What you need to do when you move to Tennessee

Tennessee law requires you to get a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. You cannot legally drive on an out-of-state license once you have established residency in Tennessee, even if that license has not expired. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDHS) handles all driver's licenses in the state.

You will need to visit a Driver Services Center in person — you cannot complete this entirely online or by mail. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes if you have all required documents, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency, even if your current license is still valid.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency — all originals or certified copies, not photos.
  • A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days counts as proof of residency.
  • You will take a written test covering Tennessee traffic laws, an eye exam, and a photo at the Driver Services Center.
  • A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $27 and is valid for five years.

Documents to bring to the Driver Services Center

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and photos of documents are not accepted. You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a valid out-of-state driver's license, a military ID, a state ID card, or a certified birth certificate. If you bring a passport, it must be unexpired or expired no more than five years ago.

For proof of Social Security number, bring one of these: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. A birth certificate does not count as proof of your Social Security number.

For proof of Tennessee residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Tennessee address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document. A post office change-of-address form does not count.

The written test and what it covers

At the Driver Services Center, you will take a written test on Tennessee traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must return on another day to retake it.

The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle traffic signals and lane markings. Tennessee provides a free study guide called the Tennessee Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the TDHS website. Many people study this manual for a few hours before their visit and pass the test on the first attempt.

If you are over 65 years old, you may be exempt from the written test if you show a valid out-of-state driver's license. Ask the staff at the Driver Services Center whether this applies to you.

Vision test and photo requirements

You will take a vision screening at the Driver Services Center. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will be referred to an eye care professional and cannot receive your license until you return with a vision correction form signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

The center will take your photo for the license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will appear on your license for five years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or head covering unless for religious reasons, and your face must be clearly visible.

Finding a Driver Services Center near you

Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. You can find the location, hours, and current wait times on the TDHS website by entering your county or city. Some centers are busier than others — rural centers often have shorter waits than those in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or Chattanooga.

Many centers accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online. Check the specific center's page before you go. If a center is very busy, you can try a different location in a nearby county — your residency proof just needs to show a Tennessee address, not a specific county.

Cost and how long the license lasts

A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $27 and is valid for five years from the date of issue. Payment is cash or card at the Driver Services Center. If you are over 65, the license is valid for three years instead of five, and the cost is the same.

You will receive your temporary license on paper at the Driver Services Center, valid when ready for driving. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the temporary license — keep it with you while you wait for the permanent one.

If you already have a valid out-of-state license

Having a valid out-of-state license does not waive the requirement to get a Tennessee license within 30 days. However, you will not need to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is still valid and you are under 65. You will still need to pass the vision test and provide all three categories of documents (identity, Social Security, and residency).

If your out-of-state license has expired, you must take the written test. The same applies if you are over 65 and want to use the age exemption — bring your valid out-of-state license to the center and ask whether you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as proof of residency if I just moved and do not have a utility bill yet?

A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it is dated within the last 60 days and shows your name and Tennessee address. If you are staying with someone temporarily, ask them for a utility bill or lease in their name and bring a signed letter from them stating you live there, plus your own ID. Some centers accept this combination, though policies vary — call ahead to confirm.

Can I renew my out-of-state license instead of getting a Tennessee one?

No. Once you establish residency in Tennessee, you must get a Tennessee license. Driving on an out-of-state license after 30 days of residency is illegal in Tennessee, even if that license is still valid. Residency is established when you move into a home with the intent to stay, not when you officially register to vote or change your address.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it, but not on the same day. You must return to a Driver Services Center on another visit and pay the $27 fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Most people pass on the second attempt after studying the Tennessee Driver's Manual more thoroughly.

Do I need to take a road test?

No. Tennessee does not require a road test for adults moving from another state with a valid license. You only take the written test (unless exempt), the vision test, and the photo. If you are under 18, the rules are different — contact TDHS or your local Driver Services Center for requirements for new teen drivers.

How do I know if I am considered a Tennessee resident?

You are a resident when you move to Tennessee with the intent to stay and establish a home there. This happens when you sign a lease, buy a house, or move into a place you control. straightforward visiting or working temporarily does not make you a resident. If you are unsure, the Driver Services Center staff can help you determine whether you need a Tennessee license based on your situation.