I Just Moved to Tennessee. How Do I Get My Driver's License and Vehicle Registered?

by Joshua on April 26, 2022

Tags: Tennessee DMV, Tennessee drivers license, TN drivers license, TN license

When you’re moving to the Volunteer State, you need to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration before you can start enjoying the change of scenery. With a thriving job market and quality of healthcare, Tennessee is an option for many individuals and families. Here’s what you need to know about transferring your out-of-state documents to the state of Tennessee.

How Quickly Do You Need to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License?

As a new resident of Tennessee, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. When the 30-day timeframe passes, your out-of-state driver’s license will expire, and you will not be able to legally operate a motor vehicle legally until you obtain a valid driver’s license.

Be advised, transferring an out-of-state license is not required for each individual who moves to the state of Tennessee. If you are a student or member of the military, you can legally operate a motor vehicle with an out-of-state driver’s license, but you may be required to carry additional documentation.

How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Tennessee

To transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you need to head to your local Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicle office. The DMV only accepts certified or original documents. Photocopied documents are not accepted. It’s a good idea to bring an extra form of identification in case one or more of your documents are not accepted at the TN DMV.

Before you head to your local TN DMV, you need to obtain the following documents:

Acceptable form of ID (valid out-of-state driver’s license or a certified driving record that was issued within the last 30 days)
One of the following documents:
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or U.S. passport)
- Lawful permanent resident status
- Proof of temporary legal presence

Two proofs of residency (must be dated within the last four months)

Proof of social security number

Be advised, if you are moving to the state of Tennessee from a different country, you may be required to provide additional documentation.

Tennessee Testing Requirements

Once the TN DMV approves your documents, you must take one or more tests, depending on different factors.

Vision Test

The TN vision screening is required regardless of your license status. All TN drivers are required to successfully pass a vision test.

Knowledge Test

The TN knowledge test is a 30-question written test that discusses traffic laws and road signs. A knowledge test is required for anyone with a license that has been expired for more than 6 months, anyone who has ever been licensed before, and for any person moving to Tennessee from a different country.

Road Skills Test

The TN driving test, also known as a road skills test or the in-car part of the driving exam, is a test where you will operate a motor vehicle in various traffic situations while you are supervised by a certified examiner. You will be required to take the road skills test if your license has been expired for more than 6 months, for any person who has ever obtained a driver’s license, and for anyone who is moving to TN from a different country.

Completing the Process

In order to successfully transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Tennessee, you need to follow these steps:

Locate your local TN DMV office
Obtain the required documents listed above
Prepare for any tests you may be required to take
Submit your documents to the TN DMV
Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license (if you have an out-of-country driver’s license, you will be allowed to keep it)
Take the necessary tests

Receive your new TN driver’s license!

Make sure you have the required documents and take the necessary tests to avoid penalties and delays.

Now that you know what you need to do to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Tennessee, we can talk about the steps you need to take to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration to the same state.

Registering Your Vehicle in Tennessee

In the state of Tennessee, you are required to register your vehicle with the Tennessee Department of Revenue (TN DOR). In this state, obtaining a vehicle title and a vehicle registration can be performed simultaneously.

New Residents of Tennessee

If you reside in a county that requires emissions testing, you need to have this testing performed before you can register or title your vehicle. You can title and register your vehicle at your local TN county clerk’s office.

When you arrive at the clerk’s office, you need to:

Submit emissions test paperwork proving the vehicle passed the test (payment for this test will be taken at the county clerk’s office)
Present the current or most recent out-of-state vehicle registration paperwork

Submit the vehicle’s out-of-state title (If there is a lien on the vehicle, the name and address of the lien holder must be provided)
Provide proof of identification (birth certificate, U.S. driver’s license, military ID, etc.)
Provide proof of residency (utility bill, paycheck stub, rental or mortgage agreement)
Pay all applicable TN vehicle registration and titling fees

All of these steps must be taken in order to successfully transfer your out-of-state vehicle documents to legally operate a motor vehicle on the Tennessee highways and roadways.

Temporary Vehicle Operation Permit

If you aren’t able to provide any of the required documents necessary to title and register your vehicle, you may be able to obtain a temporary vehicle permit. Temporary vehicle permits are valid for 30 days.

To apply for a temporary operation permit, the following documents are necessary:

Ownership documents for your vehicle
Proof of action being taken to resolve your vehicle titling and registration issues
Your valid TN driver’s license
A completed Application for Temporary Operation Permit (Form RV-F1314401)
Payment of $10 for the Temporary operation permit

If you are granted a temporary vehicle operation permit, you will be allowed to operate your vehicle while you are resolving your vehicle titling and registration issues. If you require a temporary permit, but vehicle titling and registration issues are not the problem, contact the DOR at (615) 741-3101.

Be advised, that you will not be eligible to receive a temporary operation permit because of a failed vehicle inspection. Temporary operation permits will not be issued for salvaged vehicles.