What you need to do to switch your license to Tennessee
To change your driver's license to Tennessee, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person, bring documents proving your identity and Tennessee residency, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. Tennessee does not accept mail-in transfers or online renewals for out-of-state drivers. The entire process takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times at busy locations can add an hour or more.
You cannot keep your old license from another state once Tennessee issues you a new one. Tennessee will issue you a new license number, and your old state's license becomes invalid the moment you receive the Tennessee version.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with original documents — mail-in and online options are not available for out-of-state transfers.
- Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your current out-of-state license.
- You will take a vision test at the center; you do not need to retake the written or road test unless Tennessee has different requirements than your previous state.
- The fee for a standard driver's license in Tennessee is $28.50 for an eight-year license, and you receive your new license the same day.
- If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with restrictions, the process is more complex and may require additional testing.
Documents you must bring to the Driver Services Center
Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, even though it will no longer be valid after you receive your Tennessee license. You also need one document proving your identity. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.
You must also prove you live in Tennessee. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you. The document must be dated within the last 90 days and show your current Tennessee address. If you just moved to Tennessee and do not yet have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from your landlord or a utility company letter showing your name and address.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have a certified copy, you can obtain one from the county clerk's office in the county where the event occurred.
Finding a Driver Services Center and scheduling your visit
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in every county. You can find the location nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Some centers allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. If your local center does not offer appointments, you can walk in during business hours, though you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week.
Centers are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and more crowded on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. If you have flexibility, visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning will usually get you through faster. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they are organized and straightforward to hand over.
The vision test and what happens at your appointment
When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is present and correct. If anything is missing or expired, they will tell you when ready and you will need to come back with the correct document.
Once your documents are approved, you will take a vision test. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot receive your license that day and will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction certificate.
You will not retake the written test or road test unless you are moving from a state with significantly different rules or you are obtaining a CDL. Tennessee recognizes most out-of-state licenses as proof that you have already passed these tests. However, if you are moving from a country outside the United States, you will need to pass both the written and road tests.
Paying the fee and receiving your license
The fee for a standard eight-year driver's license in Tennessee is $28.50. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card — the center will tell you which payment methods they accept. Some centers may charge a small additional fee if you pay by card.
If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025), the fee is $33.50. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. You do not need to do anything special to request it — just tell the staff member you want a Real ID license when you pay.
You will receive your new Tennessee license the same day you visit. The staff member will take your photograph at the center. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued. Your old out-of-state license is no longer valid once you receive your Tennessee license and should be destroyed or kept as a souvenir.
Special situations: CDL, restrictions, and name changes
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state, the process is more involved. You must pass Tennessee's CDL written test and a road test in a vehicle that matches your CDL class. You cannot straightforward transfer a CDL. Contact your local Driver Services Center or the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to learn the specific requirements and testing schedule for your CDL class.
If your out-of-state license has restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only — those restrictions will transfer to your Tennessee license automatically. If you want to remove a restriction, you may need to pass an additional test or provide medical documentation. Ask the staff member at the Driver Services Center what documentation you need.
If your name has changed since your last license, bring the certified document proving the change. The staff member will update your name in the system, and your new Tennessee license will show your current legal name.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
Tennessee does not allow you to renew or transfer your license by mail or online if you are an out-of-state driver. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person. If you are temporarily out of state or unable to visit for a medical reason, you can contact your local Driver Services Center to ask about exceptions, though they are rare.
If you have moved to Tennessee for work but still maintain a residence in your previous state, you must still obtain a Tennessee license within a set timeframe. Tennessee law requires you to change your license within 30 days of establishing residency. Driving on an out-of-state license after that period can result in a traffic citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to retake the written driving test?
No, if you are transferring from another U.S. state. Tennessee recognizes your out-of-state license as proof you have passed the written test. You only need to pass the vision test. If you are moving from outside the United States, you must pass both the written and road tests.
Can I keep my old license number?
No. Tennessee will assign you a new license number. Your old license number from your previous state will no longer be active. Write down your new number before you leave the Driver Services Center.
How long does my Tennessee license last?
A standard Tennessee driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You will need to renew it after eight years. Renewal can be done online or by mail if you have not had any changes to your address, name, or medical status.
What if I moved to Tennessee but still have an out-of-state address on my documents?
You must bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your Tennessee address. If all your documents still show your old address, you can bring a notarized letter from your landlord or a utility company letter. The staff member will help you determine what counts as proof of residency.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?
No. Tennessee issues your permanent license the same day you visit the Driver Services Center. You receive it before you leave. There is no temporary license option for transfers from other states.