What You Need to Do to Transfer Your License to Tennessee
To transfer your driver's license to Tennessee, you must visit a Driver Services office in person, bring your current out-of-state license, and complete the written test and vision screening. Tennessee does not accept online transfers or mail-in requests — you will need to appear at a location, take the tests, and pay the transfer fee. The process typically takes one visit and a few weeks for your new license to arrive by mail.
The state treats a transfer differently from a renewal. You are not straightforward updating an existing Tennessee license; you are converting an out-of-state license into a Tennessee one. This means you must pass the written exam and vision test, even if your current license is valid and you have held it for years.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- Tennessee requires you to pass the written knowledge test and vision screening as part of the transfer, regardless of your driving history.
- The transfer fee is $27.50 for a standard four-year license, and you can choose a Real ID-compliant license for an additional $15.
- Your new Tennessee license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks; you will receive a temporary paper license at the office to use when ready.
- Driver Services offices are located in every county, and you can find your nearest location and check wait times on the Tennessee DMV website.
Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Office
Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, as the office staff will need to see it and may keep it on file. You will also need proof of your Tennessee residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A government-issued ID other than your driver's license (such as a passport) is acceptable if your current license has expired.
You must also provide proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from the government will satisfy this requirement. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized, bring one of these documents with you.
If your name has changed since your out-of-state license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Without this, the name on your Tennessee license will match your current license, which may not match your legal name.
The Written Test and Vision Screening
The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the Driver Services office, and you must score at least 24 correct (80 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the office staff which languages are available at your location.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. Many people pass on the first attempt, but if you are unfamiliar with Tennessee-specific rules, you can study the Tennessee Driver Handbook online before your visit. The handbook is free and covers everything the test will ask.
The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will be referred to an eye care professional and cannot complete your transfer until you pass a vision test from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Fees and License Options
The standard transfer fee is $27.50 for a four-year license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which is required for federal buildings and domestic air travel as of May 2025 — add $15 to the total cost, making it $42.50. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and requires one additional document: proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.
Proof of citizenship can be an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a permanent resident card. If you do not have one of these documents, you can still get a standard Tennessee license for $27.50, but you will not be able to use it for federal purposes.
Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at the Driver Services office. Some offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
Finding a Driver Services Office and What to Expect
Tennessee has a Driver Services office in every county. You can find the address, phone number, and current wait times for your nearest office on the Tennessee DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are accepted, but arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means shorter waits.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they are organized and straightforward to hand over. The entire process — paperwork, test, vision screening, and photo — usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Your Temporary License and When Your New License Arrives
After you pass the test and vision screening, the office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid when ready and allows you to drive legally in Tennessee while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Keep it with you while driving.
Your permanent Tennessee driver's license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the Driver Services office where you applied. Do not discard your temporary license until your permanent one arrives.
Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. You are not required to return it, but shredding it prevents someone else from using it if it is lost or stolen.
What Happens to Your Out-of-State License
Your out-of-state license will be kept on file by the Tennessee Driver Services office. You do not need to return it to your previous state; Tennessee handles that part of the process. However, if you want to keep your out-of-state license as a souvenir or for identification purposes, ask the office staff whether they can return it to you instead of filing it. Some offices will do this, but it is not may provide.
Once your Tennessee license is active, you should not use your out-of-state license for driving or official identification in Tennessee. If you are stopped by law enforcement, present your Tennessee license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the written test if my out-of-state license is still valid?
Yes. Tennessee requires all drivers transferring from another state to pass the written knowledge test and vision screening, regardless of how long your current license is valid or your driving history. This is a state law and applies to everyone.
What if I fail the written test on my first try?
You can retake the test the same day at no additional cost. You will need to wait a short time between attempts. Most Driver Services offices allow you to study the handbook while you wait. If you fail a second time, you may be asked to return on another day or to study more before retaking it again.
Can I transfer my license by mail or online?
No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office. There is no mail-in or online transfer process. You must visit the office, take the tests, and have your photo taken.
What if I have a commercial driver's license in my current state?
A commercial driver's license (CDL) transfer has additional requirements beyond a standard license transfer. You will need to pass the CDL knowledge tests specific to your endorsements and may need to provide medical certification. Contact your local Driver Services office or the Tennessee DMV for detailed CDL transfer instructions.
How long is a Tennessee driver's license valid?
A standard Tennessee driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. You will need to renew it before it expires. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person, depending on your situation at the time of renewal.