How to Transfer Your Driver License to Tennessee

What you need to do to transfer your license to Tennessee

To transfer your driver license to Tennessee, you must visit a Driver Services office in person, bring your current out-of-state license, and pass a vision test. Tennessee will not accept mail-in transfers or online renewals for people moving from another state. You will receive a new Tennessee license with a new number, and your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. You do not need to take a written or road test unless your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If you are moving to Tennessee and plan to register a vehicle or get insurance, you should complete the license transfer before doing either, because insurers and the DMV will cross-check your address against your license.

Key Takeaways

You must transfer in person at a Tennessee Driver Services office; there is no online or mail option for out-of-state transfers.
Bring your current valid out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number.
You will pay a fee that varies by license type and length (typically $27 to $32 for a standard license), and you must pass a vision test.
Your new Tennessee license will have a different number and will be valid for five or eight years depending on your age and whether you choose a REAL ID license.
If your out-of-state license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you may need to retake the written test or complete other steps before Tennessee will issue a new license.

Documents you must bring to the Driver Services office

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring your valid out-of-state driver license or ID card. If your license is expired but you are still within a grace period (usually 60 days after expiration), you can still transfer it; if it is older than that, you may face additional requirements.

For proof of Tennessee residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A piece of mail from your employer or school does not count. If you do not have a document in your name yet, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency, which you can obtain from a notary public or sometimes from the Driver Services office itself.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return. A birth certificate alone is not enough. If you do not have any of these, you can explore for a replacement Social Security card through the Social Security Administration before your appointment, though this can add several weeks to the process.

Fees and license validity periods

Tennessee charges different fees depending on the type of license you choose and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year license costs $27; an eight-year license costs $32. These prices are current as of 2024 but can change. You must pay in cash, check, or debit card at the office; credit cards are not accepted at all locations.

If you choose a REAL ID-compliant license, the fee is the same, but you must bring additional proof of identity and citizenship. A REAL ID license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. Most people moving to Tennessee should get a REAL ID license at transfer time, because you would otherwise need to return to a Driver Services office within a few years to upgrade.

Your new Tennessee license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive when ready. Keep this temporary license with you until the plastic card arrives.

What happens if your out-of-state license is expired or suspended

If your out-of-state license expired more than 60 days ago, Tennessee may require you to retake the written knowledge test before issuing a new license. The test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free online at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Tennessee will not transfer it. Instead, you must contact the state that suspended your license and resolve the suspension first. This might mean paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once that state lifts the suspension, you can then transfer to Tennessee. If you try to transfer while suspended, the Tennessee office will deny your request and you will need to return once the suspension is cleared.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check the status online through your previous state's DMV website before you move. This will save you a wasted trip to the Tennessee office.

Vision test requirements at the Driver Services office

Tennessee requires all license transfers to include a vision screening. The test is straightforward: you read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance, usually 20 feet. You must have vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the appointment.

If you fail the vision test, you cannot receive a license that day. The office will give you information about getting your vision checked by an eye doctor and will tell you what corrective lens requirement must be met. Once you have been examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, you can return to the Driver Services office with documentation of your new prescription and retake the test.

Finding a Driver Services office and scheduling your appointment

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Check your local office's policy before you go.

To schedule an appointment, visit the online appointment system on the state website or call the office directly. Appointment slots fill up quickly in urban areas like Nashville and Memphis, so schedule as soon as you know your move date. If you cannot get an appointment in your county within a reasonable time, you can travel to a less busy county office, though you will still need to show Tennessee residency.

Bring all required documents in originals; photocopies are not accepted. Arrive 10 minutes early. The office will take a new photo for your license, so dress as you would for a photo ID.

How your insurance and vehicle registration interact with your license transfer

Your insurance company will ask for your new Tennessee license number once you receive it. Some insurers will update your policy automatically if they see the new license in state records; others require you to call and provide the number. Do not delay in updating your insurance, because if you are in an accident and your insurance records still show an out-of-state address, the claim can be delayed or denied.

If you own a vehicle, you must register it in Tennessee within 30 days of establishing residency. Vehicle registration requires proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and proof of residency. Your new driver license counts as proof of residency for vehicle registration, so complete the license transfer first. Once you have registered your vehicle in Tennessee, your insurance company will need your new vehicle registration number as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my license by mail or online?

No. Tennessee requires all out-of-state transfers to be done in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot mail in documents or complete the transfer online, even if your current license is valid and not expired.

Do I have to take a written test to transfer my license?

Not if your license is current and valid. You only need to pass the vision test. If your license is expired by more than 60 days, you will need to take the written knowledge test as well.

What if I do not have proof of residency yet because I just moved?

You can bring a notarized affidavit of residency instead. A notary public can create this document, or you can ask the Driver Services office if they have a form you can use. This buys you time to receive a utility bill or other official document in your name.

How long is my new Tennessee license valid?

A standard license is valid for five years; an eight-year license is valid for eight years. Both cost different amounts. If you get a REAL ID license, the validity period is the same, but the license can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.

What if my out-of-state license has a different name than my current legal name?

Bring documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Tennessee will issue a license with your current legal name. The office will keep a copy of the name change document in your file.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.