What you need to do to switch your license to Tennessee
To transfer a driver's license to Tennessee, you visit a Driver Services Center in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Tennessee will not mail you a new license — you must appear in person for the transaction. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the physical card is mailed to your address.
You do not need to take a written test or road test unless your out-of-state license has been expired for more than two years, or unless Tennessee has reason to believe you are not the person named on the license. If your current license is valid and you are moving to Tennessee as a resident, the transfer is straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
- Tennessee charges a fee for the license transfer, which varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to pass a written test and vision test before Tennessee issues a new license.
- You can find the nearest Driver Services Center and check wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
Documents you must bring to the Driver Services Center
Bring your current out-of-state driver's license or ID card. This is your primary form of identification and proof that you already hold a valid license. Tennessee will not issue a new license without it.
Bring proof of Tennessee residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and a Tennessee address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease or mortgage document is your fastest option.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. An original or certified copy of your Social Security card works best. If you do not have the card, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or a 1099 form showing your full Social Security number. A birth certificate alone is not enough — Tennessee specifically requires proof of the number itself.
Fees and license validity options
Tennessee charges different fees depending on the type of license you want and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver's license costs less than a commercial license. You can choose a license valid for 4, 5, or 8 years, and the fee increases with the length of validity.
The exact fee depends on your age and the term you select. Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security publishes the current fee schedule on its website. Call your local Driver Services Center or check the website before you go so you know what to bring in payment — most centers accept cash, check, and card, but policies vary by location.
If you are over 60 years old, you may be able to renew for a longer period at a lower rate. Ask at the counter when you arrive.
What happens if your out-of-state license is expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, Tennessee will still transfer it without requiring you to take a test. Bring the expired license along with your other documents, and the process is the same as for a valid license.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, Tennessee treats the transfer as a new license. You will need to pass a written test covering Tennessee traffic laws and road signs, and you will need to pass a vision test. You do not need to take a road test unless an examiner has reason to suspect you cannot drive safely. Schedule the written and vision tests at the same Driver Services Center visit if possible, or ask the staff how to schedule them.
Finding a Driver Services Center and checking wait times
Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers in most counties. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website has a location finder that shows the address, hours, and current wait time for each center. Some centers are busier than others — a center in a rural county may have a 15-minute wait, while one in Nashville or Memphis may have a 45-minute wait or longer.
The website updates wait times throughout the day. Check in the morning if you want to avoid crowds. Some centers allow you to reserve a time slot online, though not all do. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your local center takes reservations.
If you cannot visit during regular business hours, some centers offer evening or Saturday hours. Check the location finder for your specific center.
Timeline for receiving your physical license card
You will leave the Driver Services Center with a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a physical card — you can drive with it, and police will accept it as proof of licensure.
Your physical license card will be mailed to the address you provide at the center. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card faster, ask the staff whether Tennessee offers expedited mailing — some centers can arrange it for an additional fee, though this is not available everywhere.
If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied. Keep your temporary paper license until the physical card arrives.
Special situations: military, commercial, and CDL transfers
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state, the transfer process is more complex. You will need to pass a written test specific to commercial driving, and you may need to pass a skills test depending on the type of vehicle you drive. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security before you visit a center to understand what tests you need.
If you are active military or a military spouse, Tennessee offers some streamlined options. Bring your military ID and orders showing your Tennessee duty station. Some fees may be waived or reduced. Ask the staff at the Driver Services Center what documents you need.
If you are transferring a license from a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands), the process is the same as for a state license, but bring your territory ID card along with your other documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my license online or by mail?
No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot transfer a license by mail or online. You must bring your original documents and be present for the transaction.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
Bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have any of those, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security before you visit — they can tell you what other documents they will accept.
Do I need to take a road test to transfer my license?
No, unless your out-of-state license has been expired for more than two years. If it is current or expired less than two years, you do not take a road test. You may need to take a written test and vision test if the license is very old.
How long does the transfer take at the Driver Services Center?
The transaction itself takes about 30 minutes, but wait time varies by location and time of day. Check the wait time on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website before you go. Morning visits typically have shorter waits than afternoon visits.
What if I moved to Tennessee but my out-of-state address is still on my license?
Bring proof of your new Tennessee address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The staff will update your address during the transfer. You do not need to update your out-of-state license first.