Tennessee has strict identity rules for everyone — first-timers, new residents and people renewing. Every document must be an original or a certified copy. No photocopies and no faxes, and name changes can't be handled by mail.
What a first-time applicant brings
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (temporary legal presence for a TDL/TID)
- A primary proof of identity
- A secondary proof of identity
- Proof of any name change
- Two proofs of Tennessee residency — no P.O. boxes, dated within the last 4 months
- Your Social Security number (or a sworn affidavit if none was ever issued)
Extra items if you are under 18
- Teenage Affidavit / financial responsibility signed by an adult
- Proof of school attendance (Form SF1010) signed within the past 30 days
- Certification of 50 hours behind the wheel (SF-1256) after 6 months with a permit
Know the rule
Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required from first-time applicants, new and returning residents, anyone reinstating a revoked, suspended or canceled license, and anyone issued a license since January 1, 2001 renewing for the first time.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Accepted proof of citizenship or permanent residency includes:
- Certified birth certificate from a U.S. state or territory
- Valid U.S. passport
- Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Certificate or Report of Birth Abroad
- I-551 Permanent Resident card
Know the rule
A valid out-of-state license can prove your identity, but it cannot prove U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Know the rule
The examiner asks for two items of identity. Original applicants need at least one from the Primary list (the second may be primary or secondary). Duplicates and renewals may use any 2 items.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
Hospital-issued and baptismal certificates are NOT accepted as birth certificates, and an expired passport is not accepted.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
New residents must surrender their old state's license. If it was lost, they bring the same two identity items an original applicant would.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Proof of residency
Two documents showing your name (or a spouse's or parent's, with proof of relationship) and your Tennessee address — e.g., a utility bill with its postmarked envelope, bank statement or lease.
Handbook p. 24 ↗Know the rule
For a name change by marriage, bring the certificate registered after the marriage — not just the marriage license. A divorce decree must carry the judge's original signature or court seal.
Handbook p. 24 ↗Know the rule
Your SSN is required if one was issued, but it isn't printed on your license. If you never had one, you sign a sworn affidavit in person, and must sign a new one with each application.
Handbook p. 25 ↗Know the rule
New and returning residents must get a Tennessee license within 30 days of establishing residency and take a vision screening. If the old license expired more than six months ago, or it's from another country, you also take the knowledge and road tests.
Handbook p. 25 ↗Put it into practice
You move from Georgia with a valid Georgia license. Within 30 days you bring that license (to surrender), your certified birth certificate, your SSN, and two recent residency proofs — say, an electric bill in its postmarked envelope and a bank statement from the last 4 months. You take only the vision screening.