New to Tennessee

SUMMARY: New Tennessee Residents

As a new resident of Tennessee, you will need to transfer your out-of-state driver's license and have your car registered in the state. These tasks require a visit to the DOR. Once you move to Tennessee, you may also wish to register as an organ donor and register to vote.

This page will help you find all of the information you need to complete your tasks with the Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR).

Tennessee State Departments

When establishing residency in TN, you'll want to get familiar with the agencies you may be interacting with for DMV-related services.

  • The Driver Services Division handles all of your licensing and identification services in the state.
  • The Vehicle Services Division of the Department of Revenue regulates vehicle services such as registration, license plates, and titling.

Other departments in Tennessee include:

  • The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
  • The Division of Elections.
    • Part of the Secretary of State.
  • The Tennessee Judicial Branch.
Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

TN Driver's License/ID Cards

If you have an out-of-state driver's license, you'll need to transfer it to Tennessee once you become a resident of the state. You'll need to visit your local TN DOR office in person and provide the required documents and payment. Visit our Applying for a New License page for complete instructions.

Teen Drivers

If you're a teenager with an out-of-state learner's permit or license, you may be able to transfer it as long as you meet the state's graduated driver's licensing requirements. Check out or Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) page for more information.

NOTE: If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), see our Applying for a New CDL page.

Identification Cards

If you're not going to drive in Tennessee, you can apply for an identification card from the TN DOR to use as proof of your identity and age. You'll need to visit your local DOR office and provide some documents and payment for the ID card. See our Identification Cards page for instructions.

Register Your Car in Tennessee

If you're bringing a vehicle into Tennessee with you, you'll need to register it with the Department of Revenue (DOR) once you become a resident of the state. The process is pretty basic, but depending on the county you live in, you may need to pass an emissions inspection beforehand. For more information, please visit our Car Registration in Tennessee page.

Special Vehicle Registration

Unique vehicles such as recreational vehicles (RVs), motorhomes, trailers, and even mopeds need to be registered as well. You'll find more details on our guide to Special Vehicles in Tennessee.

Car Insurance Requirements

Before you can register your car with the TN DOR, you'll need to have the minimum car insurance coverage. To compare quotes and make sure you're getting the best deal, visit our Car Insurance page.

Emissions Inspections

As mentioned above, depending on which TN county you live in, you may have to take your vehicle in for an emissions inspection. Our page on Car Inspections in Tennessee has all the relevant details.

Organ Donation and Voting

Did you know that organ donors can save multiple lives and touch the lives of many more? Learn more about the process or organ donation and how you can give someone the gift of life on our Organ Donation page. If you were registered as an organ donor in your previous state, you'll need to re-register once you move to Tennessee, as each state keeps its own registry. Visit our Organ Donation page to register today.

In order to vote in the next election in Tennessee, you must register first. Our Voter Registration page tells you where and how to do this.

Military Members Stationed in Tennessee

If you're a resident of another state, but in TN to fulfill your military obligations, you and your family may be exempt from some of the state's driver's licensing and vehicle registration requirements. Our Military Drivers in Tennessee page has some useful information for you.

DMV Offices and Resources

You can find any DOR office in Tennessee by using our DMV Office Finder.

Once you've settled into your new home, you may wish to review the state's road rules by reading the DOR's driving manuals:

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