Tennessee requires you to get a new driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency

When you move to Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. This is not optional — driving with an out-of-state license after that window closes can result in a citation. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH) handles all driver's licenses in the state.

You can renew your out-of-state license in person at any TDSH Driver Services Center. You will need to bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The process takes about 30 minutes, and the new license is issued on the spot.

If your out-of-state license has already expired, you will need to take a written test and vision test in addition to the document review. If it is still valid, you can usually skip the written test, though Tennessee may still require a vision screening.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from the date you establish Tennessee residency to get a new driver's license.
  • Bring your current out-of-state license, a document proving your Tennessee address, and proof of your Social Security number to any Driver Services Center.
  • If your out-of-state license is still valid, you may not need to retake the written test, but you will need a vision screening.
  • If your out-of-state license has expired, you must pass both the written and vision tests before receiving your Tennessee license.
  • The fee for a standard four-year Tennessee driver's license is $28.50.

What counts as proof of Tennessee residency

Tennessee accepts a limited list of documents to prove you live in the state. The document must show your name and current Tennessee address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document with your address.

The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and have not yet received a utility bill or lease in your name, you can use a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your name, the property address, and the move-in date. Some Driver Services Centers also accept an affidavit of residency if you cannot produce any of these documents, though you should call ahead to confirm your local center accepts it.

Documents you need to bring

Bring these documents in person to a Driver Services Center:

  • Your current out-of-state driver's license
  • Proof of your Tennessee address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar)
  • Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or birth certificate)
  • Your original or certified birth certificate if you do not have a Social Security card

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will also need to bring your passport and visa or immigration document. Tennessee does not issue driver's licenses to people without legal presence in the United States, though it does issue REAL ID-compliant licenses to lawful permanent residents and certain visa holders.

Do not bring originals of documents like your Social Security card unless absolutely necessary. Bring a copy or the document itself only if the Driver Services Center staff request it. You will get your new license printed on the spot, so you can drive legally when ready after your appointment.

Finding a Driver Services Center and scheduling

Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the TDSH website at tn.gov/safety. Many centers operate by appointment only, especially in urban areas, so you should schedule before you go. Some centers still accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long.

To schedule an appointment, visit the TDSH website and select your county. You will see available time slots for the next several weeks. Book as soon as you move, because popular centers in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville can fill up weeks in advance. If you cannot find an appointment nearby, you can travel to a less busy county — Tennessee does not require you to use the center in your home county.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive 10 minutes early. The staff will review your documents, take your photo, and collect the fee. If everything is in order, your license will be printed before you leave.

What happens if your out-of-state license has expired

If your out-of-state license expired before you moved to Tennessee, you will need to pass the written knowledge test and the vision test. The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Tennessee Driver's Manual, which is free on the TDSH website.

The vision test checks that you can read a standard eye chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to get an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results back to the Driver Services Center.

The written test is given on a computer at the Driver Services Center. You have 30 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for you

Tennessee driver's licenses are REAL ID-compliant, which means they meet federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner. You will need a REAL ID-compliant license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.

When you get your new Tennessee license, it will automatically be REAL ID-compliant as long as you bring the required documents (birth certificate, Social Security proof, and residency proof). You do not need to do anything extra or pay an additional fee. If you do not have the documents required for REAL ID, you can still get a standard Tennessee driver's license, but you will not be able to use it for federal purposes.

Fees and license validity

A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $28.50 and is valid for four years. If you are over 65, the license costs $18.50 and is valid for five years. If you are under 21, the license costs $28.50 and is valid for four years, but it will have a different appearance to show your age.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the Driver Services Center. If you pay by check, bring a valid ID. Some centers may have additional payment options, so call ahead if you have questions about payment methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with my out-of-state license while I wait for my Tennessee appointment?

Yes, you can drive legally with your out-of-state license for 30 days after you establish residency in Tennessee. After that 30-day window closes, driving with an out-of-state license is a violation. Schedule your appointment as soon as you move so you do not miss the important date.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can use other documents to prove your identity and Social Security number, such as a passport, military ID, or naturalization papers. Call your local Driver Services Center to ask which documents they will accept as an alternative.

Do I have to retake the written test if my out-of-state license is still valid?

Not always. If your out-of-state license is current and valid, Tennessee may waive the written test. However, you will still need to pass the vision screening. Some Driver Services Centers have different policies, so call ahead to ask whether you will need to take the written test.

Can I get a Tennessee license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Tennessee issues driver's licenses to lawful permanent residents and certain visa holders, but not to people without legal presence in the United States. Bring your passport and visa or immigration document to the Driver Services Center. Staff will review your documents and let you know whether you are may be able to access.

How long does it take to get my new license?

The appointment itself takes about 30 minutes. Your new license is printed on the spot before you leave the Driver Services Center, so you can drive legally when ready. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.