Transferring Your License to Tennessee? Here’s What You Need to Know About the Tennessee REAL ID

Tennessee New Residents Driver’s License Requirements

If you’re thinking about making a move to Tennessee, you probably have a lot on your to-do list. Whether you choose the country life or city life, planning an out-of-state move requires a lot of variables. Besides having to change your address and get everything in order for your new residence, you also have to plan to get your license transferred over to the state of Tennessee.

In the state of Tennessee, new or returning residents who have an out-of-state license must get their Tennessee driver’s license transferred over no later than 30 days after they establish residency. Additionally, for new and returning residents have to go to a full-service Driver Services Center to get their license. If you are under the age of 18 and hold a valid learner’s permit from another state, you have separate requirements and must get a Teen/Graduated Driver License.

In The Article

How to Get Your Tennessee Driver License/REAL ID

If you’re a new or returning resident of Tennessee, there are four steps to getting your license.

The first step is to complete an application online and get your documents pre-approved. It’s important to remember that the online application is not a complete driver’s license application, and you will be required to go into a Driver Services Center.

Next, you’ll need to bring in required documents that are REAL ID Compliant. Tennessee driver’s licenses are REAL IDs, which require proof of US citizenship or legal presence, your social security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency for application.

When you present your documentation, you’ll also need to surrender your out-of-state driver’s license.

Finally, you’ll need to complete the vision testing requirements for all Tennessee drivers. At the Driver Services Center (what some may call the DMV in Tennessee), you’ll be given a vision screening exam. It’s important to bring any corrective lenses you use for driving to this appointment.

If you are ready to get your Tennessee Driver’s License, you can make an appointment online to save you time when you go into the Driver Services Center.

Documents Required to Get a Tennessee Driver’s License

As stated above, you’ll need the following documents to get your Tennessee REAL ID:

1. Proof of US citizenship or legal presence. This document can include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, official state-issued birth certificate (it does NOT have to be issued by Tennessee), a valid passport, or a US Citizen Identification card.
2. Proof of US Social Security Number. This document can include your Social Security Card, a W-2, a 1099, or a payroll check stub.
3. Two proofs of residency. These can include a current utility bill, a current mailed bank statement, a current rental or mortgage contract, and/or a current check stub.

For a full list of acceptable documents, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security.

Do I Need to Present a Motor Vehicle Record from My Former State?

As of January 10^th, 2025, new or returning Tennessee residents who currently have a driver’s license in certain states will be required to present a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

If you are moving to Tennessee from one of the following states, you’ll need this document as well as the ones above:

• California
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Nevada
• Oklahoma
• Vermont
• West Virginia

All other states participate in the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ State-to-State Verification Service and will not require you to present the MVR.

What is the State-to-State Verification Service?

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ State-to-State Verification Service (S2S) is a communication database between participating states the gives electronic access of a Driver History Record for those applying for a license in any other participating state.

This system gives real-time information about convictions, license withdrawals, and other driving record information that might be considered necessary for a state to know about before issuing a driver’s license to an individual.

Tennessee REAL ID

While obtaining your Tennessee REAL ID may seem like it has extra steps, there are just a few extra documents you’ll need to get it. Remember to schedule your appointment at the Tennessee Driver Services Center near you, and bring your proper documentation as well any corrective lenses you have to wear to ensure everything goes smoothly during your license transfer.