Applying for a New License

In Tennessee, if you want to drive a motor vehicle legally, you will need some type of driver's license. A license proves that you have passed a driving test and know enough about operating a motor vehicle to be safe on the road. And driver's licenses come in handy for other reasons, too. Here in the U.S., they are our primary form of photo identification, especially once we reach age 18.

This section is for anyone 18 or older who wants to apply for a Tennessee learner's permit or driver's license. If you are a teen younger than 18, special rules apply to you, so please visit our Teen Drivers section. New residents and out-of-state students might also want to visit our New Residents section.

If you are applying for a commercial driver's license or a motorcycle license, we have specific information on our Applying for a New CDL and Motorcycle License pages.

First-time Applicants

Tennessee provides a wealth of information online to make all first-time applicants' experience easier.

Learner's Permit

In order to practice driving and prepare for your on-road test, you will need to get a learner's permit. This allows you to operate a motor vehicle while accompanied by another licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. For a Class D license, you will want to apply for a Class PD permit.

Permits are valid for one year, and if you are 18 or older, there is no minimum time to keep the permit before you can take your road test.

To qualify for a learner's permit, you must pass a vision screening and written knowledge test. The application procedures and required documents are the same as those listed below for driver licenses.

Learn the Rules

Before you get your license, it's a good idea to make sure you know the Tennessee rules of the road first. Check out our Driver Education and Drivers Training sections to prepare yourself. Also consider studying the Tennessee Driver Handbook.

Obtaining Your License

All permits and licenses are issued at your local driver license station. Along with the completed application and applicable fees, you must also take required documents:

• Identification and proof of age

• Two proofs of residency

• Proof of any name changes (marriage license, divorce decree, other court document)

• Your Social Security card (if you've never had one, you'll need to complete and have notarized a Social Security Number Affidavit

• Proof of citizenship or legal residency (per the New Driver License Qualification Requirement)

Once you're ready, you can schedule a road test online.

When you apply for your driver license, you'll also have the chance to register to vote or sign up to become an organ donor, and males between the ages of 18 and 26 can register for Selective Service.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting Tennessee and possess a valid driver's license from another country, you may drive within the state. Be sure to have your license with you whenever you're driving. Obtaining an International Driver Permit is also a sound idea. The permit, issued by your home country, basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials.

If you become a resident, you can get a Temporary Drivers License (TDL) or a Temporary ID, if you don't drive. You'll need to apply for this license within 30 days of your residency in order to keep your driving privileges. To be eligible, you must:

• Have at least one year left of residency.

• Have documentation of your legal presence from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department.

• Have two forms of proof of Tennessee residency and two forms of ID.

• Pass any tests required by the DMV, such as skills, driving knowledge, and vision.

TDL Cost

The TDL costs $19.50. The ID-only license is $9.50.

MOST FREQUENTLY VISITED SECTIONS

• Renewing Your License
• Replacing a Lost License
• Changing Your Name or Address
• Your Tennessee Driving Records
• Other Tennessee License Information