New to Tennessee

"Tennessee―America at Its Best"

This state's slogan makes moving to any of Tennessee's 95 counties that much more appealing, doesn't it?

It can go without saying that Tennessee has a reputation for musical excellence. Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Dolly Parton have all had Tennessee addresses. Artists head to Nashville just as actors head to Hollywood. Every year the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is held in Manchester, and let's not forget that Tennessee is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Ryman Auditorium, and Graceland.

Box office hits such as "Walk the Line," "Cast Away," and "The Green Mile" were all filmed in Tennessee, as were smaller heartwarming flicks such as "October Sky." Actors including Morgan Freeman and Cybill Shepherd originally called Tennessee "Home Sweet Home."

Vehicle Information

If you've found yourself on this page, you obviously want vehicle-related information for Tennessee residents. We've got the information you need about everything from driver licenses and IDs and registration and titling to tickets and traffic school.

Basic License Information

Because Tennessee won't allow you to have more than one valid driver license, you have 30 days to turn in your license from your previous state and obtain your Tennessee license.

The vision exam is the only exam you'll be required to take, unless your license has been expired for six months or more. In that case, you'll be required to take the vision, knowledge, and road exams. You'll also be required to take all exams if you're from another country.

When you head out to your driver license station, take two proofs of citizenship or legal presence, two proofs of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number (SSN).

Basic Registration Information

Because some counties in Tennessee require vehicles to pass an emissions test before registration, you'll need to check our Smog and Emission Checks section before heading out to your county clerk's office.

Once you're ready, take your emissions certificate, two proofs of residency, two proofs of identification, and the appropriate fees. You'll obtain and complete the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration in the office.

Changing Your Information

To learn how to change your name or address on documents such as your driver's license, visit our sections dealing with these matters.

College, University, and Technical School Students

Good news, out-of-state students―as long as you're a U.S. citizen and enrolled full-time or part-time, you don't need to transfer your driver license or your license plate. You simply need to have your current, valid registration card and documentation of your enrollment handy.

If you aren't a U.S. citizen and you plan to drive while you live here, you'll need to obtain your Tennessee driver license. You'll also be interested in our sections for practice tests, education, and training.

If you don't plan to drive, find out how to apply for a state-issued ID card.

Anything Else?

Of course. If you're new to Tennessee, surely you'll need information about education, employment, and entertainment, right? Check out the list of helpful links below.

Living in Tennessee

• Employment in Tennessee

• Maps of Tennessee

• Tennessee Laws

• Tennessee Schools K-12

• Tennessee Universities and Community Colleges

• State Parks, Forests, and Lakes in Tennessee

• Tennessee Vacation Guide

Your Opinion Matters To Us!