Documents and identification you must bring to the DMV

Tennessee requires you to bring three categories of documents to get a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot complete the process without all three, and the DMV will turn you away if any are missing.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a valid passport, or a valid military ID. The document must not be expired. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original Certificate of Naturalization or your green card.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. A tax return also works. The document must show your full nine-digit number.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Tennessee address. A government check or tax return also counts. The document must have your name and address on it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, valid passport, or valid military ID as proof of identity.
  • You must bring your Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or pay stub showing your full Social Security number.
  • You must bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your Tennessee address.
  • The DMV will not issue a license if you are missing any of these three document categories, so check before you go.
  • If your birth certificate is a certified copy, it must have the raised seal or embossed mark from the issuing county or state office.

What happens if your documents are not in your name

If your proof of residency is in a spouse's name or a roommate's name, bring a second document that shows the connection. A marriage certificate works for a spouse. For a roommate or family member, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. The DMV will not accept a letter without a notary seal.

If your birth certificate shows a different name than the one you use now — because of marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that explains the change. For marriage, bring the marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order. These must be originals or certified copies.

Renewing or replacing an existing Tennessee license

If you already have a Tennessee driver's license and are renewing it, you may not need to bring all three document categories. If your license is not expired and you are renewing before it expires, you can renew by mail or online without visiting the DMV. You will need to provide your license number and date of birth.

If your license has expired or you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you must visit the DMV in person and bring the same three document categories as a new applicant. Bring your old license if you still have it — the DMV will take it and issue a new one with the same number.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring a Social Security letter from the Social Security Administration. The DMV will not accept it as proof of your Social Security number. You also do not need to bring a copy of your documents — originals or certified copies are required, and photocopies are not accepted.

You do not need to bring proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or a vehicle title to get a driver's license. Those are required only when you register a vehicle. You also do not need to bring a letter from your employer or school, even if you live in employer or school housing — bring a utility bill or lease instead.

What certified copy means and how to get one

A certified copy is a photocopy of an official document that has been stamped and signed by the office that issued the original. For a birth certificate, you request a certified copy from the county or state vital records office where you were born. The copy will have a raised seal, embossed mark, or official stamp on it. A photocopy you make yourself at home is not a certified copy and will not be accepted.

You can order a certified birth certificate by mail, phone, or online from your state's vital records office. Most states charge between $15 and $30 per copy and take one to three weeks to mail it. Some states offer rush service for an extra fee. Search "[your state] vital records" to find the office's website and ordering instructions.

Bringing documents from outside the United States

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a U.S. birth certificate, bring your original Certificate of Naturalization or your green card as proof of identity. If your green card is expired, it still counts — the DMV accepts expired green cards.

If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original document and an English translation. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or notary. A translation you do yourself will not be accepted. Some DMV offices have staff who can translate common documents on the spot, but do not count on it — call ahead to ask.

What to do if you cannot find a required document

If you cannot find your Social Security card, order a replacement from the Social Security Administration. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. A replacement card takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, bring a W-2, 1099, pay stub, or tax return showing your Social Security number instead.

If you cannot find your birth certificate and cannot wait for a certified copy to arrive by mail, some county vital records offices will issue a same-day certified copy if you visit in person. Call the vital records office in the county where you were born to ask whether they offer walk-in service. If they do, bring a photo ID and cash or check, as not all offices accept cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photo from my phone instead of a printed utility bill?

No. The DMV requires an original document or certified copy. A photo of a bill on your phone is not accepted. Print the bill or bring the original paper copy. If you do not have a printer, most libraries and UPS stores will print documents for a small fee.

What if I was born in another country and do not have a green card or naturalization certificate?

Bring your passport instead. If your passport is expired, it still counts as proof of identity for a driver's license. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency in Tennessee.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I just bring a pay stub?

Either one works. You do not have to bring your card. A pay stub, W-2, 1099, or tax return showing your full Social Security number is acceptable. Choose whichever document you have on hand.

Can my roommate's utility bill count as proof of residency if they sign a letter saying I live there?

Yes, but the letter must be notarized. A notary will stamp and sign the letter to confirm your roommate's identity. Most banks, UPS stores, and libraries offer notary service for $5 to $15. Bring the notarized letter and the utility bill together to the DMV.

What if my name on my birth certificate is different from my current name?

Bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. The document must be an original or certified copy. The DMV will use it to confirm that both names refer to you.