How to Transfer Your Driver’s License to Tennessee: A Complete Guide

Whether you’re moving to Tennessee to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery, to take advantage of the thriving job market, or to benefit from the high-quality healthcare, you probably have a long to-do list. If you want to continue driving in your new state, you will need to transfer your driver’s license to Tennessee within 30 days of establishing residency.

How quickly do you need to transfer your license?

Those who become TN residents need to transfer their license within 30 days of establishing residency. After the 30-day window, your out-of-state license will expire and you won’t be able to drive legally until you’ve obtained a valid license.

However, transferring is not required for everyone who moves to Tennessee. If you’re a student or part of the military, you’ll be able to legally drive with an out-of-state license, though you may need to carry additional documents as well.

How to transfer your driver’s license to Tennessee

Similar to the process of obtaining or renewing a driver’s license, a license transfer begins with presenting documents at the DMV. Acceptable documents must be either certified or original, and photocopies aren’t allowed. You may want to consider bringing extra identification should one or more of your documents be unacceptable.

Before going to the DMV, make sure to bring the following documents with you:

• Acceptable ID (such as a valid out-of-state license or a certified driving record issued within the last 30 days)
• One of the following: proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or U.S. passport), lawful permanent resident status, or proof of temporary legal presence.
• Two proofs of residency, dated within the last four months.
• Proof of social security number.

If you’re moving to Tennessee from another country, you may have to present additional documents.

Transfer Testing Requirements

After your documents are approved, you’ll be required to take one or more tests, depending on a few factors.

• Vision test: A simple vision screening. Vision tests are required regardless of license status. All drivers must successfully pass a vision test.
• Knowledge test: A 30-question written test that covers traffic laws and signs. Knowledge tests are required for anyone with a license that has been expired for more than six months, for anyone who has never been licensed before, and for anyone moving to TN from another country.
• Road skills test: A driving test where drivers operate a vehicle in various traffic situations while being supervised by a certified examiner. Road skills tests are required for anyone with a license that has been expired for more than six months, for anyone who has never been licensed before, and for anyone moving to TN from another country.

If you need to take a road skills test, you may have to schedule an additional appointment.

Even if you aren’t required to take any knowledge exams, we recommend that you learn the specific traffic laws for your new state as it will save you a lot of headaches (and maybe even tickets) in the future. Our state-of-the-art courses will help you quickly learn everything you need to know about driving in your new state. Whether you’re studying for an upcoming exam, or if you just want to refresh your knowledge, Zutobi is the best choice.

Complete the process

When you’re ready to transfer your license, follow the steps below.

• Find a driver licensing office at a convenient location.
• Collect the required documents listed above.
• Prepare for any tests you’ll have to take.
• Head to the DMV and present your documents.
• Surrender your out-of-state license. You’ll be allowed to keep an out-of-country license.
• Take required tests.
• Get your new driver’s license!

That’s It!

Transferring your driver’s license to Tennessee is pretty straightforward and shouldn’t take more than a few hours. Whether you’re a new driver or a pro, it can be hard to remember all the information about traffic signs and laws you’ve ever learned. Review is a great way to keep you driving safely. However, if reading the driver’s manual doesn’t sound appealing, Zutobi could be the perfect option to help you refresh your memory and ace your tests.