• Social Security card

Acceptable documents that you can use to prove your TN residency are:

• Recent utility bill
• Bank statement
• Pay stub

Provide original copies of all documents. DOS does not accept photocopied documents.

If your out-of-state driver license is still valid, you only need to take the vision screening.

However, should you have to take the written and driving tests, grab a copy of the current TN driver’s manual before you leave the licensing station.

Relocating to Tennessee with an Expired Out-of-State Driver License

If your out-of-state driver license is expired for six months or longer, you must take the TN vision, written, and driving portions of the license test. After you pass all required tests, surrender your out-of-state driver license and license plates to the clerk at the driver licensing center.

Study the manual thoroughly. Partner with a friend or relative to take a practice test based on information in the manual. Also take the practice test at the DOS website at the bottom of the page under “Online Services.”

Pass the written and driving tests then pay the licensing fee. Have your photograph taken at the licensing station to receive your drivers license. TN drivers licenses are good for five years.